Penelope Fitzgerald's first novel, THE GOLDEN CHILD, combines a deft comedy of manners with a classic mystery set in London's most refined institut...
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Feb 03, 2010
Ali
rated it: 
I have only read two Penelope Fitzgerald novels before, and both were strange and quirky but enjoyable. Of the three that I have now read, this was definitely my favourite. It is odd and quirky, very funny in parts, and utterly absorbing.
In this story of the exhibtion of The Golden Child - Fitzgerald is poking gentle fun at the world of museum exhibitions. As the characters and situations she has created in this novel are eccentric and often absurd, but entirely delightful for all More...
In this story of the exhibtion of The Golden Child - Fitzgerald is poking gentle fun at the world of museum exhibitions. As the characters and situations she has created in this novel are eccentric and often absurd, but entirely delightful for all More...
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Jan 18, 2012
Sarah
rated it: 
This book manages to combine both museum culture and cold war spy stories, which is an impressive achievement. I particularly enjoyed the episode in which a young museum curator travels to Moscow to get the opinion of a Russian scholar. I won't tell you what happens when he gets there, though I will say that it involves a circus.
I've read a number of Fitzgerald's novels, and I enjoy them. This is lighter than many of her others; it's almost a spoof of both spy novels and British org More...
I've read a number of Fitzgerald's novels, and I enjoy them. This is lighter than many of her others; it's almost a spoof of both spy novels and British org More...
Jan 12, 2011
Genevieve
rated it:
Not my favorite Fitzgerald--which is to say that it's still witty, wonderfully-written, and great with its characters, but there are a few elements that struck me as too broadly drawn, too parodic. I'm not sure if Fitzgerald is generally thought of as a realist--there are unreal or borderline elements in some of her other books--but the world of The Golden Child struck me as more paperweight, more clearly puppetry than her others, which didn't quite work for me. Still, a very entertaining tale
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Jul 25, 2011
Kezia
rated it: 
It's the classic 'boy meets girl, boy loses girl' story. Except the 'boy' is a stuffy London museum peopled with comically wacky funerary art and unglazed ceramics experts, stereotypical clerical workers, and nebbishy middle managers - and the 'girl' is a priceless archaeological find from a fictional African country. The first chapter is a bit rough to wade through, but it's a fast read thereafter. Worthwhile.
Jul 16, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
Actually pretty close to four stars. This was a fun mystery set in a British museum, but feels a bit like a parody. Perfect if you want something lightweight
Dec 01, 2008
Mary
rated it:
This is a favorite author of mine. Fitzgerald really knows how to write mystery.
A slim but rewarding read!
A slim but rewarding read!
Dec 17, 2009
Kristen
rated it:
Not as good as The Blue Flower or The Bookshop but still engrossing. Fitzgerald's writing is excellent and the story is unpredictable and entertaining. I guess you could call it a murder mystery in a museum. A fun read.
Oct 31, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
Stunning writing. Humerous satire of the museum world. Fitzgerald in superb form.
Dec 16, 2009
Lucy
rated it:
The insanity of museum employees, well documented, with a thinly-veiled jab at ancient historians and archaeologists...
Feb 05, 2012
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