First, a confession - I think Bennett is one of the most important writers in the English language - to be ranked with Dickens, Bronte, Austin and, possibly even Eliot. I have yet to read a book of his that I would not recommend unreservedly to anyone with the slightest interest in humanity. So, why only four stars for Anna of the Five Towns? Simple, I reserve five stars for the very greatest books, like the fantastic poetry and imagery of the King James Bible, for example.
Now to the book. This is a tale of an extraordinary woman, who survived the most peculiar upbringing imaginable, a fabulous legacy, and life in what is now Stoke-on-Trent in the late 1800s, by doing what is right. It has a remarkable ending! Like all Bennett, the characterisation is immensely strong and captivating, the scene-setting precise, detailed, and immaculate, and what has become the all-important plot - virtually non-existent. You see, Bennett let's life tell his tales; relying on the characterisation, mood, some considerable wit, and total mastery of English idioms to sell his product. So, without spoiling the story, I can tell you that Anna gets the man, social success, and loads of money. But, don't let that put you off!
Those who complain that the pace is slow don't understand literature. A story does not have to race along from one most unlikely coincidence to another. Sometimes, the artistry of the writer is sufficient reason for reading; his exploration of character, reaction to the most ordinary events, and sheer emotional power. Also, to complain of archaic use of language is bizarre. This was written over 100 years ago. I'm sorry the writer lacked the prescience needed to use 21st century idioms, but nobody's perfect!
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