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A review by katykelly
Goodbye, Mr Chips by James Hilton
5.0
Nostalgic, sentimental but 'of its time' look at a bygone time and a bygone sort of Englishman
I loved the Greer Garson/Robert Donat film as a girl, and saw this as an audiobook at the library, so thought I'd explore the source material.
With occasional stirring British theme tunes throughout, it highlights the period feel of the novella - Mr Chipping is a young teacher who, over 40 years, gains a place in the heart of the teachers and pupils, becomes central to the public school he loves. He sees change but remains almost wholly unchanged, apart from the changes wrought on him by the love of a progressive young woman.
Seeing his school through wars, bombings, progressive educational policies, we see him into old age and the end of his long tenure.
I can't lie and say I didn't find it moving, but it is definitely a piece that showcases the Empire attitude, though not through Chips himself - he is 'set in his ways', but he is also a compassionate, humorous and non-threatening schoolmaster and guide.
Still preferring the film (Greer Garson is perfect as the woman he loves who enables him to fulfil his potential as a teacher and mentor), I appreciate the historical reality of Chips' English persona. The detail of life in a public school feels real, the sad facts of war.
Definitely still a minor classic that deserves its place on the bookshelf.
I loved the Greer Garson/Robert Donat film as a girl, and saw this as an audiobook at the library, so thought I'd explore the source material.
With occasional stirring British theme tunes throughout, it highlights the period feel of the novella - Mr Chipping is a young teacher who, over 40 years, gains a place in the heart of the teachers and pupils, becomes central to the public school he loves. He sees change but remains almost wholly unchanged, apart from the changes wrought on him by the love of a progressive young woman.
Seeing his school through wars, bombings, progressive educational policies, we see him into old age and the end of his long tenure.
I can't lie and say I didn't find it moving, but it is definitely a piece that showcases the Empire attitude, though not through Chips himself - he is 'set in his ways', but he is also a compassionate, humorous and non-threatening schoolmaster and guide.
Still preferring the film (Greer Garson is perfect as the woman he loves who enables him to fulfil his potential as a teacher and mentor), I appreciate the historical reality of Chips' English persona. The detail of life in a public school feels real, the sad facts of war.
Definitely still a minor classic that deserves its place on the bookshelf.