A provincial librarian finds himself drawn into an adulterous relationship. I suppose it is a comedy of manners...reasonably entertaining. ( )

Very readable, albeit with an implausible upbeat ending. This book reminded me a bit of the John Updike Rabbit books. From what I recall, they also featured a central character who was unsure about what he really wanted, was easily distracted and tempted, and was intrinsically lazy. John Lewis, an assistant librarian, in a small Welsh mining town, becomes involved with the flirtatious wife of a successful businessman who has influence over library job appointments. She promises him a guaranteed promotion.

To say that John Lewis doesn't know what he wants is an understatement - and on one level this novel is his journey to some kind of wisdom and self-insight. I suspect the book's themes might have had greater resonance in 1955, when the book was first published: disdain for pretension, self-effacing commentaries, the sense of being stifled by social structures, retreating into alcohol as a coping mechanism, manipulation, hypocrisy, etc.

Despite some weighty themes, in common with Lucky Jim, Kingsley Amis's first novel (and the only other one I have read), this book is very well written, with credible and recognisable characters, and has some amusing moments, including one laugh out loud chapter of high farce. Kingsley Amis appears to really enjoy making fun of his characters, most of whom are flawed and faintly ludicrous. A satisfying, sporadically funny, well written book that is very much of its time. ( )

In Wales, assistant librarian John Lewis has a young family and a small salary. A bit of a ladies’ man, John soon finds himself tempted by a seductive socialite who also offers a boost to his career--if he wants it bad enough.

Though written in 1955, this humorous portrait of modern life, including marriage, boredom and adultery, still holds up today. Also see the film Only Two Can Play (1962), starring Peter Sellers, based on Amis’ book. ( )

This is a book that hasn't aged well. The petty affairs and jobs and parties of the characters in the 1950s just never seem to be of interest - unlike my last Trollope, there is nothing in the book to make you want to care about them. Skippy read November 2009. ( )

.