A Dance to the Music of Time Readalong #dancealong discussion

February 2019: Hearing Secret Harmonies

The most excellent sendoff for the series and one of my favourite of the books. I feel the story was very focused, unlike most of the books where we jump from one notable life event to another, and this helped give a sense of ending.
The character of Scorpio was a wonderful addition and the progress of his influence over other characters was fascinating. Widmerpool's decline felt very fitting while remaining both funny and tragic. Widmerpool had returned to being the subject of ridicule after getting power and 'respectablity'.
The shadow of long departed characters was felt (notably Mr Deacon and Dr Trelawney) in the events or the almost reincarnation of their characteristics in other younger characters.
There was a recurring thing throughout the book which i found increasingly funny. Characters (younger) would introduce Nick to someone or something he knew from the past (eg.Deacon's paintings or Jean) and then dismiss him when he said he knew them/it. Like someone who is old hasn't lead a life outside of their old age and couldn't know better.
Reading this series over the course of twelve months has been the most benefitial experience and is something i intend to do again in the future. Knowing how many of the character's lives will turn out and who is most important to Nick will make for a different experience on the re read.

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend
The end

Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes again