Book review:

Empire Close

M.J. Boyle succeeds, once again, in taking an inspired look at British society.                                            

Empire Close is where Ted (the main character) has spent his entire married life. There are only six houses, but each has a story to tell. As Ted sits by his bay window looking out, feeling nostalgic and confined, he recollects the people who now have left the Close. The families he felt so akin to, the families he so respected. As they moved out, others, with whom he felt no bond whatsoever, moved in. As stated on the book cover, “when a man faces his destiny, destiny ends and man comes into his own” and accordingly Ted is forced to face up to the fact that his house also harbours a story. One he knew nothing of, one which will potentially change his life.                                                                                

Ted is a perfect protagonist –on the one hand you want to despise him for his snobbery, on the other you feel compelled to feel sorry for him in his situation.                                                                                 

Whichever emotion prevails, you feel you`ve enjoyed a good read.

Karl, Germany

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