A Dance to the Music of Time
A Dance to the Music of Time
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1951
Book Brief
734
Novel • Fiction
London • 20th century
1951
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Beginning in 1914 and ending in 1971, Anthony Powell’s twelve-volume epic A Dance to the Music of Time follows Nicholas Jenkins and a group of English acquaintances whose relationships evolve over decades, from school days to adulthood, through love affairs, war, and shifting social landscapes, capturing the nuances of 20th-century British life. The series features themes of war, loss, and mental health struggles.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Anthony Powell's A Dance to the Music of Time is celebrated for its acute social observations and rich character development, drawing readers into its lengthy exploration of 20th-century British life. Critics applaud its wit and intricately woven narrative but note its slow pace and dense prose as potential drawbacks. Fans of literary fiction and intricate storytelling may find it exceptionally rewarding.
Who Should Read A Dance to the Music of Time?
A reader who enjoys intricate social commentary and detailed character studies will find A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell compelling. Fans of Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time or Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited would appreciate Powell's exploration of British society across the 20th century.
734
Novel • Fiction
London • 20th century
1951
Adult
18+ years
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