Love unknown

by A.N. Wilson

The lives of a trio of women, Monica, Linda, and Richeldis, who in their youth shared a bachelorette flat, become entangled when Richeldis's husband Simon begins an affair with Monica

Genres: Fiction

202 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Andrew Norman Wilson is an English writer and newspaper columnist, known for his critical biographies, novels, works of popular history and religious views. He is an occasional columnist for the Daily Mail and former columnist for the London Evening Standard, and has been an occasional contributor to the Times Literary Supplement, New Statesman, The Spectator and The Observer.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

British author A.N. Wilson is a protean writer: critic, novelist, historian, biographer (I'm trying to think of another biographer who has such a diverse oeuvre. His subjects have included Jesus, St. Paul, Tolstoy and Hitler.) and columnist. I have read a number of his books, including four novels, his Jesus and Paul biographies, and his excellent history of London. This novel continues his gently satirical, ironic look and the English upper middle class. As in previous books, Wilson includes a clergyman (in this case, High Church Anglican) who is struggling with his faith, or lack thereof. When discussing Wilson reviewers often mention Waugh, but I think Wilson is more ironic and less stinging in his satire.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barbara Pym's name is bandied about as much as Jane Austen's. When I first read Pym, I asked a friend if I'd like her. "As long as you don't care that nothing happens." she replied. I never have cared with Pym. Things happen here but I don't care much about them. Still, Wilson is a Brit so he gets two stars and he wrote a wonderful biography of Tolstoy!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Unknown / A. N. Wilson. I have enjoyed Wilson’s witty writing twice now. Very British (I think) lightly comic (I think) novel revolving around three women—longtime friends. The focus is particularly on the married friend and her family. Good messages re what contributes to satisfaction and contentment.

[Jane Wilson-Howarth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rather gave up on this almost before I started it. The women seemed two-dimensional, uninteresting and snobby. Not my cup of tea, despite enjoying many English writers.

[Angie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, a bit of a slow burn. It took me a little while to really get into it, but I eventually did and enjoyed it. I particularly liked Bartle (an Anglican priest) who was amusing, sympathetic and downright odd. While it isn't a funny book overall, it does have an amusing tone at times.