The Go-Between
The Go-Between
L.P. Hartley
Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett recommended this book on the Parnassus Books website.
+
1
All books

The Go-Between

The Go-Between

L.P. Hartley
By
L.P. Hartley
4.0
12424
ratings on Goodreads

In the sweltering heat of an Edwardian summer, "The Go-Between" by L.P. Hartley captures the poignant tale of Leo Colston, a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, unwittingly entangled in a clandestine affair that will forever alter his understanding of love, class, and his own place in the world. As Leo becomes the reluctant messenger between Marian, a captivating woman of higher social standing, and Ted Burgess, a passionate farmer, he is drawn deeper into their illicit romance, navigating the complex tapestry of adult emotions and societal expectations. This masterful narrative not only delves into the innocence lost but also intricately portrays the rigid class distinctions of early 20th century England, offering a timeless exploration of human desires and societal constraints. L.P. Hartley's "The Go-Between" is an evocative journey through the eyes of a boy standing on the precipice of adulthood, forced to confront the realities beyond the innocence of youth. The novel's famous opening line, "The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there," sets the stage for a story that is as much about the personal awakening as it is a critique of the Edwardian era's social mores. With its richly drawn characters and the hauntingly beautiful setting of Brandham Hall, Hartley weaves a narrative that is both deeply moving and disturbingly tragic, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. Through Leo's eyes, we witness the power of secrets, the pain of betrayal, and the bittersweet taste of lost innocence, making "The Go-Between" not just a novel but an unforgettable experience into the complexities of the human heart.

Read more
Released
1953
1 Jan
Length
326
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Ann Patchett recommended this book on the Parnassus Books website.
The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.
— L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between

Similar recommendations

View all
Atlas Shrugged
23
people
person
The Alchemist
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
18
people
person
Siddhartha
Siddhartha
Hermann Hesse
16
people
person
Snow Crash
Snow Crash
Neal Stephenson
15
people
person
1984
1984
George Orwell
14
people
person
The Fountainhead
14
people
person
Anna Karenina
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy
11
people
person
Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky
10
people
person
Brave New World
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
10
people
person
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
10
people
person

This site is part of Amazon’s Associates Program. Purchasing books recommended by successful individuals through my links earns us a small commission, helping keep the site running, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!