in the middle of a review of Connie Willis’ “To Say Nothing of the Dog” (its title is the subtitle of this novel. I’d read her time-travel novel already. I don’t recall if it has a Montmorency, Harris, etc.) As to this novel it’s terrifically witty and insightful, and I’ve read it better late than never.

What a delight to read this classic. Sometimes I thought that I had read the passages before, but it must be that the jokes have been copied and retold. Every chapter is an adventure—even the historical ambulations. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

If their boat trip was condensed down to just the boat trip, this book would only be 2-3 chapters long. The rest of the book is full of “this reminds me of the time” and “I remember when” side stories. A side-story reminds him of another story, and that reminds him of another, etc, etc. Finding the woman in the river seemed out of place & unnecessary. The dry, British humor isn’t my “cup of tea” so most of the humor just comes off as annoying & forced at times. The good: Considering the year this was written, it is a smooth & easy read.

Very dry, even by British standards, and not funny or entertaining.