Author Description
Michael Fane arrives in the thin red house in Carlington Road to his new family of Nurse, Cook, Annie the housemaid, his younger sister Stella, and the occasional presence of Mother. From here, the novel follows the next twenty years of his life as he tries to find his place in the upper echelons of Edwardian society, through prep school, studies at Oxford, and his emergence into the wide world. The setting is rich in period detail, and the characters portrayed are vivid and more nuanced in their actions and stories than first impressions imply. Sinister Street was an immediate critical success on publication, although not without some worry for its openness to discuss less salubrious scenes, and it was a favourite of George Orwell and John Betjeman. Compton Mackenzie had attended both St. James’ school and St. Mary’s College at Oxford and the novel is at least partly autobiographical, but for the same measure was praised as an accurate portrayal of that experience; Max Beerbohm said “There is no book on Oxford like it. It gives you the actual Oxford experience.” Although originally published in two volumes (in 1913 and 1914) for commercial reasons, the two form a single novel and have been brought back together again for this edition.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Michael Fane navigates the complex social and intellectual landscapes of Edwardian England as he transitions from childhood to adulthood. The protagonist seeks to define his identity while moving through the rigid structures of prep school and the academic environment of Oxford. He faces internal conflicts regarding his place in society and the expectations placed upon him by his family and peers. The narrative follows a linear progression, documenting his physical and psychological development across two decades of life.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Detailed depiction of Edwardian social hierarchies
- Autobiographical elements reflecting the author's own schooling
- Extensive focus on the academic and social atmosphere of Oxford
- Exploration of the transition from childhood innocence to adult awareness
- Nuanced character development across a twenty-year timeline
- Rich, atmospheric prose capturing the period's specific cultural nuances
- Episodic structure documenting various stages of the protagonist's growth
- Candid examination of both refined and less salubrious social environments
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the novel's effectiveness in capturing the specific atmosphere of early twentieth-century academic life. Discussion often centers on the balance between the protagonist's internal growth and the external pressures of his social class. Many observers note the stylistic precision of the prose, which provides a detailed look at the Edwardian experience. The work is often cited for its influence on later writers, with many readers appreciating the depth of the character studies presented throughout the narrative.
Page Count:
832
Publication Date:
1960-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin Classic
ISBN-10:
014001490X
ISBN-13:
9780140014907
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age
Edwardian Era
Bildungsroman
Classic Literature