The Bolter is a non-fiction biography of Idina Sackville, a woman who scandalised 1920s society by marrying five times and having numerous love affairs.
Idina had a really interesting life, but this book fails to capture the essence of the woman. The writing is quite dry, and at times very boring. I think this book would have benefited from being written as a piece of historical fiction, so that some life could be breathed into each of the characters. I would have loved to have had a greater insight into the thoughts and feelings of Idina, instead of a list of two-dimensional people she met.
The reader also wasn’t credited with much intelligence, and I found myself being irritated by over-explanation of many things. I think the worst offender was this:
“He hadn’t seen him for five months, almost half a year.”
Overall, I was very disappointed by this book. The back cover makes it sound so interesting, but ultimately it failed to live up to my expectations.
How disappointing that the writer could not make that one interesting. It really sounds as if it would be a piece of cake
It definitely has a good concept, although she would fit right into today’s lifestyle! You have had some back luck, the last couple of books. I will hope for a quick turn of fortune in finding a compelling read!
I have a problem with over-explanation too. I found that a lot in Rescue by Nicholas Sparks, it just puts me off.
I just finished this yesterday and I absolutely loved it, I think it might be because of the era and also the fact I knew nothing of her or the Happy Valley first… and the fact I love all things Mitford!
Simon – I think we can safely say we don’t share the same taste in books!