The Folks That Live on the Hill
The Folks That Live on the Hill is Kingsley Amis's 20th novel,[1] first published in 1990.[2]
 Cover of first edition (hardcover) | |
| Author | Kingsley Amis |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Matthew Cook |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy novel |
| Publisher | Hutchinson |
Publication date | 1990 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 246 pp |
| ISBN | 0-09-1741378 |
The novel's protagonist is Harry Caldecote, a retired librarian living in a fictional 'Shepherd's Hill' area of North London, suggested in fact to be Primrose Hill.[3] Harry is twice divorced and lives with his sister Clare. The novel describes the interaction of Harry's extended family of son Piers, brother Freddie, sister-in-law Desiree and Fiona and Bunty who are relatives of his former wives. The narration takes place in turn, from the viewpoint of the principal characters of the novel.[4] In this work, Amis lampoons the attitudes and lifestyles of the North London chattering classes.[5]
Reception
This work was compared favourably with Amis' Booker Prize-winning novel The Old Devils.[6] This late 20th century 'comedy of manners'[4] was described as 'cheerful and gregarious as a crowded saloon bar'.[4] It was also described as 'a pleasant, rambling, sometimes touching tale'.[7]
References
- Pritchard, William H. "The Folks That Live On The Hill". The New York Times.
- Amis, Kingsley (18 April 1990). The folks that live on the hill. Hutchinson. OL 1625242M – via The Open Library.
- Amis, Kingsley (1991). The Folks That Live on the Hill. ISBN 9780745172552.
- Parrinder, Patrick. "London Review of Books".
- Lyons, Gene. "Entertainment Weekly".
- "The Folks That Live on the Hill". Kirkusreviews.com.
- "The Folks That Live on the Hill". Publishersweekly.com.