The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley - 5 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley - 5* - My Review

Published in 1953 and set in the country manor of a wealthy English family in the summer of 1900, twelve-year-old Leo Colston spends several weeks with his friend and schoolmate Marcus. Leo becomes a messenger, the titular go-between, delivering messages for adults. The first-person narrator is an older Leo, now in his sixties, looking back on these days after finding his old diary in a trunk. The young Leo was out of his element, being from a less privileged background. He did not understand that he was being manipulated. The voice of the narrator serves two ends: one captures the naivety of youth, getting in over his head, and dealing with unforeseen outcomes. The other is the voice of the older Leo, examining a time that changed the course his life. The tone is melancholy and reflective. It explores the power imbalances of social class and the lingering effects of childhood trauma. This story flows beautifully. I found it fully immersive, almost mesmerizing. I can understand why it is considered a classic. I loved it.

Content warning: (view spoiler)[suicide (hide spoiler)]

[Mary]

I absolutely loved this one and PBT got it for me, literally. I won a book at some point and chose this one. 0% disappointed.

[Joy D]

So glad to hear you loved it too, Mary!