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Product Description
DAILY MAIL, 30 September 2005
SEVEN, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, 13 Nov 2005
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Customer Reviews
The story is a basic one. A nameless narrator starts off the book with their father living in the porters cabin at an esxclusive grammar school, "St Oswalds". After this first chapter however we learn that a decade and a half has passed since the opening chapter and our narrator has secured a job at St Oswalds and intends to destroy it. This story is intertwined with than of eccentric latin master Roy Straightley who is slowly being undermined and encouraged into retirement. Asd the story progresses scandals start to hit St Oswalds by way of a mysterious figure known simply as Mole (Our nameless narrator). As the scandals increase and even murder strikes St Oswalds the ancient school begins to crumble. This is when Straightley finally realises who Mole is, but can he stop another murder?
This is without doubt the best techincally written book Joanne has produced. She builds up through her dual narrative a crescendo of feeling and emotion. One cannot help to feel intreagued as to what will happen to St Oswalds will it fall and be lost forever or can Straightley avert the disaster. The ending is sublime and wil leave you physically breathless as the exciting denouement closes in. The idea of heading the separate sections of the book as the names of chess pieces and terminology is yet another master stroke, my only regret was the the final book was "Mate" rather than "Stalemate" which I would have preferred, but that is a minor point.
All in all this is a display of brilliance from one of the finest authors working today she is undoubtedly back to her very best form, this novel will rank alongside Blackberry Wine, Chocolat and Coastliners in the second tier of Joanne's work. A very good book, but nowhere near the masterpiece of "Five Quarters".
The new novel ‘Gentlemen and Players’ is another spellbinding offering, with a real twist (throughout the book I knew there was a twist coming but I was still startled by its simplicity and brilliance).
Harris’s earlier work are characterised by evocative description, sensual themes and magical overtones, while ‘Gentlemen and Players’ is written in a more “factual”, drier manner, which reflects the fact that it is told in part from teachers' perspectives. It is a brilliant read and the ending does not disappoint. The presentation of the chapters under the titles of chess pieces is a very nice touch. I highly recommend this and Harris’s earlier books.
Set in England the story revolves around St. Read more
Why am I rambling about my schooldays ? Read more
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