A review by msliz
South Riding by Winifred Holtby

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is, ostensibly, a book about local government - which sounds incredibly dull - and the huge cast of characters at the beginning is pretty daunting. But it is an absolute gem and deserves to be much more widely read. Ambitious and panoramic, South Riding is a beautifully written, absorbing depiction of life in a rural community during a tumultuous period in history, with the Great Depression in full swing and war looming on the horizon. Holtby delves into politics, feminism, social change, inequality, community and, of course, the passions, frustrations and tragedies of the human condition. It is surprisingly modern in its sensibilities, and really, really good.