I’ve just finished Engleby by Sebastian Faulks. Apart from being immensely enjoyable it’s a fascinating demonstration of how to do first person narration and what can be achieved by its use. In particular, it is amazing how he manages to allow his character to express his views of others, society and the world as a totally natural and integrated part of the general narrative and how he uses that process to make the reader both identify with him and stand back from him simultaneously. This is the first of Faulks’s books that I’ve read and I’m most impressed.

My reason for posting the comment is that there are always questions being asked on ww about the first and third person options. In considering the merits and possibilities of first, this has to be a must read. I’ve always tended towards third, but this has made me think.

Another interesting feature of the book is its use of documents but, unusually, not in their actual form but as selectively (and possibly unreliably) remembered or misremembered by the narrator.

There may be strong views about Engleby, the character not being everybody’s cup of tea. But what do people think about the writing?

Chris

I loved Engleby and loved his depiction of the unreliable narrator. It seemed to be to be a very easy read which is always a good sign of the writer's skill! Sorry, I can't be more analytical than that because it's ages since I read it.

Must admit that the bits of Faulks I've tried haven't grabbed me at all, but this:

Another interesting feature of the book is its use of documents but, unusually, not in their actual form but as selectively (and possibly unreliably) remembered or misremembered by the narrator.

is really interesting. Documents are interesting anyway, and another layer is even more fun. Must have a look.

Emma

I loved this book. Very clever and also a good use of the unreliable narrator. It actually made me shout 'no - don't do that' at one point (I think you'll know the point I mean) and it also made me laugh a lot. Still remember Ken Livingston's trousers!

Jem / SB

You're right. He's pulled off the trick of making it very cleverly constructed while remaining highly readable.

Emma

the bits of Faulks I've tried haven't grabbed me at all

I've not read anything else by him so can't comment on that. However, I have seen it suggested that Engleby was quite different from anything he produced before, so it could be worth ignoring previous experience.

Chris