Arnold Bennett was a very popular author in the early twentieth century, especially for his novels set in and around the pottery producing towns in the middle of England. He also wrote four books about the Clayhanger family, which I have been reading. The fourth, and final, novel in the series is The Roll-Call which was first published in 1918 before the end of WW1. The previous novel in the series was These Twain and you can see my review here – this also links to my reviews of the first two books. I think it helps to have read the books in order but it would not be be impossible to read this fourth installment as a stand-alone story.
This book tells the story of George Cannon, the son of Hilda Lessaways and the step-son of Edwin Clayhanger. This young man has come to London to pursue a career as an architect, as his father had wanted to do many years before. He uses his family connections and soon has a post where he begins to do well. He mixes with progressive young people and falls in love. He learns that he has a lot to learn. He wins a major award and has to deal with the reactions of those around him to his success. It’s a coming-of-age story, and the snippets of what we learn about his family will delight those who have read the first three books.
Then, WW1 starts and George enlists. Everything changes. George is no longer the successful man about town but one of many, all working together with a common aim. Now he really grows up and we see how superficial his previous life was. We know, but the characters don’t and nor does the author when writing the book, how long the war will last and what the result will be. We have also, in a century or so since the war’s end, learned to place this war in the context of many other great events. George cannot do this. He is consumed with a need to be part of this great endeavour and he doesn’t know whether or not he will end the war alive.
This is a book written, and originally read, in a mood of patriotism when life was very uncertain. This makes it interesting to read at this distance. The contrast between the two sections of the book is well done and reflects well the disruption that war brings into lives. A very interesting read and a good end to this series of four books.
Anne Is Reading 