: that title alone makes you want to grab the book. Since its publication in 1908, the book has gone through a series of covers, each better than the next:
How we Begin:
The book begins with a poem called the ‘Nightmare’ which seems to suggest that it’s all just a horrid old dream. The first chapter presents a psychedelic imagery of red brick houses, red sunset and a red haired man, i.e. the Saffron Park. Very dream-like indeed, till two poets begin to debate on whether Order or Chaos is the true spirit of poetry. I kid you not — one of these poets is an underclothes policeman name Gabriel Syme and the other poet is an anarchist named Gregory.
It seems that the Anarchists in the early 1900s regularly shot people and Presidents and caused ‘reigns of terror’ (). In that sense, every secessionist movement and every terrorist outfit is essentially a manifestation of anarchism?
Anyway, to cut a long story short: the debate gets really heated. Our genius and poetic hero, Syme, finally outwits Gregory into exposing some unsavory secrets. Using those secrets, he then manages to infiltrate a band of anarchists called the Council. Each member of this Council is named after a day of the week (here lies a hint), and Syme gets appointed as “Thursday”. Syme’s real goal is to flout the plans of the Council, save the world, and expose the notorious head of the gang, the man everybody calls “Bloody Sunday”. Will Syme succeed?
Stop here, if you don’t want me to ruin the book for you with my spoilers.
How it ends up:
Chesterton wrote this book as a spy novel over a century back, but it does not feel dated at all. It is, in fact, an allegory of The Book of Job! Now, I’m no expert on , but I’ve come across this reference a lot in the context of 2020. Basically, the asks a question that several human civilizations/ thinkers have asked over time: “If God exists, why does God let men suffer in pain? What is the point of all this human suffering and pain?”
In the , we are advised not to doubt God’s goodwill or the grand scheme of things. Pain is necessary, because without pain humans would never understand the value of victory and happiness. The (spiritual) point of suffering is to make salvation all the sweeter.
Not sure if I agree with that philosophy. But I do understand how Chesterton turned the spy book into a biblical mouthpiece. You see, Sunday turns out to be both anarchist leader and the head of police — source of both terror and guidance for the people.
When Syme started on his chase to expose Sunday, he ended up exposing himself, like a merry-go-round. Thus, Syme asked, as did the other men on the Council, what was the point of the chase? What was the point of sending policemen to spy on a Council which was already made of policemen?
If the hallmark of a spy novel is to leave the reader in the lurch, guessing about the ending for hours afterwards, thinking about the various possible interpretations and nuances of meaning— then succeeds brilliantly.
I highly recommend the beginning two-thirds of the book. But the ending? I’m still losing my sleep over it.
20 replies on “The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton”
I must read some of Chesterton’s work, I’m sure I have one of his Father Brown novels on my shelf somewhere. Thank you for sharing your review and good luck with the Cloak and Dagger challenge.
Ooh yes, I’d forgotten about Father Brown! Read one of the Father Brown short stories long back but somehow set it aside. Man who was Thursday grabbed my attention instead — mainly because of the title? Who is this Thursday? Who calls himself Thursday?!
I had similar feelings about this book. I loved most of it, until it became very strange and confusing towards the end. I do like books that leave me with a lot to think about, although I would probably have to reread this one several times before I could fully understand it.
Agree. I think I’d like to understand the Book of Job a little better and then go back to this one.
Another book blogger used to recommend the Father Brown mysteries by Chesterton years ago but I still haven’t read one. I skipped over your spoiler-y part (Thanks for the warning!) but I don’t know what I would think about this one. I used to hate open endings but I’m okay with them in some cases now. I’m not sure I’ll read this book, but thanks for the review!
Fair enough. For Father Brown, there’s a TV show too — definitely saw a few episodes floating on YouTube. Maybe give that a try?
Oh the Cloak and Dagger is such a fun challenge. I did that one a few years ago and really enjoyed it. anyway, on to this book. 🙂 Interesting about the Anarchists, and I like the concept of Order vs Chaos. Also, I read the spoilers lol (I’m terrible about spoilers- lotsa people avoid them but sometimes I seek them out) and I had no idea! Now I kinda wanna read this! I love books like this make you think and stick around long after you’ve closed the pages…
Then I definitely think you’ll like this book! I was just blown over. I mean, “spy novels” bring certain kinds of tropes to mind *rolls eyes* but this one was so different and unique. And such a madcap adventure too! I’m a fan of Chesterton for life now.
This is my first Cloak & Dagger challenge! I’ve been very out of touch with the written word in this genre, so signed up this year 🙂
I’m not sure this would be for me but it appeals enough to want to give it a try. I love the range of covers which are a visual history in themselves.
Well said on the visual history. It would be interesting to examine the covers some day!
A book that makes you lose sleep – sounds good. I like to be thought provoked.
Lynn 😀
Then this the one you should try out. I thought it would be a bit boring, but it is gripping from the start, short, and very fast-paced.
I keep saying I’m going to read this, but it sounds so different from the Father Brown stories that I keep putting it off.
Yes, it’s very different. It’s a swashbuckling-gentlemen try to infiltrate cartel versus mystery-solving well-meaning priest. They both have their pros, so really hope you’ll give this one a try too! 🙂
Great review! I really loved it, years ago, I need to read it again though, because I have forgotten most of it.
I hope it gets better with the re-read. Maybe the hints Chesterton has scattered around will be clearer? I plan to go back, maybe a few months from now
You are right that book has had some great covers! I have not read anything by this author but I’m intrigued by this book. Sounds like you found a great one for the Clock & Dagger challenge.
It was a good choice. It’s short but so fast-paced, things just fly! If you’re looking for something quick and thought-provoking — this is it.
I read this 3 times… the third time I felt I finally figured out the ending, but I didn’t write down my thoughts, so now I’ve forgotten. 😆 Fourth time’s the charm, maybe.
I think it helps to re-read some background about the book and restart immediately. But seriously, what a mindbender!