A review by ktrain3900
The Past by Tessa Hadley

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.25

A quiet book, centered around a not-so-quiet family, which is at its best in subtle details linking different characters and moments together over time and page. The plot was a whispered thread, the characters were not particularly likable, yet there was an elegance and nuanced handling to the writing that draws the reader through even the most excruciating parts. There are hints of the work of finer British authors such as A.S. Byatt and Ali Smith, but this book doesn't quite reach that elevation. Overall a fine novel by an author I'd be willing to read again. 3 to 3.25 stars.