A Private View...or Poor Old George Bland

Yesterday we had a very interesting discussion of Anita Brookner's, A Private View.  I, myself, thoroughly enjoy the excitement when a book promotes such a diversity of opinions concerning the plot, characterization, and well....the likability of the book.  Sparks were flying (good sparks!) as participants illustrated their feelings about  the central character, George Bland.  George realizes, after his retirement, that he has wasted his entire life on "playing it safe."  When a new situation presents itself, George must decide to treat it in his usual manner by dismissing the intrusion into his world as quickly as possible, or stepping away from his predictable reaction to embrace something new...something that might wake him up to his life.

Half of the group felt the book was one big snore.  They couldn't get past the introspection and George's repeated self-admonishments that peppered the entire story.  Others felt that the book provided a melancholy journey of a man who desperately wanted to change, but was psychologically incapable of doing so- making this a heartbreaking cautionary tale.  The ending provides a glimmer of hope for George, and those who enjoyed the book grasped on to the  possibility with a vengeance.

Can you read between the lines and predict how I felt about the book?  That's right, a big thumbs up from me.  In my opinion, A Private View is not a quick snack.  It is a full course meal to be savored, digested and praised for the complexity and subtleties. I respect and defer to the opinions of my fellow book group members who would whole-heartedly disagree. 

How wonderful!!!!

Post Script: The discussion goes on!  One of our staffers commented that she continued to think about this book long after the book group meeting ended.  Her final thoughts on The Private View are as follows; " I think George never really decided what he wanted out of his life...and that is why he is so unhappy with himself."  (Some of us are rooting for you to take some action, George).