Romance

Five of the seven major characters practiced the religion of self-delusion. Of the other two, one decidedly abstained and one would never be pinned down. Peeking at the movie summary was not a plot spoiler. ( )

The most depressing book ever. Really just bleak and awful. I have to respect the writing though, because he makes you feel a part of the misery. ( )

(8.5) Well I went from a very English book to a very American story. Both set within 5 years of each other, which I found interesting. Has the western world become more cosmopolitan and national identities less defined since the 50's and 60's?
Frank and April Wheeler seem the epitome of the happy successful couple with two young children, a pigeon pair. But how happy are they. Following the dismal failure of the local dramatic societies debut offering in which April starred, the flaws in their relationship start to show. The book reveals the dissatisfaction of both Frank and April with their lives and April comes up with a scheme to sell up and move to Europe where she can work and Frank can find himself. However, Frank soon realises this is not what he wants. The reader watches as their plans and dreams implode with a sense of dread. ( )

La mia lettura è stata eccessivamente lenta, penalizzata da troppe soste e inframezzata da molti altri libri. A ogni modo, forse qualche responsabilità appartiene anche al libro stesso, che con la sua struttura che procede per quadri separati invita alle pause. Va comunque detto che la lettura psicologica dei personaggi - e in parte dell'epoca e del mondo del lavoro di allora - è davvero acuta. ( )