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The Legacy of Hartlepool Hall
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Product Description
Review
"It's a novel that should enhance his reputation for excellent, ingenious writing" (Tina Jackson METRO )
More intriguing is the skein of darkness that, in common with much of Torday's fiction, runs discretely through the story - one sequence is sufficently macabre as to recall the work of a young McEwan. (Jonathan Barnes Literary Review )
if you liked his previous efforts then you'll enjoy this too. (Voyager )
it grabs you right from page one and is another great read from the author of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Essentials )
A novel that's quirky, funny, moving and peopled with superbly drawn characters (CHOICE )
a deliciously dark comedy about class, snobbery and a vanishing way of life (GOOD HOUSEKEEPING )
This is a novel about decay and destruction, but bracingly unsentimental and surprisingly moving (Kate Saunders THE GUARDIAN )
A gloriously enjoyable wallow of a read. (John Harding DAILY MAIL )
More intriguing is the skein of darkness that, in common with much of Torday's fiction, runs discretely through the story - one sequence is sufficently macabre as to recall the work of a young McEwan. (Jonathan Barnes Literary Review )
if you liked his previous efforts then you'll enjoy this too. (Voyager )
it grabs you right from page one and is another great read from the author of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Essentials )
A novel that's quirky, funny, moving and peopled with superbly drawn characters (CHOICE )
a deliciously dark comedy about class, snobbery and a vanishing way of life (GOOD HOUSEKEEPING )
This is a novel about decay and destruction, but bracingly unsentimental and surprisingly moving (Kate Saunders THE GUARDIAN )
A gloriously enjoyable wallow of a read. (John Harding DAILY MAIL )
Book Description
Hartlepool Hall has been in Ed's family for generations - but is that about to change, and who is the mysterious Lady Alice?
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Paul Today has a light easy-to-read writing style which is peppered through with light humourous touches.
Here the story of Ed Hartlepool, who appears in 'The Irresistable Inheritance of Wilberforce', is told following his return to England from his villa in the South of France as he realises his finances are in a parlous state and Hartlepool Hall, his family seat, in danger of repossession. Ed has to deal with an unknown visitor, one Lady Alice Birtley, his old friend Annabel and property developer boyfriend Geoff Tarset, and others who have designs on Hartlepool Hall and making as much of Ed's dire finances as they can.
It is a bittersweet tale of the perils of neglecting one's assets and living off the fruits of the labour of previous generations, as well as social changes that have accompanied the demise of many of the historically wealthy English land-owners. However, somehow Ed still seems to achieve a greater happiness at the end of the book.
Light-hearted and amusing in places, but not one of Torday's better books.
Here the story of Ed Hartlepool, who appears in 'The Irresistable Inheritance of Wilberforce', is told following his return to England from his villa in the South of France as he realises his finances are in a parlous state and Hartlepool Hall, his family seat, in danger of repossession. Ed has to deal with an unknown visitor, one Lady Alice Birtley, his old friend Annabel and property developer boyfriend Geoff Tarset, and others who have designs on Hartlepool Hall and making as much of Ed's dire finances as they can.
It is a bittersweet tale of the perils of neglecting one's assets and living off the fruits of the labour of previous generations, as well as social changes that have accompanied the demise of many of the historically wealthy English land-owners. However, somehow Ed still seems to achieve a greater happiness at the end of the book.
Light-hearted and amusing in places, but not one of Torday's better books.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have very much enjoyed all of Paul Torday's previous novels and this was another good one.
Torday's style of writing is very intersting and I always enjoy the characters he builds. This is another book based around upper class folk in situations fairly detatched from reality!
Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy Torday's exageration and interesting take on the world. He left a few ends un-tied in this book but that has been the case in previous ones.
I have given 4 stars rather than 5 because i did not feel it was quite up to the standards of 'Salmon Fishing' and 'Irresistable Inheritance of Wilberforce'. I think it was just lacking a bit of the mystery and twists he has produced before.
Torday's style of writing is very intersting and I always enjoy the characters he builds. This is another book based around upper class folk in situations fairly detatched from reality!
Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy Torday's exageration and interesting take on the world. He left a few ends un-tied in this book but that has been the case in previous ones.
