The Spell by Alan Hollinghurst

The Spell

Alan Hollinghurst

257 pages first pub 1998 (view editions)

fiction lgbtqia+ challenging reflective slow-paced
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The Spell suits readers who relish nuanced, character-driven fiction that dissects modern relationships and identity with reflective irony rather than propulsive plot.

Description

Alan Hollinghurst's new novel is a comedy of sexual manners that follows the interlocking affairs of four men: Robin Woodfield, an architect in his late forties, who is trying to build an idyllic life in Dorset with his younger lover, Justin, a wo...

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Community Reviews

3.27
based on 228 reviews

Moods

reflective: 66%

emotional: 50%

funny: 33%

challenging: 16%

lighthearted: 16%

sad: 16%

tense: 16%


Pace

12% of readers chose fast
25% of readers chose medium
62% of readers chose slow
fast
medium
slow

Plot or character driven?

12% of readers chose A mix
87% of readers chose Character
A mix
Character

Strong character development?

37% of readers chose Yes
25% of readers chose Complicated
37% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Loveable characters?

14% of readers chose Yes
42% of readers chose Complicated
42% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Diverse cast of characters?

16% of readers chose Complicated
83% of readers chose No
Complicated
No

Flaws of characters a main focus?

100% of readers chose Yes
Yes

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