Bought from a cheap shop in Hay on Wye

From Amazon
Major Brendan Archer travels to Ireland - to the Majestic Hotel and to the fiancee he acquired on a rash afternoon's leave three years ago. Despite her many letters, the lady herself proves elusive, and the Major's engagement is short-lived. But he is unable to detach himself from the alluring discomforts of the crumbling hotel. Ensconced in the dim and shabby splendour of the Palm Court, surrounded by gently decaying old ladies and proliferating cats, the Major passes the summer. So hypnotic are the faded charms of the Majestic, the Major is almost unaware of the gathering storm. But this is Ireland in 1919 - and the struggle for independence is about to explode with brutal force.

Both funny and sad, this is a novel set in a world now disappeared forever, and at a fascinating time. I really liked The Major, and could imagine the decaying splendour of the rooms at the majestic from the rich descriptions. The characters are memorable, and often very funny.

RELEASE NOTES:

sending to another bookcrosser - enjoy!

Thankyou, Heaven-Ali. What a lovely surprise after a long week at work.

What a strange book. There was an inevitability about the demise of the Hotel - a last bastion, sunk into lethargy much like the guests. The Major seems to have several lucky escapes from the women he chose - he sure could pick 'em.

I had real trouble (no pun intended) getting into the book but it exercised a strange fascination over me so I had to see what would go awry next, & what would happen to the Major who should have stayed away.

RELEASE NOTES:

Snet to geishabird in Canada for round 12.

Thanks very much! I have wanted to read something by J.G. Farrell for some time now; have heard good things about him.

So glad I finally got around to reading this - terrific book. Great writing and characters, wonderful atmosphere - I really felt like I could see the Majestic in all its decrepitude. Fascinating character studies of the various denizens of the hotel and Kilnolough against the disturbing and sinister backdrop of political turmoil. Thanks very much for sharing it!

Happy reading!