I’ve read four or five of his novels and although I haven’t been impressed by all of them, he is undeniably talented. Galgut is a master of dread and of creating an unsettling atmosphere; this novel is no exception but I found the book more like a slow-paced thriller than anything else. The story, ultimately, is a story about losing one’s moral center and attempting to regain it—the theme applies not only to the protagonist but to his relationships and even, on a far broader scale, to the recent history of South Africa itself. His writing, as always, is top-notch but the plot struck me as overly complex and unnecessary. Galgut has shown in previous works that he can do extraordinary things with the simplest of events; that he has so overloaded the framework here is both disappointing and, ultimately, unconvincing. ( )

Beautiful written book expertly narrated by Humphrey Bower. Very sensitively written, addressing South African issues and morality. I look forward to reading more of this author's works. ( )

It's odd how many people see this as a thriller when, although to be sure it is unputdownable and one could say it is thrilling, it is anything but a thriller. For a start there is no hero, not even an anti-hero. Instead the main character is a weak, immoral, selfish man who plays at being poor for a while and hasn't a brave bone in his body. This is not to say one is unsympathetic to him, far from it. But he is never anything other than pathetic and the same goes for his next door neighbour and the Cannings. For another thing, nothing happens in the story: nothing that one could equate to the circumstances one expects in a thriller.

Rest here:

http://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/the-impostor-by-damon-galg... ( )

Absolutely superb. What a writer. A great story line, tremendous tension and some profound messages here. My book of this year and I have read quite a few. Well done Damon Galgut. Stunned it hasn't been a massive commercial success. ( )

It is a miracle to me that this novel hasn't become a major bestseller as it has all the elements necessary: interesting characters, intriguing storyline, a well-hidden plot and beautiful prose. In addition it poses questions about the lack of truthfulness in our lives: how often are we untrue to others, society and ourselves? And is it an unavoidable part without which life becomes unbearable? ( )