The Lessons by Naomi Alderman REVIEW

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Started: 21/09/19

Finished: 07/10/19

Spoilers: No.

A thoroughly enjoyable literary fiction. The breath of fresh air I needed from my usual fantasy reads. It's books like these that remind me that literary fiction deserves much more of my attention.

Characters I've come to learn I really appreciate novels like these. They have no focus on a particular at all but instead plough all their focus into developing a certain set of characters over a period of time, in this case, from their early twenties in university, to their early thirties, trying to make lives for themselves. Trying to hold onto the fond memories of their youth whilst struggling to accept that things have change, and they have changed too.

The dynamic in this group was wonderful to observe and watch it grow, then wither, the ebb and flow of all friendships made during school. Although contact can be re-established, expecting things to be the same as they were in school is foolish. People grow.

I found James's relationship with Jess so refreshing and genuine. There were plenty of opportunities for him to mess it up, and plenty of opportunities for her to get angry and end things, but neither took those opportunities. Jess was so reasonable all the time, and so understanding of James's complex relationship with Mark. I appreciated her so much for that, and she was probably my favourite for it.

Now, James's relationship with Mark was something far more twisted and toxic. Broken and abusive. As a millionaire used to getting anything he wants whenever he wants it, Mark never truly learnt any lesson from his actions. He never came to realise that people can't be bought or tossed aside when you no longer need them. Although Mark's character underwent some major trauma and changes, he was the only character who failed to grow because of them, rejecting the idea of change and reverting back to his old ways. Wanting instead to hold onto his old Oxford life. In the very end, Mark was the same, obnoxious, snobbish jerk he had been at the beginning, just far more damaged inside. And despite this terrible repeating cycle in Mark, I could never hate him. He was tragic from the outset, and could only ever pity him.

As for Franny, Simon and Emmanuella, it was having long periods apart that taught James that, when they finally all reuinited, he didn't much like his friends anymore, and didn't like the people they'd become.

Plot This book has been marketed as something for fans of The Secret History, and though the essence is there, it doesn't have the same atmosphere at all. This book actually has the group dynamic of The Secret History, but with the atmosphere of Brideshead Revisited. Both of which I loved, so this really isn't a bad thing.

The book breezes through James's years at Oxford, cherry-picking only the most significant events from this experience. After leaving Oxford, the group thereafter going their separate ways, the next ten years or so of their lives is mentioned in passing. The main points of focus over these years are the scant few times the group gets together again in a bid to rekindle the old flames of their friendships.

They realise that without Mark, there's little holding them together. He was the pillar of the group, their reason for all being friends in the first place. So needless to say when Mark makes his return to their circle things become far more interesting for them all.

Even though the writing was slow and not much happened story-wise, I still found myself excited get back to it each night just to see what the characters were up to next. Like checking in with old friends, just making sure they're okay.

The ending felt a little abrupt and somewhat unresolved, but given the toxic situation James found himself in, I was happy with his decision at the very end. It didnt feel like a happy ending or a sad ending, it was just an ending, and hopefully a beginning too, for James. Throughout the latter half of the book, the atmosphere felt suffocating and opressive. James needed to do what he did, and in doing so, as I reader, I felt like I could final draw a full breath again.

Abrupt as the ending may be, there was something hopeful sitting beside the melancholy, and I was ultimately happy with it.

Setting I really enjoyed the Oxford University setting. It was written with knowledge and care, and I could visualise the old buildings, and the libraries like I was there. It shines a, quite often harsh, light into the life of students of an elite university. It's tough and if you can't keep up, you will find no pity or mercy from the university professors. It's like boot camp for the brain.

After graduation we see the characters move to London to create lives for themselves. The change of scenery is described in far less glorious detail, perhaps purposely to paint Oxford, and the memory of the characters's youth in a much more appealing light. Their lives after graduation seem almost dull and lacklustre compared to the dazzling wonder of their time in Oxford.

Writing Style I really liked the author's writting style. I found it clear and intelligent whilst still maintaining its readability. I found it incredibly easy to read and the short chapter lengths made 'one-more-chapter' an unavoidable reality.

I don't know what year it's meant to be set in as it's never stated, but judging from the lack of technological gadets and the use of pay phones, I'd say sometime before the 90s.

The dialogue was very interesting and enticing, each word carefuly picked to create an atmosphere or add to a building tension. The flow of the words was smooth, never stiff or clunky and I found myself racing through the chapters.

Just a small thing. I do wish university terms were explained just a little. As someone whose never been to university, I had no idea what a lower second or upper second was (still don't), nor which was better in terms of grade.

Final Impression Ultimately, I enjoy these plotless, character driven stories a great deal, and The Lessons was no different. I think I would have liked to have seen James settled at the end, but leaving the conclusion so open and full of bright possibilities allows the readers to imagine whichever outcome we desire for James.

I think the main lesson to be learnt from this book is that change is inevitable, and you can either run from it or run to it.