Who Are The Main Characters In Farthing?

If you’re diving into 'Farthing,' prepare to meet some of the most nuanced characters in speculative fiction. Lucy Kahn’s growth from a sheltered aristocrat to someone questioning her entire world is masterfully done. David, her husband, is the moral anchor—his quiet strength contrasts sharply with the bigotry around him. Inspector Carmichael steals scenes with his dogged pursuit of truth in a society that prefers lies. The way Walton weaves their stories together, against a backdrop of political intrigue, makes the book impossible to put down. It’s not just about solving a murder; it’s about exposing the cracks in a rotten system.

Farthing' is this fascinating political thriller by Jo Walton, and the main characters are so vividly drawn that they stick with you long after you finish the book. The story revolves around Lucy Kahn, a young woman from an aristocratic family who marries David Kahn, a Jewish man in an alternate-history England where the UK made peace with Nazi Germany. Lucy's perspective drives much of the narrative, and her internal conflicts—torn between her family's elitism and her love for David—are heartbreakingly real. Then there's Inspector Carmichael, a detective who's assigned to investigate a murder at the Farthing estate. He's methodical, sharp, and subtly rebellious against the fascist-leaning government, which adds layers of tension.

The supporting cast is just as compelling. Lucy's parents, Lord and Lady Eversley, embody the entitled, morally flexible upper class, while David represents resilience in the face of systemic prejudice. The way Walton contrasts their personalities against the backdrop of a dystopian Britain makes the story feel eerily relevant. I love how the book doesn’t just focus on the mystery but also digs deep into societal rot. It’s one of those reads where the characters feel like people you’ve met, flawed and unforgettable.

Lucy Kahn is the heart of 'Farthing,' and her character arc is one of the most gripping parts of the novel. She starts off somewhat naive, sheltered by her privilege, but the murder at her family’s estate forces her to confront the ugly truths of her world. Her husband, David, is such a quietly powerful figure—his Jewish identity makes him a target in this alternate Britain, and his calm dignity in the face of prejudice is both inspiring and tragic. Inspector Carmichael, though, is my favorite. He’s not your typical detective; he’s got this weary cynicism that masks a deep sense of justice, and his investigation feels like a tightrope walk over political landmines.

The dynamic between Lucy and David is so well-written, full of tenderness and tension. Walton doesn’t shy away from showing how love can exist alongside systemic oppression, and that complexity elevates the story beyond a simple whodunit. Even minor characters, like Lucy’s manipulative mother, add so much texture to the narrative. It’s a book where every character serves a purpose, whether to highlight the era’s brutality or to offer glimmers of hope.