I'm left with very mixed feelings about this book.
On the whole, The Go-Between is a character study of self-obsession, with a protagonist whose shelteI'm left with very mixed feelings about this book.
On the whole, The Go-Between is a character study of self-obsession, with a protagonist whose sheltering by adults who follow the 1900s method of keeping children as children is such that he cannot grasp the real significance of events that he is forced to participate in. Whilst he can infer potential consequences, and fears them, his bewilderment is part of what drives him. Dozens of pages are filled with Leo's deep introspection, such that at times I was wont to start speed-reading my way through them, rather than have him explain to me the particular feelings at a particular moment on a particular day, only for them to somersault in the following paragraphs or chapter. It is this intensity of self analysis that provides the book's core, as very little actually takes place.
There was only one character I really warmed to in the book, and throughout, the reader acts as observer to an inevitable tragedy. Despite this, the ending comes like something of a bolt from the blue (clearly intended). Though he participates, Leo's actions, despite the title, have effectively no impact on anything that takes place at Brandham Hall. Despite Marian's final claims that he was the instrument of her joy, it is impossible to imagine that the continuation of her actions (already begun and taking place before Leo ever arrives) would not have led to the same eventual conclusions whether or not Leo had ever gone there. The characters are all exceptionally well realised, even those that have limited screen time.
The book does an amazing job of placing you into Leo's head, observing his world, and makes you feel as though you understand the lifestyle of the declining upper class in the 1900s. Leo's experience is immersive, and the prose are undeniably and consistently beautiful. You feel the heat of the summer, and the indignities of being too intellectually capable to be treated as a child, but having no recourse to argue one's case, or even a grasp that one should do so. Leo is a largely unlikeable character: self serving, self obsessed, officious and strongly prejudiced, but we are in essence intended to forgive him because at his root, he is in a state of suspended childhood. As he turns thirteen, he has the bearing and attitudes of a well behaved child of nine or ten, but one whose critical faculties have been sufficiently developed through the rigours (and cruelty of) public school that he conceives both above and below what one would expect simultaneously. The absence of ability to emotionally connect with anybody in an honest manner permeates Leo's interactions, most notably highlighted with Marcus, for whom he is shown to have no real fondness. The children have been culturally bludgeoned into norms of behaviour that leave them emotionally stunted and incapable of forming true relationships.
I'd say that it's worth reading. I'm not sure that I enjoyed reading it....more
Loading...
