verityw 's review for:

Past Imperfect by Julian Fellowes

4.0

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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!