A Question of Upbringing

In 1921 Widmerpool formed a concrete picture in Nick Jenkins's mind. He always seems alone. He never places in the events for which he trains vigorously. His footwear squeaks. Nick's Uncle Giles visits when Nick is with Charles Stringham. Uncle Giles believes that all material advancement in life is a result of influence. Jenkins's other particular friend at school during the instant time period is Peter Templer. ... Read Full Review

A Question of Upbringing by Anthony Powell Anthony Powell's "A Question of Upbringing" is the first part of his mammoth twelve novel epic "A Dance to the Music of Time". He writes with wit, humour and not a little sarcasm, describing a quintessential Englishness that perhaps was never representative of the society and has, arguably, disappeared. He wrote this first volume in 1951 and, though the book starts with a London... Read Full Review

I have read many of the twelve volumes a couple of times, and each reading leads to new treasures. Powell is a superb writer with a compassionate but realistic view of upper class England in the years from 1930 to 1960. You can start with any of the 12 but it is better to start with the first book. Prepare yourself for a literary feast!

This is not a stand-alone novel. It is more like a long first chapter and leaves one hanging at the end. The characters are entertaining and the narrative is slightly humorous. Very intricate prose style, you need to take a little time with it. Set in England in the 1920's among the fairly well-to-do. That kind of setting always plays well in Citrus Heights.