Reviews

Past Imperfect by Julian Fellowes

mschrock8's review against another edition

3.0

I was very interested in all the ways I could tell this was written by a man. And, I still enjoyed it!

sally_ann_t's review

emotional funny informative mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

moosetash's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

radioactve_piano's review against another edition

3.0

A fairly run-of-the-mill novel overall. I enjoyed it, but not enough to take it at more than a leisurely pace. The writing was definitely Fellowes -- a dry wit taking it upon himself to write a commentary on the British upper class of the last fifty years. I'm sure this was very cathartic for him to write in one of those, "How did we get here as a society?!" ways.

The story itself continually hinted at some divisive event that changed lives forever and, of course, the reader is left in the dark until the very last pages. To be honest, after the nonstop buildup, the reveal was quite a letdown. The "horrible night in Portugal" was not so very horrible -- at least, not to someone who would most definitely run in a different circle than the main characters.

All in all, pretty disappointing and mediocre story told in a sarcastic yet posh voice.

darcychester's review

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Loved this book. An object lesson in making the most of your opportunities or end with a lifetime of regret. 

verityw's review against another edition

4.0

This had been sitting at the top of my to read pile for some time (I'm trying to to think about how long), but for some reason I decided to start it the day I got a fresh batch of library books (contrary? Moi?!). I raced through it and couldn't wait to find out what had actually happened. It evokes wonderfully the Season of 1968 - and a society desperately clinging on to past traditions in a world that's changing fast, and in a way they can't understand. It's the story of Damien Baxter - an interloper - told by the man who introduced him to the world of parties, balls and dinners that made up the Season. I found it absolutely fascinating and was completely absorbed. It leaves the main plot nicely resolved, but you can't help but wonder what happens to the unnamed Narrator after he's sorted out Damien's little problem. I read Fellowe's first novel "Snobs" and remember enjoying it, but almost instantly forgetting what it was about. This I think will stick with me more, and I may even come back to it at some point!

lbast's review

adventurous challenging mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

paulina_b's review

3.0

An entertaining plot and a fascinating glimpse into societal changes among the English upper classes after the Second World War. Only 3 stars because I had a sense of the ending by the middle of the book and because a couple of parts towards the end seemed a little forced and unconvincing.
All in all, a great vacation read!

marcela1016's review against another edition

3.0

I'm reviewing this as part of my "Same Title- Different Book" project! This particular Past Imperfect deals with the recollections of a pair of 'frenemies' who were present at one of the last 'London Seasons' in high society England. It deals with the quick changes in the entire class system of London as the free spirit of the 60's took hold. It also explores a long-held secret by one of the main characters and the narrator's quest to unravel said mystery. It's definitely a book for those who enjoy reading about the rites and rituals of 'high class' English society.

florapost's review

4.0

This is starting out swimmingly! The author also wrote my recent favorite TV series, "Downton Abbey."

My thought upon finishing: in my next life I will be re-incarnated as an English aristocrat with stunning vocabulary.