Review: Here We Are by Graham Swift
by The Borrowers Book Group Kesgrave Library
The Borrowers Book Group at Kesgrave Library share their thoughts on Here We Are, written by Booker Prize winner Graham Swift.
About Here We Are
It is Brighton, 1959, and the theatre at the end of the pier is having its best summer season in years. Ronnie, a brilliant young magician, and Evie, his dazzling assistant, are top of the bill, drawing audiences each night. Meanwhile, Jack - Jack Robinson, as in 'before you can say' - is everyone's favourite compère, a born entertainer, holding the whole show together.
As the summer progresses, the off-stage drama between the three begins to overshadow their theatrical success, and events unfold which will have lasting consequences for all their futures. Rich, comic, alive and subtly devastating, 'Here We Are' is a masterly piece of literary magicianship which pulls back the curtain on the human condition.
Borrow a copy of Here We Are on our catalogue →
Book group review
This book prompted lots of discussion for a book group. It is very evocative of the time, the 1950s, almost like an old 50’s film. Although there is no extended description of place or setting, there is a strong sense of place at the seaside in the days of popular pier variety shows. We thought it had a retro feel, a very British novel.
There is no plot, but rather the book concentrates on relationships and the characters’ development, but does include a mystery at the end. Unusual for a book, we liked all the characters and understood them, even the toughness of Agnes, hardened by her experiences through the Blitz.
The reader comes to know the characters through their inner thoughts and indirect speech. The writing is really good, succinct and spare, full of details describing this magical escape from the real world. The experience of Ronnie as an evacuee is captured very well, optimistically and comically from his thoughts and observations.
Recommendation: Wonderful cover of the parrot! Was slow to engage for some of the group at the beginning but then absorbing. Not a long read either at 195 pages.
Love books? Want to discuss them in a reading group? Find out how to get started →