Jane Gardam stirs a pinch of tragedy and a touch of farce into her story about a young girl who comes of age one glorious summer between the wars.

Over the course of one summer, the realities of life and the sexual ritual dance of the adult world creep into the life of young Margaret Marsh. Her father, preaching the doctrine of the unsavoury Primal Saints; her mother, bitterly nostalgic for what might have been; Charles and Binkie, anchored in the past and a game of words; dying Mrs Frayling and Lydia the maid, given to the vulgar enjoyment of life; all contribute to Margaret’s shattering moment of truth.

Shortlisted
The Booker Prize 1978
Published by
Hamish Hamilton
Publication date
Jane Gardam

Jane Gardam

About the Author

Jane Gardam was born in in Redcar, England. Her novel God on the Rocks was shortlisted for the 1978 Booker Prize.
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