A Man of Genius
In this haunting, gothic-esque novel of suspense, Samuel Grafton-Hall is a brilliant, revered architect—and a murderer. Successful and accomplished, he nonetheless views his genius as a gift that puts him above petty nuisances like moral codes, and A Man of Genius unfolds by watching how he navigates this journey of ego, pride, and hubris, unraveling the world around him in the process.
The story opens as Mr. Dolinger, Grafton-Hall’s lawyer and executor, tries to piece together a mystery based on a strange clue in the architect’s will. The novel touches not only on questions of morality, but on questions of perception, memory, and reliability. Prose moves lightly: just as in any great gothic classic, secrets are revealed slowly, through expressions, dialogue, and hints that build to a final crescendo over the course of the novel. Rosen’s writing is sharp, descriptive, and effortless, further adding to the atmosphere of dread and fascination with her compelling main character.
A Man of Genius is a haunting portrait of a narcissistic man and the ripple effects that his actions have on the world and relationships around him. Rosen does not present Samuel Grafton-Hall as a caricature—he is a fully rounded, complex, and even mysterious being whose choices and actions remain compelling, even as Rosen delves deep into the darkness possible within the human heart.
Reviewed by
Stephanie Bucklin
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
