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Rapstone Chronicles #2
Titmuss Regained
Book by Mortimer, John
Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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353 people want to read
About the author
John Mortimer
250 books230 followersJohn Clifford Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and former practising barrister. Among his many publications are several volumes of Rumpole stories and a trilogy of political novels, Paradise Postponed, Titmuss Regained and The Sound of Trumpets, featuring Leslie Titmuss - a character as brilliant as Rumpole. John Mortimer received a knighthood for his services to the arts in 1998.
Series:
Rumpole of the Bailey
Rapstone Chronicles
Series:
Rumpole of the Bailey
Rapstone Chronicles
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March 25, 2014
Publicado en http://lecturaylocura.com/el-regreso-...
“El regreso de Titmuss” de John Mortimer. La política como herramienta de control.
Los que leímos y nos maravillamos con las andanzas de la familia Simcox en “Un paraíso inalcanzable” teníamos claro que “El regreso de Titmuss” era una compra imprescindible, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta que consideré el primer libro como uno de los mejores de año pasado.
La lectura de este segundo libro de la saga nos trae de nuevo la prosa más que recomendable de Mortimer aunque hay diferencias sustanciales con el primero, que ya comenté aquí ; en dicho post me centraba en las características que, en mi opinión, hacían del primer libro un libro redondo alcanzando prácticamente la perfección.
En este segundo libro la trama se centra principalmente en Leslie Titmuss, el político conservador del partido político de Margaret Thatcher que fue beneficiario de la herencia del reverendo Simeon Simcox; la primera parte del libro supone la concisa caracterización de su carismática figura:
“Leslie siempre se sentía, le resultaba inevitable, como un rey de vuelta a su pequeño reino. ¿Acaso él, el niño despreciado y ridiculizado que se ganaba unas monedas cortando ortigas y haciendo trabajillos en el jardín de la rectoría, no se había abierto camino entre los niños bien, los banqueros y la aristocracia rural de su partido para convertirse en diputado por Hartscombe y Worsfield Sur, un escaño que había conservado por incontestable mayoría durante veinticinco años? ¿No era el candidato que había predicado por primera vez el evangelio –aprendido, solía decir, de su padre, empleado de la cervecera- que preconizaba el respeto por la frugalidad, el aprecio constante del poder místico del dinero y una profunda desconfianza hacia aquellos que deseaban distribuirlo entre los pobres indignos de ayuda? Armado con este sencillo credo, reconvertido en la doctrina de su partido, Leslie Titmuss había contribuido a cambiar la cara de Inglaterra.”
No exenta de su capacidad de manipulación y manejo de la vida política:
“-Nunca ha sabido mantener la boca cerrada, Cantellow; me ha contado exactamente lo que quería saber. –Leslie se levantó, una vez concluida la conversación-. No hace falta que me acompañe a la puerta. Solo le diré que me alegra mucho que no sea usted mi abogado; sería como llevar mis asuntos personales al telediario de la noche.”
“-Bueno, al menos les has dado lo que quieren oír.
-Me gusta más cuando les doy lo que no quieren oír. Y tienen que tragárselo. Es entonces cuando la política empieza a ponerse interesante.”
De fondo, un plan urbanístico que pretende edificar en Rapstone Fanner, un valle idílico y pastoril donde sus habitantes viven en flamante camaradería; en primer plano, los intereses contrapuestos de Leslie como político y como habitante de esa zona donde creció, vive su madre y quiere formar una familia con Jenny Sidonia.
La trama policíaca de fondo, el enigma, el misterio que rodeaba todo, en esta ocasión se sustituye por el romance de Jenny y Leslie y las tramas políticas asociadas; desde este punto de vista se mantiene, desde lo micro, el reflejo, no tanto de la sociedad (como ocurría anteriormente) sino de los vericuetos de los romances y, sobre todo, de la vida política con sus traiciones y triunfos.
Ya en una segunda parte aparece de nuevo la familia Simcox, en la figura de Fred, el médico que se convertirá en la figura visible del movimiento de resistencia contra el plan urbanístico, que cambie las vidas de los habitantes del valle:
“Fred se había sentido más próximo a la aceptación de los hechos inmutables de la vida y la muerte que profesaba el anciano médico que a la optimista marcha de su padre hacia un paraíso que cada vez se antojaba más distante e inalcanzable. A diferencia de su hermano mayor, Henry, que había empezado como joven novelista airado para convertirse en un viejo gruñón reaccionario que escribía artículos en que denunciaba como peligrosas ilusiones las más queridas creencias de su padre, Fred había optado por evitar toda actividad política, contentándose con la apacible vida de médico rural en el pueblo donde se había criado.”
