Though I tried I just couldn’t get on with this book. A shame as other David Mamet titles I have enjoyed

I used to like Mamet. Didn’t realize he was a Nazi sympathizer. So that affects my enjoyment of anything he writes.

Presented as the memoir of Charles Hollis’ forty year career at the fictional St. Ives School, this is a sometimes esoteric commentary on the nature of education, youth, the military, politics, relationships, indeed, life itself. Hollis attended the school in the late 1800s, and later returned as an instructor and eventually headmaster from 1939 through the mid-60s.

This book will not be for everyone. Do not expect a smooth narrative. At times, the thoughts are meandering; at other times, succinct and to the point. Embrace this book for its rich use of language, historical perspective, keen observations, and the humor that lurks among the recollections.

A strange book! And I mean that as a compliment! The world of St. Ives was well built out and the characters were strange and real.