Passing On

Interesting premise, but became dreary; ended as it largely began, unresolved angst and a bit of a downer. Lacked the author's usual insightful and engaging view of life, though certainly a genuine aspect of family dynamics.

Penelope Lively writes with grace and precision. I always feel as if I have spent time in the English countryside when I read her books, and Passing On is no exception. It is the story of three siblings who deal with the legacy left by a cold and domineering mother. Helen's attraction to a man who is unwilling to return her sentiments is poignant, as is her brother's lonely existence and reluctant acknowledgement of his homosexuality. Edward is not a particularly likeable character, and I was disturbed that his transgression against an adolescent boy was not reported to the police. Clearly, there is a great divide between being gay and being a pedophile. The third sibling, Louise, doesn't live with her brother and sister in the house in show more which they all grew up, but her problems are also revealed in the course of the book. Helen's self-respect eventually emerges and provides a strength of character that is a reassuring conclusion. show less

I didn’t like this novel quite as much as The Photograph, but I find Lively’s novels very appealing. She often makes me laugh and I always sympathize with her characters and their travails. She knows her families.

I enjoyed this, but it was a bit thin in parts, especially the love interest lawyer's character and motivation, which was not really believable.

I liked these interesting people who are not perfect and certainly don't understand themselves. Perfect length.

brother and sister living in English village. Mother dies, and haunts.

לכאורה עוד ספר מינורי של סופרת אנגליה. למעשה פנינה מלוטשת של התפתחות עלילת נפש ואפיון דמויות. אח ואחות בגילי החמישים, שמות אמם מאלץ אותם לבחון מחדש את חורבות חיים ולהגיע אתם להשלמה.