Fred tiene personalidad, ya muy bien definida, pero resulta un personaje serio, grave, sobre todo sin el contrapunto cómico que suponía su hermano Henry, el joven airado, que ponía unos toques de humor ciertamente deliciosos y que pueden echarse a faltar en esta segunda parte de la saga de Mortimer.
Lo que no falta es el reflejo muy acertado de la vida política y, por extensión, de la sociedad durante el tiempo en que fue Primer Ministro Margaret Thatcher; lo más novedoso y que, afortunadamente añade un nivel aunque pierda otros, es la relación entre Jenny, Leslie y el marido muerto de Jenny, Tony.
“-Claro que no. Hablo de política. Es una palabra fea para ti ¿no?
-No necesariamente.
-Es otro mundo, indigno de ti. Un mundo donde hay que decir lo que no piensas para conseguir lo que quieres. Un mundo donde a veces hay que mentir. Eso no le habría gustado a tu precioso Tony Sidonia, ¿verdad?”
La soberbia recalcitrante de Leslie le conducirá a una situación de celos imposible de soportar, que le llevará a tomar decisiones no del todo correctas y que, en última instancia, desencadenará su inseguridad; nuestro Leslie se volverá falible en lo personal y ello tendrá sus consecuencias ineludibles en su trabajo, en el manejo político. Él será capaz de justificar sus decisiones de la manera más vil: disfrazándola su egoísmo de altruismo para la pareja.
“De pronto Jenny le atacó, pero sus puñetazos eran como los de un niño. Ni consiguieron apartarlo ni le hicieron el menor daño. Leslie sonrió satisfecho, convencido, como siempre, de que tenía razón. Tarde o temprano, ella también lo admitiría.
-No solo lo intenté, sino que lo conseguí.
-¿Por qué? ¿Para qué? –Jenny lo miró no solo enojada sino perpleja, como si él fuera un ser de otra galaxia.
-Para liberarte de él.
Aquello era un golpe inesperado, él lo entendía. Jenny lo asimilaría. Tarde o temprano.
-¿Liberarme?
-Vale –admitió-, para liberarnos a los dos. Lo hice por nosotros.”
No puedo decir que sea mejor libro que “Un paraíso inalcanzable”; la confluencia de elementos del primero rozaba una perfección literaria difícil de olvidar. Lo que sí sé es que “El regreso de Titmuss” es un muy buen libro y me permito pensar de nuevo que es otra de esas lecturas ineludibles que te hacen disfrutar y te enseñan, a pesar de lo amargo que puede llegar a ser lo que refleja.
Los textos vienen de la traducción del inglés de Magdalena Palmer de “El regreso de Titmuss” de John Mortimer en Libros del Asteroide.
“El regreso de Titmuss” de John Mortimer. La política como herramienta de control.
Los que leímos y nos maravillamos con las andanzas de la familia Simcox en “Un paraíso inalcanzable” teníamos claro que “El regreso de Titmuss” era una compra imprescindible, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta que consideré el primer libro como uno de los mejores de año pasado.
La lectura de este segundo libro de la saga nos trae de nuevo la prosa más que recomendable de Mortimer aunque hay diferencias sustanciales con el primero, que ya comenté aquí ; en dicho post me centraba en las características que, en mi opinión, hacían del primer libro un libro redondo alcanzando prácticamente la perfección.
En este segundo libro la trama se centra principalmente en Leslie Titmuss, el político conservador del partido político de Margaret Thatcher que fue beneficiario de la herencia del reverendo Simeon Simcox; la primera parte del libro supone la concisa caracterización de su carismática figura:
“Leslie siempre se sentía, le resultaba inevitable, como un rey de vuelta a su pequeño reino. ¿Acaso él, el niño despreciado y ridiculizado que se ganaba unas monedas cortando ortigas y haciendo trabajillos en el jardín de la rectoría, no se había abierto camino entre los niños bien, los banqueros y la aristocracia rural de su partido para convertirse en diputado por Hartscombe y Worsfield Sur, un escaño que había conservado por incontestable mayoría durante veinticinco años? ¿No era el candidato que había predicado por primera vez el evangelio –aprendido, solía decir, de su padre, empleado de la cervecera- que preconizaba el respeto por la frugalidad, el aprecio constante del poder místico del dinero y una profunda desconfianza hacia aquellos que deseaban distribuirlo entre los pobres indignos de ayuda? Armado con este sencillo credo, reconvertido en la doctrina de su partido, Leslie Titmuss había contribuido a cambiar la cara de Inglaterra.”
