Specimen Days

Michael Cunningham is the author of six novels, including ‘A Home at the End of the World’, ‘Flesh and Blood’, ‘The Hours’ (winner of the PEN / Faulkner Award and the Pulitzer Prize), ‘Specimen Days’ and ‘By Nightfall’, as well as ‘Land’s End: A Walk in Provincetown’. His most recent novel is ‘The Snow Queen’. He lives in New York.

'Intricately conceived, stylishly written and admirably ambitious, this absorbing novel lingers in the mind.' Peter Parker, Sunday Times‘“Specimen Days” contains more incidental beauty and emotional insight than many impeccably dull items on the shortlists of prestigious literary prizes. And it's by far the best gothic historical sci-fi cop thriller you'll ever read.' Michel Faber, Guardian'Cunningham's conclusion is decidedly optimistic, if not utopian…And it is that abiding, dreamlike cinematic sweep of time – and our place within it – which makes “Specimen Days” an ultimately satisfying, richly rewarding and deeply enjoyable book.' Philip Hoare, Sunday Telegraph'Thought-provoking.’ Independent'As a novel of ideas, “Specimen Days” manages to be both entertaining and moving…puzzling, thought-provoking and well worth having.' Daily Telegraph'Like its namesake, this novel is a work of genius.' The Glasgow Herald