I have given 4 stars rather than 5 because i did not feel it was quite up to the standards of 'Salmon Fishing' and 'Irresistable Inheritance of Wilberforce'. I think it was just lacking a bit of the mystery and twists he has produced before.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ed Hartlepool has been living an aimless life in the South of France for five years when his accountant writes to say that his exile has ended - there has been a settlement between the trustees of Hartlepool Estate and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. For Ed is the son of the 4th Marquess of Hartlepool and now he must return to his family estate in England to take up his responsibilities. Ed has been adept at avoiding anything but a life of leisure before now - however he can no longer avoid making decisions.
When he returns to England, Hartlepool Hall seems much as it always has. Horace, the elderly butler, is still in place, as is the housekeeper. There are fresh flowers provided in the near empty house and a full larder, in case of guests. In fact, Ed does have a guest - an elderly visitor named Lady Alice, who Ed does not know has installed herself in his absence. At first, Ed thinks his first concern is to rid himself of this unwanted visitor, but then finds he has more pressing problems; namely that he can no longer afford to live in his family home. Old friend Annabel Gazebee, still living with her elderly father, remembers Hartlepool Hall as the place she loved best when she was young, but her brash new boyfriend, Geoff, sees it as a property development.
All Ed wants is to live the life of his forefathers. Instead he finds himself under pressure from all sides to stop himself from becoming bankrupt and homeless. This is a very moving novel as Ed discovers who he really is and what his family and the family home actually mean to him. There is also a very tragic element to this novel, as well as some laugh out loud moments which are horrible and yet hilarious. All in all, a wonderful book from the fantastic Mr Torday. If you like this then try his recent novella, Breakfast at the Hotel Déjà vu: A Novella, which is every bit as good as his novels.
When he returns to England, Hartlepool Hall seems much as it always has. Horace, the elderly butler, is still in place, as is the housekeeper. There are fresh flowers provided in the near empty house and a full larder, in case of guests. In fact, Ed does have a guest - an elderly visitor named Lady Alice, who Ed does not know has installed herself in his absence. At first, Ed thinks his first concern is to rid himself of this unwanted visitor, but then finds he has more pressing problems; namely that he can no longer afford to live in his family home. Old friend Annabel Gazebee, still living with her elderly father, remembers Hartlepool Hall as the place she loved best when she was young, but her brash new boyfriend, Geoff, sees it as a property development.
All Ed wants is to live the life of his forefathers. Instead he finds himself under pressure from all sides to stop himself from becoming bankrupt and homeless. This is a very moving novel as Ed discovers who he really is and what his family and the family home actually mean to him. There is also a very tragic element to this novel, as well as some laugh out loud moments which are horrible and yet hilarious. All in all, a wonderful book from the fantastic Mr Torday. If you like this then try his recent novella, Breakfast at the Hotel Déjà vu: A Novella, which is every bit as good as his novels.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Legacy indeed
This book was selected for my Book Club choice - I would not have chosen to read it myself. I found the characters rather predictable and I did not find one that I identified with... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ellecantere
Holiday read
This was an enjoyable book which was good for holidays or travelling. It did however fade into the background soon after I finishing reading it and I had difficulty remembering... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Andi
Enjoyable
The characters were well painted. The story line was a little laboured. I will make no comment about the ending and leave that to you! Read more
Published 2 months ago by pantodame
Darkness and intrigue
Paul Torday returns to a familiar theme of the useless upper class: those who inherited money but live a shiftless, meaningless existence. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Gaily H
Everything in this book is a downer,even the house.
I am a fan of Paul Torday's books, and I was eager to read the Legacy of Hartlepool. It was a total disappointment. Read more
Published 3 months ago by K. Luse
Not as good as good as previous books
I have read all of PD's books and have really enjoyed each story's orginality and it's different characters. Read more
Published 3 months ago by lizzieloo
Plenty of Style, but Little Substance
There's no getting away from the fact that this is an elegantly written book. I've never read any Torday before and his prose is a delight; easy but not banal, gently evocative... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Zip Domingo
Used to do better
Back in 2006 I picked up Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and thought here is someone really good with a lot of talent. Read more
Published 4 months ago by B. Mitchell-innes
Yeah I enjoyed it.
I preordered this book as I really enjoyed Girl on the Landing by the same author. Asa quick light read its really enjoyable but you it wont change your life.
Published 4 months ago by lilsue
An enjoyable easy read
Ed Hartlepool has spent five years living in France with his head in the sand, refusing to read correspondence from solicitors and banks. Read more
Published 4 months ago by kmcg101
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