A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME : Volume 3 THE ACCEPTANCE WORLD

Volume three has our narrator out into the real world where he and his circle have to confront all of life's realities even with their wealth and social advantages.

This volume is very funny with much of the story centered on the London art world.

We see a more casual side to the socialising in this volume. That is to be expected I suppose as we are now into the late 1920's early 1930's with the " slump" underway. Characters political beliefs are coming to the fore with the upper class love affair with Marxism becoming apparent with several of them.

The annual 'Le Bas' dinner is hilarious, not just the writing but the images invoked because of the manners of the time.

And Nick starts to get some sex, which has been a while coming - he hasn't made the most of his opportunities up until now.

Roll on volume four.

A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME : Volume 2 A BUYERS MARKET

This is volume 2 of the 12 part novel. Most of the characters introduced in Volume 1 make another appearance.

The scenarios here have Jenkins, attending a ball, a party and a dinner party. In fact the majority of the story takes place over one evening.

We see Nicholas starting to grow up and become involved in many more adult situations. There is an abortion procured by one of his associates and homosexuality causing problems for another. These problems are not written about overtly but that is just the way Powell has written this, and there is no need to be totally explicit anyway.

Once again there is this marvellous scene setting which draws you into this world of wealth and privilage.

I have come to the conclusion already that this is very much a soap opera but on a scale never attempted before. The whole thing is just fascinating, it flows so smoothly that you don't even realise that characters are being developed all the time, except for Jenkins our narrator who is just a conduit for information.

Again a wonderful experience.

NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND - Bill Bryson

If you like your travel writing funny, loaded with sarcasm, with many wry observations and an obvious love of the subject then this is for you.

Written 15 years ago after living in the UK for 20 years this is a memoir come travelogue of a farewell trip about Britain prior to returning to the US for a while.

I first read it 15 years ago and having just re-read it is still as funny and enlightening as the first time.

Bryson covers everything from grand palaces and stately homes to dealing with fascist " Bed and Breakfast" operators. The run ins with petty authority are a highlight throughout. Having the remnants of a bowel movement pointed out to you by your landlady is something that most travellers could have done without.

There are lots of facts and figures ( 30,000 place names in Britain ), but its never boring.

Lots of fun to read. Recommended.