A Question of Upbringing - post I

Whenever you start a book that is the first in a series, whether it is a trilogy or more, you are acutely aware that you may be introduced to characters that you have to live with for a long time.

The introduction to the world of Jenkins and his school boy friends is introduced in a magical scene where a childish imagination quickly extends an image of workers heating themselves in the fog to one of fantasy. The fog hides not just those fantasies but also the school and some of the more fantastic people who live inside it.

Very comfortably you are introduced to the world of Jenkins and his friends Stringham and Templer. The two boys are older than Jenkins and soon the cozy afternoons where they toast bread and fry sausages are a memory of the past.

But as the boys return home the story extends into their families. For Jenkins his Uncle appears on the scene first and to the embarrassment of his nephew starts talking about the family trust and his need of money. Then the world of Stringham is introduced with his wealthy mother and his divorced father living in Kenya. Templer is coming next.

This is one of the most inviting books that I have come across with the story and the characters drawing you into a world of the 1920s that far from being off putting is cozy and inviting. All the senses tell you that this journey is going to long but very enjoyable.

More soon…