THE CONSCIENCE OF THE RICH

by C. P. Snow ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Another in the continuing cycle (this is the seventh), pursues its observation and reflection of a certain segment of British society during the '20's and '30's and '40's with the sensibility and sense of spaciousness which have earned a critical recognition- rather than perhaps a wider readership- for C.P. Snow. Lewis Eliot is again the descreet spectator and commentator on the world be records; patterns and pressures-social, political and ethical take precedence over the personalities and personal incidents to some extent. This time he serves as an intermediary in the household of the Marches- an eminent Anglo-Jewish family- through his friendship for Charles March, with whom he reads for the bar. Mr. March, his father, has ""invested all his rejected hopes"" in Charles, so that when first he gives up the law, and then marries Ann Simon- who separates him further from his inherited identification- with the Jews and with those of a particular status- Mr. March becomes increasingly unforgiving. It is through Ann, and her membership in the Communist Party, that a smear against the Marches- particularly Sir Philip March- a political figure- is launched, but it is Charles who is left with the final decision to ally himself with his family- or default.... The market for the earlier books should clearly determine the demand for this new novel; it is leisurely, intelligent and incisive.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1957

Categories: FICTION