This is the first of the Deptford Trilogy by the late Robertson Davies. This award-winning Canadian author has a compelling style that draws you in from the first page. Written as a letter to his headmaster (he was the assistant headmaster) and delivered posthumously, the letter basically recalls all the salient events of his life. And though he comes across as a "reasonable man" who is not inclined to emote or dramatize events, he certainly has participated in some of the most remarkable occurrences. The term "Fifth Business" is described as a role in drama that is neither hero nor villain, but without which the story could not be told. Not the luminary, yet essential nonetheless. You begin to understand that he is describing himself as this character throughout. While not the luminary himself, he nevertheless is the thread that winds through all the other lives and through which their lives are told. Engaging, entertaining and educational. Definitely a good read. Makes you want to read the rest of the trilogy - "The Manticore" and "World of Wonders" - along with others of the 30 or so books by this fine author.
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