I have really enjoyed reading Nina Bawden books during my VVV, and this one, read shortly before Christmas didn't disappoint me. The George of the title is a travel agent, who remains convinced that he is the father of the daughter of his best friends, Sam and Claire. After the daughter's birth, he married, and tried to avoid thinking about things too much, but when the daughter grows up into an attractive young woman, things become more difficult. This book, like Bawden's other books, is a wonderful insight both into character and into the lies and fictions that people weave around their lives, and it is this element of psychology which makes it such a fascinating read.
Like most of Bawden's novels, this has only been published by Virago once, with the cover above, which I own.
What a fabulous title! Reminds me of the film, Paper Moon (I don't think there's a connection). A character named Claire! The premise of this sounds intriguing and I must read some adult Bawden.
ReplyDeleteI liked the title too Claire - and I really recommend adult Nina Bawden.
ReplyDeleteI must read some Bawden.. I have Tortoise by Candlelight, another great title.
ReplyDeleteI've not read that one - any chance of a lend of that Simon?
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