Reminiscent of the styles of a succession of well-known novelists, first (and, to me, most successfully) Nancy Mitford, then Molly Keene with shades of early-Jilly Cooper. It brings in some serious issues before becoming rather melodramatic and finally, neatly (too neatly?), achieving an assortment of happy endings. Recently published but set in 1976 - I am amazed and amused at how dated some of the attitudes and assumptions now seem! Improbable maybe but highly entertaining.
(Jane Grey-Edwards - bwl 18 April 2003 ) |
