Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley

[Greg]

Point Counter Point, the title says what the book is about - the double bind that humans are in. The quote on the frontispiece is by Fulke Greville. "Oh, wearisome condition of humanity, Born under one law, to another bound,…"

I read Point Counter Point about ten years ago or more. I had started the habit with novels that have a vast cast of characters, to keep a sheet of folded paper as a book mark and write all the names of the characters as they are introduced into the story so I could remember who is who, and naturally I started writing down lines, quotes, words, not forgetting the page No.!
With books like P. C. P. it's character and ideas based, with the author's philosophy sown into the tale. I don't remember too much of the story of Point Counter Point, I remember the characters and some scenes and that I loved the book. So the notes I kept while reading P. C. P. are a very good memory jogger. I was surprised at the amount of notes. Also fortunate to have the notes now I am with the wonderful Bright Young Things group. Ally and Jennifer, this is a fabulous site, an education for me. My compliments, congrats, and all praise to you as Moderators.

I can include the name of every character if you wish.
The situation towards the end of the book with Spandrell and Illidge and the dead body of Everard Webley is unique (and hilarious, only the English can do this), in describing the discussion and planning and removal of the corpse. One of those 'physical burst out laughing' moments that we live for.

[Nigeyb]

Sounds fabulous.

[Feliks]

I hated it so much I tossed it aside. And it kills me, because I really wanted to like it. I wanted Huxley to become one of my faves. But everything about it--and him-- rubs me the wrong way. It makes me sick that I can't enjoy this wonderful and shrewd and respected author.

Forgot there was a thread on it here; I just made it the focus of a new group. Basically I'm trying to convince myself to pick it up again.

[Jennifer W]

Glad you like our little group, Greg. Thanks.

I haven't read this one. I did read and enjoy Crome Yellow, a satirical humorous story. I haven't ever read the much more famous Brave New World somehow. So many books...

[Nigeyb]

I'll add this to my list of books to read. Thanks Greg.