The Golden Hours by Louisa Young review
Elizabeth Jane Howard’s niece has picked up the thread of her much-loved family saga series, taking the story into the 1960s
TL;DR
- The Cazalet Chronicles, a family saga by Elizabeth Jane Howard, spans three decades from 1937 to 1956 in the original five books.
- Louisa Young's 'The Golden Hours' is the sixth book in the series, set in the early 1960s and focusing on the next generation of the Cazalet family.
- The novel is praised for its accurate mimicry of Howard's writing style and its engaging continuation of the characters' lives.
- Writing a continuation novel is controversial, but Young benefits from her personal connection to Howard and her extensive writing experience.
- Despite minor flaws like occasional contrived dialogue, 'The Golden Hours' is considered a delightful addition that captures the series' essence.
- The overarching theme of change versus continuity, and self-knowledge, is central to the series and well-handled in the new book.
- Two more volumes are promised, extending the Cazalet saga further.