No exenta de su capacidad de manipulación y manejo de la vida política:
“-Nunca ha sabido mantener la boca cerrada, Cantellow; me ha contado exactamente lo que quería saber. –Leslie se levantó, una vez concluida la conversación-. No hace falta que me acompañe a la puerta. Solo le diré que me alegra mucho que no sea usted mi abogado; sería como llevar mis asuntos personales al telediario de la noche.”
“-Bueno, al menos les has dado lo que quieren oír.
-Me gusta más cuando les doy lo que no quieren oír. Y tienen que tragárselo. Es entonces cuando la política empieza a ponerse interesante.”
De fondo, un plan urbanístico que pretende edificar en Rapstone Fanner, un valle idílico y pastoril donde sus habitantes viven en flamante camaradería; en primer plano, los intereses contrapuestos de Leslie como político y como habitante de esa zona donde creció, vive su madre y quiere formar una familia con Jenny Sidonia.
La trama policíaca de fondo, el enigma, el misterio que rodeaba todo, en esta ocasión se sustituye por el romance de Jenny y Leslie y las tramas políticas asociadas; desde este punto de vista se mantiene, desde lo micro, el reflejo, no tanto de la sociedad (como ocurría anteriormente) sino de los vericuetos de los romances y, sobre todo, de la vida política con sus traiciones y triunfos.
Ya en una segunda parte aparece de nuevo la familia Simcox, en la figura de Fred, el médico que se convertirá en la figura visible del movimiento de resistencia contra el plan urbanístico, que cambie las vidas de los habitantes del valle:
“Fred se había sentido más próximo a la aceptación de los hechos inmutables de la vida y la muerte que profesaba el anciano médico que a la optimista marcha de su padre hacia un paraíso que cada vez se antojaba más distante e inalcanzable. A diferencia de su hermano mayor, Henry, que había empezado como joven novelista airado para convertirse en un viejo gruñón reaccionario que escribía artículos en que denunciaba como peligrosas ilusiones las más queridas creencias de su padre, Fred había optado por evitar toda actividad política, contentándose con la apacible vida de médico rural en el pueblo donde se había criado.”
Fred tiene personalidad, ya muy bien definida, pero resulta un personaje serio, grave, sobre todo sin el contrapunto cómico que suponía su hermano Henry, el joven airado, que ponía unos toques de humor ciertamente deliciosos y que pueden echarse a faltar en esta segunda parte de la saga de Mortimer.
Lo que no falta es el reflejo muy acertado de la vida política y, por extensión, de la sociedad durante el tiempo en que fue Primer Ministro Margaret Thatcher; lo más novedoso y que, afortunadamente añade un nivel aunque pierda otros, es la relación entre Jenny, Leslie y el marido muerto de Jenny, Tony.
“-Claro que no. Hablo de política. Es una palabra fea para ti ¿no?
-No necesariamente.
-Es otro mundo, indigno de ti. Un mundo donde hay que decir lo que no piensas para conseguir lo que quieres. Un mundo donde a veces hay que mentir. Eso no le habría gustado a tu precioso Tony Sidonia, ¿verdad?”
La soberbia recalcitrante de Leslie le conducirá a una situación de celos imposible de soportar, que le llevará a tomar decisiones no del todo correctas y que, en última instancia, desencadenará su inseguridad; nuestro Leslie se volverá falible en lo personal y ello tendrá sus consecuencias ineludibles en su trabajo, en el manejo político. Él será capaz de justificar sus decisiones de la manera más vil: disfrazándola su egoísmo de altruismo para la pareja.
“De pronto Jenny le atacó, pero sus puñetazos eran como los de un niño. Ni consiguieron apartarlo ni le hicieron el menor daño. Leslie sonrió satisfecho, convencido, como siempre, de que tenía razón. Tarde o temprano, ella también lo admitiría.
