Quick Take

L.P. Hartley's moving exploration of a young boy's loss of innocence The Go-Between is edited with an introduction and notes by Douglas Brooks-Davies in Penguin Modern Classics.'The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there'When one long, hot summer, young Leo is staying with a school-friend at Brandham Hall, he begins to act as a messenger between Ted, the farmer, and Marian, the beautiful young woman up at the hall. He becomes drawn deeper and deeper into their dangerous game of deceit and desire, until his role brings him to a shocking and premature revelation. The haunting story of a young boy's awakening into the secrets of the adult world, The Go-Between is also an unforgettable evocation of the boundaries of Edwardian society.Leslie Poles Hartley (1895-1972) was born in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, and educated at Harrow and Balliol College, Oxford. For more than thirty years from 1923 he was an indefatigable fiction reviewer for periodicals including the Spectator and Saturday Review. His first book, Night Fears (1924) was a collection of short stories; but it was not until the publication of Eustace and Hilda (1947), which won the James Tait Black prize, that Hartley gained widespread recognition as an author. His other novels include The Go-Between (1953), which was adapted into an internationally-successful film starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates, and The Hireling (1957), the film version of which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.If you enjoyed The Go-Between, you might like Barry Hines's A Kestrel for a Knave, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.'Magical and disturbing'Independent 'On a first reading, it is a beautifully wrought description of a small boy's loss of innocence long ago. But, visited a second time, the knowledge of approaching, unavoidable tragedy makes it far more poignant and painful'Express

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Go-Between

Introduction

"The Go-Between" by L.P. Hartley is a moving exploration of a young boy's loss of innocence. Set in the early 1950s, the novel follows Leo Colston as he reflects on his thirteenth summer, a time marked by a series of events that would change his life forever. With its evocative prose and exploration of themes such as class, gender, and the passage of time, "The Go-Between" has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the book's author, L.P. Hartley, and analyze the common opinions and feelings expressed by readers.

About L.P. Hartley

L.P. Hartley, born Leslie Poles Hartley in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, was an accomplished British author known for his engaging storytelling and evocative prose. After gaining recognition with his novel "Eustace and Hilda" in 1947, Hartley went on to publish several other notable works, including "The Go-Between" in 1953. His ability to capture the essence of English society and explore complex themes in his writing made him a beloved figure among readers and literary critics alike.

Analysis of Views

Beautifully written and evocative: Many readers praised Hartley's writing style, describing it as "sublime" and "magical." The book's opening line, "The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there," has become iconic and sets the tone for the story's exploration of the passage of time and the changing social landscape.
Believable characters: Readers appreciated the authenticity of the characters, particularly Leo's transformation from a naive child to a more mature individual. The relationships between Leo, Marcus Maudsley, and Marian Maudsley were found to be believable and relatable, adding depth to the story.
Exploration of themes: The novel delves into various themes such as class, gender, and the consequences of societal expectations. The cricket match between Brandham Hall and the local villagers serves as a metaphor for the class distinctions of the time, highlighting the contrast between the aristocratic world and the working-class community.
Symbolism: Readers noted the presence of symbolism throughout the novel, with Leo's fascination with Mr. Maudsley's weather station and his interest in astrology serving as examples. While some found this aspect to be subtle, others appreciated its presence as a layer of depth to the narrative.
Freudian undertones: The book's exploration of repressed memories and the impact of adult sexuality on young innocence resonated with readers who appreciated its Freudian undertones. The portrayal of Leo's character arc and his struggle to come to terms with his experiences added depth to the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

Beautiful writing: The book's prose was widely praised for its poetic quality and ability to evoke vivid imagery, transporting readers to the world of English countryside during the early 1950s.
Engaging characters: Readers found Leo's character relatable and believable, appreciating his growth and development throughout the story. The relationships between Leo, Marcus Maudsley, and Marian Maudsley were also highlighted as compelling and emotionally resonant.
Thought-provoking themes: The exploration of themes such as class, gender, and societal expectations added depth and complexity to the narrative. Readers appreciated the way these themes were interwoven into the story without feeling forced or contrived.
Symbolism and metaphor: While some readers found the symbolism subtle, others found it intriguing and appreciated its contribution to the overall storytelling experience. The use of symbolism added layers of meaning to the novel, enriching the reading experience.
Freudian undertones: The book's exploration of repressed memories and adult sexuality resonated with readers who appreciated its Freudian undertones. The portrayal of Leo's character arc added depth to the story and provided food for thought about the impact of traumatic experiences on individuals.

Conclusion

"The Go-Between" by L.P. Hartley is a poignant exploration of a young boy's loss of innocence set against the backdrop of English society in the early 1950s. With its evocative writing style, engaging characters, thought-provoking themes, symbolism, and Freudian undertones, the novel has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Whether you are a fan of classic literature or simply seeking a well-crafted story that delves into complex issues, "The Go-Between" is a book that deserves your attention. Its ability to transport readers to another time and place while exploring universal themes makes it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.