David
A remarkable book, and a desperately sad one. George Harvey Bone is a problematic protagonist whose problems are to a great extent of his own making, but you're rooting for him all the way to the inevitable end, hoping that he can drag himself out of the pernicious sphere of influence of the cruel Netta and fascist Peter. I think I enjoyed The Slaves of Solitude more - perhaps because the lead character is more sympathetic, and it's funnier (and less bleak) - but Hangover Square's great strengths are its depiction of London in the period immediately before the start of the Second World War, and Hamilton's beautiful writing that had me captivated from beginning to end. You can really feel the authenticity of Hamilton's experience underpinning the world he portrays.
A remarkable book, and a desperately sad one. George Harvey Bone is a problematic protagonist whose problems are to a great extent of his own making, but you're rooting for him all the way to the inevitable end, hoping that he can drag himself out of the pernicious sphere of influence of the cruel Netta and fascist Peter. I think I enjoyed The Slaves of Solitude more - perhaps because the lead character is more sympathetic, and it's funnier (and less bleak) - but Hangover Square's great strengths are its depiction of London in the period immediately before the start of the Second World War, and Hamilton's beautiful writing that had me captivated from beginning to end. You can really feel the authenticity of Hamilton's experience underpinning the world he portrays.