Oh, what to say about this very big, dense book. I enjoyed it, but there were bits that I had to read more lightly than others. Yes, dear reader, sometimes I skim the lengthy passages about snails. They are too much for me.
The moral of this story is that little boys should not be sent away to school; AS Byatt finds a complex and fascinating way of telling it, and despite the fact that some of it is rather predictable, this is forgiveable in the pursuit of realism. Also interesting to note is that very few of the characters are entirely likeable, and yet you still root for the right ones.
For future reference, it should be noted that this is part three in a quartet, and I have not yet read part two
3/5
the whole quartet is being broadcast as an abridged dramatisation in 30 parts on radio 7 at the moment. i think they’re up to part 25. i have, er, preserved the bits because i know i’ll never read the books, and plan an orgy of listening some time soon. let me know if you’re interested in, er, a, um, copy.