-No solo lo intenté, sino que lo conseguí.
-¿Por qué? ¿Para qué? –Jenny lo miró no solo enojada sino perpleja, como si él fuera un ser de otra galaxia.
-Para liberarte de él.
Aquello era un golpe inesperado, él lo entendía. Jenny lo asimilaría. Tarde o temprano.
-¿Liberarme?
-Vale –admitió-, para liberarnos a los dos. Lo hice por nosotros.”
No puedo decir que sea mejor libro que “Un paraíso inalcanzable”; la confluencia de elementos del primero rozaba una perfección literaria difícil de olvidar. Lo que sí sé es que “El regreso de Titmuss” es un muy buen libro y me permito pensar de nuevo que es otra de esas lecturas ineludibles que te hacen disfrutar y te enseñan, a pesar de lo amargo que puede llegar a ser lo que refleja.
Los textos vienen de la traducción del inglés de Magdalena Palmer de “El regreso de Titmuss” de John Mortimer en Libros del Asteroide.
April 23, 2019
Didn't strike me as exceptionally well crafted.
June 24, 2023
Loved it. By the same author of the Rumpole of the Bailey stories. Different environment but still he skewers everyone. I don’t agree with the Goodreads summary describing Jenny as “a second unpleasant wife” she’s not unpleasant and that’s the point. Naive perhaps. You are rooting for it to work out because you’ve come to admire them both.
December 10, 2012
Widower Leslie Titmuss is certain he’s on top of his game. As Secretary of State for Housing, Ecological Affairs and Planning, he’s a popular Minister and good at what he does. The only thing missing from his life is love. Although Leslie isn’t looking for a new wife, the young and beautiful Jenny Sidonia captures his heart. Jenny was also married before, though, and memories of her late husband begin to bother Leslie more than they should.
Nearly every character in the book has an agenda with strong beliefs and a sense of self-righteousness, except Jenny who’s increasingly caught in the middle of things. One of those things is the potential development of the Rapstone Valley in the rural area where Leslie was raised and now lives with Jenny.
I’m a big fan of John Mortimer’s Rumpole series, and although this novel is quite different, the same humor appears at times, which made the book enjoyable. Still, I found my mind wandering during longer narrative passages. Leslie is an interesting protagonist. I went from feeling sorry for him, to liking him, to not liking him at all, which I suppose indicates a well rounded character. If you’re a fan of Mortimer, give this book at try.
Nearly every character in the book has an agenda with strong beliefs and a sense of self-righteousness, except Jenny who’s increasingly caught in the middle of things. One of those things is the potential development of the Rapstone Valley in the rural area where Leslie was raised and now lives with Jenny.
I’m a big fan of John Mortimer’s Rumpole series, and although this novel is quite different, the same humor appears at times, which made the book enjoyable. Still, I found my mind wandering during longer narrative passages. Leslie is an interesting protagonist. I went from feeling sorry for him, to liking him, to not liking him at all, which I suppose indicates a well rounded character. If you’re a fan of Mortimer, give this book at try.
August 15, 2025
Titmuss Regained by John Mortimer
10 out of 10
Titmuss Regained is a wonderful novel that you can find on The Guardian list of 1,000 Novels Everyone Must Read, in the comedy zone, which made this reader regret not having read John Mortimer before, when there was a chance, at the British Library, to rent one of the Rumpole audio tapes available there.
Leslie Titmuss is the hero of this novel, an intriguing, complex, determined, brave, ruthless, arrogant, often resentful, resilient politician that has been named minister for H.E.A.P aka Housing Ecological Affairs and Planning and in this function, he will be faced with a quandary.
As a rather arrogant, abrasive, sometimes obnoxious,rather dismissive of culture - he has never been to an opera, before meeting Jenny Sidonia and does not know the difference between a ballet and an opera - character, he appears to embody all that is wrong with politicians, albeit for this reader, some of his actions have not looked so preposterous and all things considered, he is also a sort of a sad figure, not exactly like Don Quixote, for he is the opposite of an idealist, seeing as he represents and promotes realism, market forces and capitalism.
He is a Conservative, famous for a speech in which he glorifies the merits of the market forces, the invisible hand, the need for Britain to construct, dismissing the whining greens, the socialists who are in reality - well, in his take on reality - privileged individuals trying to make amends and cope with a sense of guilt for having so much to gain from the capitalist system.
