Gentlemen and Players
6 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by herrgirl from Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Friday, November 10, 2006
Synopsis:
Three voices are heard in this tale of a venerable English boys' school. One belongs to Roy Straitley, a veteran teacher of classics. Another is that of a teacher who has just arrived at St. Oswald's with the malicious intent of bringing it down through well-placed rumour and cunning innuendo. The third is that of a child from 14 years earlier who loves the school but does not belong to it. He even assumes another identity, Julian Pinchbeck, complete with uniform, in order to roam the school at will and as much as possible escape the painful reality of life with his loutish father, its porter. Then he makes a friend at St. Oswald's and at last has someone from his chosen world with whom to spend his time. But everything unravels with the death of Julian's adored friend. Now the teacher who was the child Julian returns. Harris shows what a master storyteller she is through the play and counterplay of current happenings twisting through the telling of what went on before. The story builds suspensefully and cleverly with surprises and turns to a satisfying denouement.
Found this in a charity shop and was delighted as it's been on my wishlist for a while!
Three voices are heard in this tale of a venerable English boys' school. One belongs to Roy Straitley, a veteran teacher of classics. Another is that of a teacher who has just arrived at St. Oswald's with the malicious intent of bringing it down through well-placed rumour and cunning innuendo. The third is that of a child from 14 years earlier who loves the school but does not belong to it. He even assumes another identity, Julian Pinchbeck, complete with uniform, in order to roam the school at will and as much as possible escape the painful reality of life with his loutish father, its porter. Then he makes a friend at St. Oswald's and at last has someone from his chosen world with whom to spend his time. But everything unravels with the death of Julian's adored friend. Now the teacher who was the child Julian returns. Harris shows what a master storyteller she is through the play and counterplay of current happenings twisting through the telling of what went on before. The story builds suspensefully and cleverly with surprises and turns to a satisfying denouement.
Found this in a charity shop and was delighted as it's been on my wishlist for a while!
Journal Entry 2 by herrgirl from Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Sunday, December 17, 2006
This is quite a departure from her previous books, and a really enjoyable read. The story has two narrators and a chess format, very skilfully handled, and with a surprise that I never anticipated.
I offered this in a "book from your wishlist" swap and it was won by weebly, so will be on its way to her after Christmas, as I don't want to post it so close to the festive season.
I offered this in a "book from your wishlist" swap and it was won by weebly, so will be on its way to her after Christmas, as I don't want to post it so close to the festive season.
Journal Entry 3 by weebly from Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Saturday, January 20, 2007
Passed on in person at the Salcey Forest Winter Walk - many thanks.
Journal Entry 4 by weebly from Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and flowed well, and although some of the many characters did confuse me in places - the twists at the end took me by surprise.
Journal Entry 5 by BC-Widow from Northampton, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Saturday, August 16, 2008
My lovely wife lent me this book, which I read on our recent family holiday in Wales. Great book, easy to read and keeps you hooked and guessing until the end.
Journal Entry 6 by pudenney from Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Monday, September 29, 2008
Given to me by my daughter for me to read and enjoy
Released 15 yrs ago (12/27/2008 UTC) at
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
At Birmingham Book Crossing Meeting
At Birmingham Book Crossing Meeting
Journal Entry 8 by carocharlton from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Caught at Birmingham meetup last Saturday.
Journal Entry 9 by carocharlton at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, December 6, 2020
I no longer have this book. As I'm tidying my bookshelf, I'll mark it as travelling.