Reading the 20th Century discussion

Not sure if this author has been picked up in RTTC or if anyone has read him ?

I read his most famous short story A Woman Seldom Found earlier this year which prompted me to order The Body , his debut novel , from the library .

If you like Patrick Hamilton I can recommend it . A dark , twisting tale of obsession and suspense set just after WW2 it inhabits a similar, if more suburban, landscape of bedsits , pubs ,car showrooms and dance clubs . The seediness and loneliness lurking underneath respectability . I gulped it down .

I think his novels have been republished by Faber and Faber but my copy was last borrowed in 1990! Apparently it was a favourite of Anthony Burgess

I haven't heard of him, Hester, but the Patrick Hamilton comparison is intriguing. I'm pretty sure we haven't read him in the group - could be a new discovery!

Sounds fab


Thanks Hester

I can see two books currently in print, one a book of stories the other Westminster at War. He looks intriguing, thanks Hester. Everything else seems to be out of print but possibly available through AbeBooks.

There’s a few titles available on eBay.

I volunteer at the Oxfam bookshop near me so will be keeping an eye out for his work.

If I can find a reasonably priced edition, then I will definitely be giving him a go.

Thanks again Hester

Oh , let me know what you find at Oxfam Nigel . There's definitely a sense of despondency in The Body, with alcohol and pub life providing temporary respite . The middle aged men are both well drawn in their insecurities and self deceptions and the central theme of pathological jealousy builds to a disturbing climax.

I’ve ordered an old Penguin edition of The Body off eBay which I now notice isn’t on GoodReads. I’ll be putting that right before much longer

It was the mention of the pub which gave me the final push

Thanks again Hester



I look forward to comparing notes about The Body with you

This is the edition I have ordered....