After reading Hermione Lee's brilliant biography of Penelope Fitzgerald I've been discovering the novels. Based on the life of the young Fritz von Hardenburg (the German writer Novalis), living in Saxony at the end of the 18th century, this is both a love story and a fascinating account of local life at that time. The writing is economical, highly intelligent and amusing. The narrative rambles, but seems even more true to life for that.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 76 Spring 2015 ) |
