This winner of the Booker Prize 1987 deserves its accolade. Seemingly desultory and unfocused at the beginning, it gathers momentum but is so transparent in its portrayal of complex human relations against a true historical background that the outcome is at once satisfying, beautiful and emotionally stirring. Although foreseeable, the end comes as a surprise and fulfills the promise, seemingly exaggerated and superficial, of the beginning. A book perhaps richer in depth because of its concise, even terse, style.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 44 February 2008 ) |