The hero has been married to a woman that has died and while alive, she has embarrassed her husband with her propensity, passion for causes that wee embraced by the political enemies of the ambitious politician, marching against the bomb, for peace and other such "reactionary" causes.
The Right Honorable Titmuss meets Jenny Sidonia, a widower that had been married to a very popular, honest, appreciated - albeit this would be investigated by a private detective and the protagonist and the truth would seem different - professor, that had been involved in an intimate relationship with Sue Bramble, who is now Jenny's best friend, the two of them sharing a flat in London.
Jenny is very beautiful, a remarkable, generous, special, tolerant, sensitive, kind woman that attracts the attention of the Honorable minister, who is sure that colleagues, the public would appreciate, be impressed if he somehow manages to seduce this extraordinary, imposing, but so very different character, that belongs to another world.
The widow feels pity or compassion- Milan Kundera in The Unbearable Lightness of Being explains the difference between the two - for the unsophisticated man who feels somewhat ridiculed at a gathering where he proves his ignorance of art.
Leslie Titmuss invites Jenny out, they have meals together, she takes him to the opera, he shows her Rapstone Manor, a large mansion that is empty now that his mother-in-law has died, asks his date what she feels about the countryside- there is a beautiful view of the Rapstone Valley - and she is enchanted by what she sees.
The man is however wrong in assuming that the prospect of living in that splendid, large house would be the crucial element and it would make the woman abandon herself to be seduced by the cunning minister.
Jenny is not only disinterested in the power that her pursuer has, she does not follow politics, when they would eventually become closer, they do not talk about his job, different decisions, speeches, indeed, anything connected with the ministry.
In spite of the apparent huge difference between them, the fact that they are from different planets - she is romantic, lives in a world of gentleness, consideration, respect for the truth while he lies to further his ambitions, has no qualms about stepping on toes and worse - she accepts to marry Titmuss.
They even seem to be rather happy, or at least content with each other, although the first serious shadow appears on their honeymoon, as they eat in a restaurant where Jenny had been with her late husband and the minister understands that his wife is still admiring the deceased and this is hurting.
Then there is the major threat of a construction project that would build a new town, right near the backyard of the minister, who must not seem to take a different stand, now that the market forces are operating near his newly acquired mansion, and he must be consistent and praise, encourage the building of the Rapstone Valley Town.
In truth, the politician does not want the beauty of the valley to be destroyed, he is sure he will maneuver with such skill that he will have his way, without compromising his stature, by requesting an inquiry and stating that he will accept whatever conclusion the official in charge will present.
The Right Honorable minister plays on both fronts, sending money to the S.O.V. the group organized to battle the construction project, whose chairman is Doctor Fred Simcox, who falls in love with Jenny Titmuss- it becomes clearer explanation with every page that the doctor and the wife of the politician are much more compatible with each other, especially after Jenny declares her wish to join the SOV, only to be rebuked by the minister who has to lie about his real intentions and ultimately deceive the public, voters and everybody else, except for a few.
This excellent novel has only 401 ratings and 22 reviews on goodreads, which will be changed only slightly when this note is posted there, and it seems so absurd when we think that Dan Brown has millions
I am not clear about why the book is called Titmuss Regained...there could be a few guesses, without spoiler alerts it could mentioned that the main character does change, but as for Regained...I am not sure.
Posted 9th March 2019 by realini
10 out of 10
Titmuss Regained is a wonderful novel that you can find on The Guardian list of 1,000 Novels Everyone Must Read, in the comedy zone, which made this reader regret not having read John Mortimer before, when there was a chance, at the British Library, to rent one of the Rumpole audio tapes available there.
Leslie Titmuss is the hero of this novel, an intriguing, complex, determined, brave, ruthless, arrogant, often resentful, resilient politician that has been named minister for H.E.A.P aka Housing Ecological Affairs and Planning and in this function, he will be faced with a quandary.
As a rather arrogant, abrasive, sometimes obnoxious,rather dismissive of culture - he has never been to an opera, before meeting Jenny Sidonia and does not know the difference between a ballet and an opera - character, he appears to embody all that is wrong with politicians, albeit for this reader, some of his actions have not looked so preposterous and all things considered, he is also a sort of a sad figure, not exactly like Don Quixote, for he is the opposite of an idealist, seeing as he represents and promotes realism, market forces and capitalism.
