Helpful Score: 11
Harris is the author of Chocolat, which I've read and enjoyed, and Gentlemen and Players is just as enjoyable, though very different. It takes place at a private British boys' school and is told by two narrators: an elderly veteran teacher who has devoted his life to the school, and a young new teacher who holds an old grudge against the school and has created an elaborate plan to bring it crashing down, along with as many lives and reputations as necessary.
Although I've never really had any interest in British boys' schools, this was a page-turner. The war of nerves the young teacher unleashes on the school is truly creepy. My husband thought the twist at the end was a bit of a cop-out, but I thought it was great. Read it and decide for yourself.
Although I've never really had any interest in British boys' schools, this was a page-turner. The war of nerves the young teacher unleashes on the school is truly creepy. My husband thought the twist at the end was a bit of a cop-out, but I thought it was great. Read it and decide for yourself.
Helpful Score: 9
Better than expected, a good read that pulls you in after the first 100 pages or so.
I had a hard time getting started, didn't care for the first person writing of two different characters.. and at two different time periods at that. But I stuck with it and after 50 pages started enjoying it and after 100 just couldn't put it down.
Nice twist, good solid writing.
I had a hard time getting started, didn't care for the first person writing of two different characters.. and at two different time periods at that. But I stuck with it and after 50 pages started enjoying it and after 100 just couldn't put it down.
Nice twist, good solid writing.
Helpful Score: 7
This was an excellent read - it had a very unexpected twist at the end which I didn't see coming. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 5
Exclusive St. Oswald's Boys School is the setting for a wonderfully written story of conflict between a "Mr. Chips" type teacher and a student (later colleague). At the start of fall term, minor annoyances escalate to kidnapping and murder. It will keep you engrossed.
Helpful Score: 4
So far this is the contender for the best book I have read this year. Harris lets out the story bit by bit, whetting your appitite for more with each chapter. The book is a mystery, a morality tale, a glimpse into life in a private boys school, a story of revenge. Her characters are fully drawn, with both darkness and humor. The twist will make you go "Whoa!"
