An Instance of the Fingerpost Summary & Key Insights

Iain Pears's An Instance of the Fingerpost is a complex historical mystery novel set in 1663 Oxford, revolving around the murder of a young woman named Anne Davenant. The narrative is cleverly structured, presenting four distinct accounts of the events leading up to and following the murder, each narrated by a different character and offering a skewed perspective.

The central figure is Dr. Thomas Vaughan, a young physician, whose account forms the first section. He is drawn into the investigation after his friend, the enigmatic and ambitious Dr. William Davenant, is accused of murdering his sister, Anne. Vaughan's narrative is heavily influenced by his scientific curiosity and a growing infatuation with Anne.

The second account comes from Dr. Godfrey, an older and more established physician with deep connections in Oxford. His perspective provides a more cynical and political slant, suggesting the murder is more connected to the turbulent religious and political climate of the time than a simple crime of passion. He hints at hidden agendas and powerful figures pulling strings behind the scenes.

The third narrative belongs to the melancholic and enigmatic scholar, Dr. Anthony Ward. His account offers a philosophical and spiritual lens on the events, weaving together alchemical symbolism and theological debate to uncover a potentially deeper meaning behind the murder. He explores the concept of coincidence and the limitations of human understanding.

Finally, the fourth account comes from Jane, a servant of the Davenant household, whose perspective offers a raw and intimate look at the lives of the wealthy and powerful, revealing hidden tensions and power dynamics. Her perspective is the most grounded in reality, offering a contrast to the often-intellectual musings of the doctors.

The four narratives intertwine, revealing conflicting details and contrasting interpretations of the same events. The reader is challenged to piece together the truth from these fragmented accounts, constantly questioning the reliability and motivations of each narrator. The novel is less concerned with solving the murder in a straightforward manner and more focused on exploring the complexities of truth, perspective, and the limitations of human perception.

Overarching themes include the clash between science and religion, the limitations of human knowledge, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the power of interpretation. The fingerpost of the title itself acts as a powerful metaphor, signifying the multiple paths one can take in life and the impossibility of knowing the ultimate truth with absolute certainty. The novel leaves the reader with lingering questions, inviting reflection on the nature of reality and the subjective experience of truth.