I'd endorse Annabel Bedini's praise (bwl 75) for this compelling account of a widow's attempt to establish a bookshop. Boosted by the scandalous success of 'Lolita', it nevertheless runs into powerful opposition from the locals accustomed to running things. There is much comic irony but ultimately its spirited protagonist finds herself struggling with dark forces. If it all seems rather small scale, then that merely throws the skill of the writer into sharper focus. It's not how big the story is but how well it is told.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 103 Winter 2022 ) |
