Headlong
Headlong by Michael Frayn
I really enjoyed this engaging literary romp around the mind of a philosopher (or, perhaps, more correctly, I should say his mind and his other mind) and through the 16th century dutch art world. Pleasantly written, with plot that jogs along just as you need it to, you find yourself digesting large amounts of European history without realising you are doing so. This is entertainment learning at its very best.
I liked the way the story flitted between 16th century Holland and 20th century rural England with such ease. I liked the recognisable, engaging characters - especially as they all seemed to warm and fill out as the book went along. Frayn's wit is sharp and pointed - almost to the point of pain at times. I was laughing out loud as Martin circled St James's Square for the seventh time in his clapped out landrover pulling a trailer bound together with baler twine and stinking of sheep's urine, only to miss out on the parking space because he wasn't looking! If there's one thing I didn't think matched the style of the rest of the novel it was the rather flat, cowardly denouement. But I'm not going to spoil the novel for you by telling how it ends.
One other thing. About half way through I realised the book would be so much more enjoyable if I'd had a big, glossy art book with all of Bruegel's pictures in it to hand. I didn't. And the book was too engrossing to put down for a few days while I requested one from the library. So, take a hint, unless you are familiar with the work of Peter Bruegel the Elder already, get a Bruegel book before you start.
