The Sparsholt Affair
The Sparsholt Affair
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Brief
Beta454
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • 1940s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Sparsholt Affair by Alan Hollinghurst explores the lives of two men entwined by a historic scandal. The narrative unfolds over several decades, tracing their experiences and societal changes. Themes of identity, desire, and social transformation are examined through their personal journeys, highlighting the impact of past events on future generations.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
8,276 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alan Hollinghurst's The Sparsholt Affair is praised for its elegant prose and intricate exploration of gay identity across generations. The novel's shifting timelines and multifaceted characters captivate readers. However, some find the sprawling narrative lacks focus and depth in parts. Overall, it is a sophisticated meditation on societal change and personal legacy.
Who Should Read The Sparsholt Affair?
A reader who enjoys The Sparsholt Affair by Alan Hollinghurst likely appreciates richly detailed narratives and complex character studies set against historical backdrops. Ideal for fans of E.M. Forster's Howards End and Julian Barnes' The Sense of an Ending, they value themes of identity, society, and sexuality.
8,276 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
454
Novel • Fiction
Oxford, England • 1940s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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