This novel follows the life of Eleanor Maud Portman, or Elly, from childhood to adulthood, and chronicles her relationship with her brother Joe, as well as other prominent characters throughout the story. Spanning from the late 1960s through the 1970s in England to the early 2000s in New York, the first person narrative depicts the turbulent and fictitious life of Elly against the backdrop of political and cultural history.
The first half of the novel takes place in England. From the beginning, protagonist Elly narrates the story, starting with her birth in 1968 in Essex. When she is a toddler, Elly's grandparents die in an unexpected car crash, and Elly's mother spirals into depression. Four-year-old Elly is precocious and befriends her new elderly neighbor, Mr. Golan. The seemingly gentle 80-year-old man is an alleged concentration camp survivor, and Elly starts believing that he is her best friend. After Mr. Golan molests her, Elly confides in her brother Joe, who promises to keep her secret. Joe discreetly confronts his sister's abuser, and Mr. Golan eventually commits suicide.
The first half of the novel takes place in England. From the beginning, protagonist Elly narrates the story, starting with her birth in 1968 in Essex. When she is a toddler, Elly's grandparents die in an unexpected car crash, and Elly's mother spirals into depression. Four-year-old Elly is precocious and befriends her new elderly neighbor, Mr. Golan. The seemingly gentle 80-year-old man is an alleged concentration camp survivor, and Elly starts believing that he is her best friend. After Mr. Golan molests her, Elly confides in her brother Joe, who promises to keep her secret. Joe discreetly confronts his sister's abuser, and Mr. Golan eventually commits suicide.
-
Publisher
Related Book