He is a Conservative, famous for a speech in which he glorifies the merits of the market forces, the invisible hand, the need for Britain to construct, dismissing the whining greens, the socialists who are in reality - well, in his take on reality - privileged individuals trying to make amends and cope with a sense of guilt for having so much to gain from the capitalist system.
The hero has been married to a woman that has died and while alive, she has embarrassed her husband with her propensity, passion for causes that wee embraced by the political enemies of the ambitious politician, marching against the bomb, for peace and other such "reactionary" causes.
The Right Honorable Titmuss meets Jenny Sidonia, a widower that had been married to a very popular, honest, appreciated - albeit this would be investigated by a private detective and the protagonist and the truth would seem different - professor, that had been involved in an intimate relationship with Sue Bramble, who is now Jenny's best friend, the two of them sharing a flat in London.
Jenny is very beautiful, a remarkable, generous, special, tolerant, sensitive, kind woman that attracts the attention of the Honorable minister, who is sure that colleagues, the public would appreciate, be impressed if he somehow manages to seduce this extraordinary, imposing, but so very different character, that belongs to another world.
The widow feels pity or compassion- Milan Kundera in The Unbearable Lightness of Being explains the difference between the two - for the unsophisticated man who feels somewhat ridiculed at a gathering where he proves his ignorance of art.
Leslie Titmuss invites Jenny out, they have meals together, she takes him to the opera, he shows her Rapstone Manor, a large mansion that is empty now that his mother-in-law has died, asks his date what she feels about the countryside- there is a beautiful view of the Rapstone Valley - and she is enchanted by what she sees.
The man is however wrong in assuming that the prospect of living in that splendid, large house would be the crucial element and it would make the woman abandon herself to be seduced by the cunning minister.
Jenny is not only disinterested in the power that her pursuer has, she does not follow politics, when they would eventually become closer, they do not talk about his job, different decisions, speeches, indeed, anything connected with the ministry.
In spite of the apparent huge difference between them, the fact that they are from different planets - she is romantic, lives in a world of gentleness, consideration, respect for the truth while he lies to further his ambitions, has no qualms about stepping on toes and worse - she accepts to marry Titmuss.
They even seem to be rather happy, or at least content with each other, although the first serious shadow appears on their honeymoon, as they eat in a restaurant where Jenny had been with her late husband and the minister understands that his wife is still admiring the deceased and this is hurting.
Then there is the major threat of a construction project that would build a new town, right near the backyard of the minister, who must not seem to take a different stand, now that the market forces are operating near his newly acquired mansion, and he must be consistent and praise, encourage the building of the Rapstone Valley Town.
In truth, the politician does not want the beauty of the valley to be destroyed, he is sure he will maneuver with such skill that he will have his way, without compromising his stature, by requesting an inquiry and stating that he will accept whatever conclusion the official in charge will present.
The Right Honorable minister plays on both fronts, sending money to the S.O.V. the group organized to battle the construction project, whose chairman is Doctor Fred Simcox, who falls in love with Jenny Titmuss- it becomes clearer explanation with every page that the doctor and the wife of the politician are much more compatible with each other, especially after Jenny declares her wish to join the SOV, only to be rebuked by the minister who has to lie about his real intentions and ultimately deceive the public, voters and everybody else, except for a few.
This excellent novel has only 401 ratings and 22 reviews on goodreads, which will be changed only slightly when this note is posted there, and it seems so absurd when we think that Dan Brown has millions
I am not clear about why the book is called Titmuss Regained...there could be a few guesses, without spoiler alerts it could mentioned that the main character does change, but as for Regained...I am not sure.
Posted 9th March 2019 by realini
November 2, 2017
The literary equivalent of an old ITV drama that you've never heard of, stumbled across on a minor channel, perhaps with John Nettles, Timothy West and Annette Crosbie, and watch with mild enjoyment but, simultaneously, a growing recollection that you may actually have seen it the first time around twenty years earlier but instantly forgot, leaving you with an uneasy feeling that life is short and maybe it would be better to concentrate on works that have a lasting impact rather than froth that you'll be hard pushed to remember in another two, let alone twenty.
