The Rules of Engagement

Ok, so Rules of Engagement is not an action-packed novel; it is moving nonethless. Previous descriptions of Elizabeth and Betsy are accurate, and the reason they deserve Brookner's skilled description and dissection is that so many people, not just women, are just like them. They arrive at middle age not knowing how exactly how their early decisions determined the course of their lives. This is a reflective, analytical, beautiful novel that reveals much about life to those who read to the end.

As seen through the eyes of Elizabeth, a middle-aged Londoner with an upper middle-class upbringing, this book is a most prescient examination of what life can bring in that social milieu: respectable, but dull marriage, following all manner of "rules," loneliness, adultery, isolation, etc. As Elizabeth's life unfolds, it is her introspection that primarily interests the author. As usual Brookner is a master of the precise phrase, the pithy sentence, which does require a very careful reading. The appeal of this book is definitely towards those interested in reflecting on life's difficulties and vagaries.

I hesitate to call a book a masterpiece but that's the word that passed through my mind when I was carried to the conclusion of the book and was moved to tears... for a half an hour! A book hasn't made me cry in decades. This book was worth every tear because I experienced something profound and important about the human experience that I think makes me a better, more compassionate person. Ms. Brookner developed a subtle theme with such delicacy that I truly felt emotionally moved by a profound understanding of what can happen in a life when things don't go right for a person from the beginning. The book is very realistic and without being emotionally manipulative shows two lives develop out of family situations that formed shaky foundations. I have often thought that there are some stories that require a novel to tell them, stories about people that require not just a novel, but a work of art to convey exactly what their lives were. Ms. Brookner achieves such a work of art in The Rules of Engagement. In the end, I felt that I had experienced the essence of two people's lives. I listened to the audio version first, which is beautifully done, then bought the book for my library. Beautiful, delicate, masterful.

This is Anita Brookner at her very best. Fascinating, introspective examination of women and aging in Brookner's unmistakable style. Universal themes, written beautifully. I just reread it, liked it even better the second time. Underlined half of the book, so much was worth going back for. Higest recommendation!

RULES is an excellent book; Brookner an excellent writer--in fact, I find all her books except HOTEL DU LAC excellent; there is no better way to reflect on life than to read Brookner's books. If I could give RULES more stars to better its overall rating I would.