Virago Modern Classics described this novel as ‘years ahead of its time’. It was an instant best-seller, in Britain and France. Is it still a satisfying read? Lehmann presents us with characters who inhabit a different sphere of society to Sherriff’s. Who are they? How do these people fit with our idea of the era? Do they fit our era? We’ll discuss the writing style, the situations, and think about the themes.

Please read the whole novel prior to the session, as we will be thinking about and discussing the overall shape of the story.