May 22, 2017
My first book by John Mortimer, and I wasn't prepared to like this as much as I did. Most of the characters were likable or interesting, sometimes both. Titmus is a Minister of Housing, Ecological Affairs and Planning: a sly Conservative who knows how to manipulate things from behind the scenes to make himself look good. He doesn't do so well in his personal life, suspecting his wife of feelings she doesn't have, and his manipulations threaten to destroy his marriage.
December 1, 2019
Mildly amusing book which was lent to me by a lady in my church who said I would love it!
Now finally finished I can move onto a book I WANT to read!
Now finally finished I can move onto a book I WANT to read!
September 7, 2020
Didn’t enjoy this as much as the previous book. This one seemed to be an afterthought and merely a vehicle for wrapping up some of the lives of the characters.
June 28, 2025
This is the sequel to Paradise Postponed. Government minister Leslie Titmuss gets caught up in plans for a new town to be built near Rapstone. He also falls in love with Jenny, a beautiful young widow, and his efforts to marry her,and then to understand her, bring a lot of difficulties into his life. Fred Simcox, his main adversary from Paradise Postponed, is again his adversary in a sort of way in this one, leading protests against the building of the new town. The earlier book had a few interesting characters who unfortunately are mostly dead in this one, Leslie Titmuss’s horrible mother in law, Grace, is on her way out ‘I’m bored with dying, Let’s have a cocktail party’ she says. Nothing really very interesting happens. Paradise Postponed had a sort of mystery to unravel - why did the Rev.Simcox make that will? But in this book there is no mystery. It is really a bit dull.
November 14, 2022
Disappointing sequel to the wonderful Paradise Postponed. The Reverend’s presence is sorely missed, while Lesley Titmuss, who anchors the story, is a lot less sympathetic. Old characters drift in and out but feel like strangers.
August 4, 2023
The book kept me interested but it became almost boring before it got exciting again. The beginning and the ending were the most exciting parts of the novel. A very good part of the trilogy of Rapstone novels.
November 3, 2025
Clever, funny, fast paced narrative which pokes fun and invites the reader to reflect upon our lives, politicians and our own self interests and hypocrisy of the rich and powerful. All neatly encapsulated in the tale of the spoiling of the countryside to accommodate a new town development.
September 22, 2018
These are easy books to read. They are not page turners where the plot urges you on but there is enough to keep interest at an easy pace. Comfortable reading.
October 30, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this!!
June 5, 2019
My first John Mortimer book. Very well written with engaging characters, even the unlikeable ones.
June 9, 2020
A good sequel to Paradise Postponed, yet lacking the appeal of the former. Having seen the television adaptation, it was difficult to get David Threlfall out of my mind while reading.
June 25, 2020
Sequel to 'Paradise Postponed'. I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first, but they are both very funny, beautifully written, satirical, with lifelike, believable characters.
March 24, 2022
Listened to on Audible. Such a clever, sad funny book.
April 16, 2022
Odd ending.
June 27, 2024
People confronted to change in a small quaint village in England, how they take advantage or lose from it. It's rather funny and easy to read
March 3, 2019
A brilliant satire, this novel is devilishly good in earning chuckles and sighs in equal measures. I picked this book quite accidentally in one of the op-shops because I was getting it quite cheap, but it so resonated with the environment worrier inside me that it seems it was written especially for people like me. Those who are cursed to look at the fallacy of "development" mantra of today, which translates to destruction of nature to satisfy lust for money and power.
But more than that, it's a rollicking black comedy, a tragic love story, a stellar character sketch, and a poignant commentary on passage of time and human struggles of coming to terms with it, all rolled in one manageable 200-odd page novel. There's several layers to the unfolding tale of Rapstone Valley v/s Fallowfield Country Town. The plus point is that the author didn't overlook the minor characters, which rather provide the unique palate of the story. E.g. the Arc of the character of Hector Bolitho Jones is an exceptional story in itself.
All in all, it was a satisfying read altogether.
But more than that, it's a rollicking black comedy, a tragic love story, a stellar character sketch, and a poignant commentary on passage of time and human struggles of coming to terms with it, all rolled in one manageable 200-odd page novel. There's several layers to the unfolding tale of Rapstone Valley v/s Fallowfield Country Town. The plus point is that the author didn't overlook the minor characters, which rather provide the unique palate of the story. E.g. the Arc of the character of Hector Bolitho Jones is an exceptional story in itself.
All in all, it was a satisfying read altogether.
