The Go-Between
The Go-Between
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Book Brief
326
Novel • Fiction
Norfolk, England • 1900s
•
The Past•
Social Class1953
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley follows a person who recalls a pivotal summer spent as a young messenger between two lovers in early 20th-century England. This reflective narrative addresses themes of social class, memory, and the loss of innocence, as the protagonist grapples with the profound impact of past events on their life.
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
17,706 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley is widely praised for its evocative portrayal of lost innocence and the nuanced depiction of social class tensions. Critics commend its atmospheric setting and rich prose. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot somewhat predictable. Overall, the novel is appreciated for its psychological depth and historical insight.
Who Should Read The Go-Between?
A reader who enjoys The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley likely appreciates classic tales of lost innocence and social class tensions. Fans of E.M. Forster's A Passage to India or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day would be drawn to its nuanced exploration of memory, desire, and the impact of the past on the present.
17,706 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A charismatic and influential figure in Leo's life, she captivates those around her with her charm and plays a key role in the unfolding events at Brandham Hall.
A tenant farmer known for his physical prowess and connection to the earth, whose presence at Brandham Hall challenges social norms.
An honorable and kind aristocrat, marked by his war injury, who exemplifies the traditional values of the Edwardian social order.
The authoritative matriarch of Brandham Hall, dedicated to preserving her family's social status and order.
Leo's school friend who introduces him to the world of the aristocracy and inadvertently affects the unfolding events due to his actions.
326
Novel • Fiction
Norfolk, England • 1900s
•
The Past•
Social Class1953
Adult
18+ years
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