God on the rocks (by Jane Gardam)

(Amazon UK link)

The writer Jane Gardam's books look modern and 'literary'. I wouldn't normally pick up that kind of book, but found these very inexpensively in a school sale. So I thought I might try something different....

I should have trusted my instincts.

'God on the rocks' turns out to be a very strange social novel. It's based early in the twentieth century, featuring a young girl who overhears a lot of conversations.

I think it's probably cleverly written, but it really isn't my kind of book. I know it's supposed to be literary fiction - it was even short-listed for a prize. But I found it confusing, and didn't enjoy it much. However it's popular in some circles so don't necessarily take my word for it. 

I don't suppose I'll re-read it. Then again, perhaps I should try it afresh in a few years in case I missed something.