Longman Fiction: The Go-Between

Viac o knihe

L.P. Hartley's poignant exploration of a young boy's loss of innocence is brought to life in this modern classic, edited with an introduction and notes by Douglas Brooks-Davies. Set during a long, hot summer, young Leo stays with a school-friend at Brandham Hall, where he becomes a messenger between Ted, a farmer, and Marian, a captivating young woman. As Leo becomes more entangled in their dangerous game of deceit and desire, he faces a shocking and premature revelation about the adult world. This haunting narrative captures the essence of a boy's awakening to the secrets of adulthood while vividly depicting the constraints of Edwardian society. Leslie Poles Hartley (1895-1972), born in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, and educated at Harrow and Balliol College, Oxford, was a prolific fiction reviewer for various periodicals for over thirty years. His first book, a collection of short stories, was published in 1924, but he gained widespread acclaim with Eustace and Hilda in 1947, which won the James Tait Black prize. His notable works include this novel, adapted into a successful film, and The Hireling, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Readers who appreciate this work may also enjoy Barry Hines's A Kestrel for a Knave. The narrative is described as both "magical and disturbing," with layers of poignancy revealed upon revisiting.