Brown shows how this scion of presidents made a philosophy of history out of his failure and his distaste for the moneymen and industrialists whose power waxed as that of the founding families waned. Along the way, Brown shows how Adams’s loves, friendships and animosities made up a discrete little current in a fast-changing society. Lennie, alas, did not reciprocate Danny’s affections but is in love with Alexander, another of the ruinous yearnings that mark the novel. Because this is doomy Yorkshire of old, an atmosphere of jealousy, passion and madness pervades the story. Narrator Helen MacFarlane’s good, strong voice; commanding manner; and deliberate pace help us keep everything straight in this artfully shuffled narrative.

Source: Washington Post January 08, 2021 13:52 UTC