Old Filth
Old Filth
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
289
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1940s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Old Filth by Jane Gardam, Sir Edward Feathers, an elderly widower, reflects on his life and prestigious legal career. Born in British-ruled Malaya and separated from his father, Feathers experiences a difficult childhood, tragic losses, and personal revelations. The narrative, which moves between past and present, reveals his enduring sense of failure and quest for redemption.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
26,289 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Old Filth by Jane Gardam has been praised for its rich narrative and deep characterization, particularly of its protagonist, Sir Edward Feathers. Readers appreciate Gardam's skillful exploration of themes such as loss, memory, and the British Empire's legacy. However, some find the pacing slow and the non-linear timeline challenging. Overall, it is a compelling read with nuanced storytelling.
Who Should Read Old Filth?
Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and intricate explorations of personal history, similar to those in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day or Julian Barnes's The Sense of an Ending, will be captivated by Jane Gardam's Old Filth with its richly detailed portrayal of a retired lawyer reflecting on his tumultuous life.
26,289 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
289
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1940s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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