SOLVED. British literary fiction circa mid-20thC, part of trilogy, contains a play. [s]

[Edward]

I recall reading a trilogy (though I might have stopped in the second book) set in England sometime in the early to mid 20th century. It was notable because the second (or possibly third) book contained a play ... I remember starting to read the play but at this point I think I lost the book. The style of the writing was in the same area as, say, Kingsley Amis.

[Kris]

Edward, what year did you read this book?

Can you tell us more about the main characters, plot, location, genre/mood/tone, etc.?

What kind of play was it?

[Edward]

I can't really remember. It was the normal upper middle-class milieu, set I think in a country house or succession of country houses. I read it at least thirty years ago so my memory has failed, but I don't think it was top-tier writer (so not Evelyn Waugh, but a writer in that sort of genre and style).

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Something by John Galsworthy? Although he would probably be considered a top tier writer.

How about Angela Thirkell?

[Edward]

Thanks but definitely neither of these - at least 50 years later than Galsworthy. I'm thinking either just before or after WW2.

[Michele]

The book actually contained the full text of the play?

When you say "either just before or after WW2" do you mean that's when you think it was written, or when the book was set?

[Edward]

I think it was both written and set in the 1930s. Yes, the book contained the text of the play, but I also recall that I stopped reading at the point that the play began and then lost the book. I really can't remember anything more about it than that, except that it was a cracking read.

[Edward]

Thanks Joseph. It's certainly not the Powell, because I've read most of that. I don't think it's "Parade's End" - I think it's later, and mainly set during peacetime. I mean that the actual script of the play was embedded in the text of the novel (from memory I think it was halfway through the second book). I recall finding the interruption to the narrative rather jarring, which is why I put the book down but I can't now remember why I failed to pick it up again! I'm wondering if it could have been set in the 1950s now ... but please forgive me; I'm 60 and the old memory isn't what it was.

[Kajehas]

On the off chance that this is your author and book:

The Gaudy

J.I.M. Stewart

[Edward]

I think that's it! Fantastic, thank you. I'd completely forgotten about J I M Stewart - I used to be a huge fan of his books, but he's very much out of fashion. So thank you so much!