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A review by davideatworld
Something to Answer For by P.H. Newby
4.0
Once I've read a book I like to read a few reviews and see how my thoughts stack up against what the general consensus is. There seems to be an overriding opinion that this book is too confusing and the characters aren't likable enough.
On the second point, I think Townrow especially is not very likable, but he sets himself up. He's honest all the time that he's not a very nice person, and in that sense you admire his honesty and his sense of self.
Once again in terms of the complexity, it's an intentional plot device. Townrow narrates the book from a third person perspective but is himself confunsed about a lot of the details. It's a little odd at first to have a third-person perspective that isn't really sure whats going on, but you get used to it. And Townrow's misrememberings are a constant source of amusement.
On the second point, I think Townrow especially is not very likable, but he sets himself up. He's honest all the time that he's not a very nice person, and in that sense you admire his honesty and his sense of self.
Once again in terms of the complexity, it's an intentional plot device. Townrow narrates the book from a third person perspective but is himself confunsed about a lot of the details. It's a little odd at first to have a third-person perspective that isn't really sure whats going on, but you get used to it. And Townrow's misrememberings are a constant source of amusement.