Hugo Charteris (1922–1970)

When A Share of the World was published in 1953, Evelyn Waugh called it the book of the year. The early novels of Hugo Charteris (1922 - 1970) were received enthusiastically, while the author was named one of the most talented authors of the post-war generation. Charteris published 11 novels, of which The Indian summer of Gabriel Murray was the last, published in 1968, two years before his death from cancer.

The Indian summer of Gabriel Murray describes the reclusive life of Gabriel Murray, a retired naval officer. Murray's life is rather uneventful, and reminiscences of his life, memories tied to the house, Bindles, and objects in the house, create an image of the British aristocratic life of the first part of the Twentieth Century. The sea and memory of ships is never far away.

In an odd juxtaposition, the quiet life on the Scottish sea board is invaded by elements of modern life: and love, a romance late in life.

The novel is well-written, but did not make any sense to me.… (mehr)