R.A. Lafferty's 'All the People' is not your average historical novel. It throws the rulebook out the window and invites you on a strange, philosophical joyride through time.

The Story

The book centers on Thomas More—not the solemn martyr of history books, but a sharp, witty lawyer in 16th-century London. His life gets upended when he agrees to defend a peculiar man on trial for heresy. This client claims to be Cartaphilus, the legendary Wandering Jew, cursed to walk the earth until the Second Coming. As More digs into the case, he doesn't just find legal arguments; he uncovers a secret society of immortals who have been guiding (and sometimes bungling) human history from the shadows. The trial becomes a doorway, forcing More to confront the messy, contradictory, and often hilarious story of humanity itself.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Lafferty's voice. He writes with a twinkle in his eye, mixing profound questions with laugh-out-loud humor. The 'immortals' aren't wise sages; they're flawed, opinionated, and terribly human, even after centuries. Reading it feels like sitting down with a brilliant, slightly tipsy uncle who knows all the world's best secrets and worst jokes. It’s a book about faith, doubt, and the glorious, ridiculous mess of being part of 'all the people.' It doesn't preach; it wonders, argues, and chuckles its way toward something like wisdom.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love ideas wrapped in wild stories. If you enjoyed the historical playfulness of John Crowley's Little, Big or the theological curiosity of James Morrow, you'll find a friend in Lafferty. It's also great for anyone who thinks history feels too neat and wants to see it get tangled up with myth, humor, and heart. Fair warning: it's quirky. But if you're willing to go along for the ride, 'All the People' offers a perspective on humanity you won't find anywhere else.