A Much Married Man

This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. Before I get to what I loved about it though I have to comment on the confounding marketing job on this book! The langorous youths on the cover implied something like Brett Easton Ellis set in England. Then the comments - "witty look at British moneyed class" -- had me thinking Julian Fellowes. Totally confusing! This book was nothing like either genres. Instead what we have is an unpretentious but fun rompish read about a sweet but plainly somewhat muddled man, Anthony Anscombe, who is refreshingly honest and straightforward and an altogether lovely protagonist, if a little infuriatingly short-sighted at times. But that's what we come to adore about Anthony, in particular his predilection for totally unsuitable women. As his life unfolds over the years, you may love/hate his wives but you'll always love him. I felt like his poor mother by the end of the book, like I'd lived a lifetime of hopes and disappointments with him. Yes, the plot details are a bit fantastic in places, and the women sometimes too unbelievable in their idiosyncracies. But they're never boring and defy stereotypes just enough to put them on the fine line between fascinating and acceptable. What is lovely about Anthony though is his wonderful relationships with his children. He may be terrible at reading women but he's great at understanding his children. There is nothing jaded in this book at all about Anthony's attitudes towards family loyalty. In all, a great read. Yes, it's witty and funny, but wittiness and mirth do not a great book make. It's much deeper than its frothy marketing job implies and it's much sweeter. If you yearn for that sweet old-fashioned age-old corner of the English countryside; and that sweet old-fashioned age-old corner of the human heart, look no further.

I agree with that last reviewer in that this book is nearly devoid of humor. I did not laugh or even smile once. This book is a historical drama, set over a 40-year time period, detailing the many romantic woes and subsequent offspring of one man. It is an extremely engaging read despite its length and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to become engrossed in a good story. My attention was held right up until the very last page--I was not the least disappointed.

In my opinion, you must trade credulity for an irrestible read. It is doubtful that even a quarter of the events in this book could have happened to one man - also doubtful that such a character would gladly surround himself with children - some not even related. The ending reminded me of "We'll rent a barn; we'll have a show!" the answer to all problems in old Judy Garland movies. Having said this, it's still true that if you love glimpses into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, you will find this book impossible to but down. One of the key words should be "feudal" - surely this describes Anthony lifestyle at Winchford. All those spare homes in which to deposit friends and illegimate offspring! How delicious! - and the bits with Dita as chatelaine of a grand English county home are fascinating. Buy it and take it on vacation along with the latest "Hello!" - you won't be disappointed!

You know, I've never read anything by Coleridge before (but I do plan to read his backlist now), but I don't THINK this novel is "slapstick" or "satire" or "rollicking funny". I think it's a well-written, enjoyable story. I'm not sure if the editorial reviewers read the same novel that I'm reading now. Good story, though.