September 22, 2013
I remembered Mortimer from watching PBS' adaptation of some of his Rumpole stories and found them wonderful. Full of dry wit, irony and black humor.
This novel is no different. Leslie Titmuss is a lot like Horace Rumpole. Both are psychically unimpressive but hide a razor like intellect. Yet, they are surrounded by back stabbers and idiots in droves.
Jenny almost drove me to hysteria. The idiot would rather reside with her 1st husband's mistress (for 4 years during their marriage and before) instead of forgiving Leslie for wanting Jenny to be with him and not Tony. Not to bring up Tony and compare him unjustly against Leslie's more flexible policies and views. Tony and his family turned out to be habitual liars in the end.
Leslie prospered - he was reunited with his son Nick. Ken was transferred to Northern Ireland and jenny lived as a spinster with Sue, her friend and Tony's mistress. Titmuss continued with Nick's boys vs. all others.
Loved and hated the ending.
This novel is no different. Leslie Titmuss is a lot like Horace Rumpole. Both are psychically unimpressive but hide a razor like intellect. Yet, they are surrounded by back stabbers and idiots in droves.
Jenny almost drove me to hysteria. The idiot would rather reside with her 1st husband's mistress (for 4 years during their marriage and before) instead of forgiving Leslie for wanting Jenny to be with him and not Tony. Not to bring up Tony and compare him unjustly against Leslie's more flexible policies and views. Tony and his family turned out to be habitual liars in the end.
Leslie prospered - he was reunited with his son Nick. Ken was transferred to Northern Ireland and jenny lived as a spinster with Sue, her friend and Tony's mistress. Titmuss continued with Nick's boys vs. all others.
Loved and hated the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2009
Sorry this is not a review but a social comment.
Mortimer is such a keen observer of human types that I find the characters and political issues in this book to be entirely relevant to contemporary questions in the western US. This book was written twenty years ago yet developers and country- lovers are still wrangling like RockEmSockEm Robots mindlessly playing out a computer program. Its kind of disturbing --- do we progress nowhere?
Titmuss is not a sympathetic character or a hero; this makes it hard to really love this book. We should not require protagonists to be perfect or better than human--- but I do like them to have more redeeming qualities than this manipulative cold fish. If Jenny rejects him I could understand why.
Mortimer is such a keen observer of human types that I find the characters and political issues in this book to be entirely relevant to contemporary questions in the western US. This book was written twenty years ago yet developers and country- lovers are still wrangling like RockEmSockEm Robots mindlessly playing out a computer program. Its kind of disturbing --- do we progress nowhere?
Titmuss is not a sympathetic character or a hero; this makes it hard to really love this book. We should not require protagonists to be perfect or better than human--- but I do like them to have more redeeming qualities than this manipulative cold fish. If Jenny rejects him I could understand why.
October 1, 2011
"Titmuss Regained" was written by John Mortimer, best known for "Rumpole of the Bailey." It's a comic novel about a British cabinet minister (Titmuss) and caught up in the politics of urban development. Great characters, very funny (in a dry, British way) and although published in 1990, very current on environmental issues and politics. Three stars instead of four or five, however, because the ending is a downer and a letdown--maybe more so because I really liked some of the characters (but not Titmuss).
Want to read
July 12, 2016* 1000 novels everyone must read: the definitive list
Selected by the Guardian's Review team and a panel of expert judges, this list includes only novels – no memoirs, no short stories, no long poems – from any decade and in any language. Originally published in thematic supplements – love, crime, comedy, family and self, state of the nation, science fiction and fantasy, war and travel – they appear here for the first time in a single list.
Selected by the Guardian's Review team and a panel of expert judges, this list includes only novels – no memoirs, no short stories, no long poems – from any decade and in any language. Originally published in thematic supplements – love, crime, comedy, family and self, state of the nation, science fiction and fantasy, war and travel – they appear here for the first time in a single list.
July 9, 2014
I was a huge fan of Paradise Postponed, so I expected to enjoy this much more than I did. But this time I just disliked Titmuss so much that I couldn't appreciate the sardonic tone.
April 4, 2008
Second installment of the Rapstone Chronicles. The social comedy is priceless.
June 12, 2010
Quite light reading but at the same time an insight into the workings of British politics. Very funny at times.
July 25, 2011
I liked this one better than Paradise Postponed. So many twists and turns and nothing trite about anything that happens. Very good!
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