Customer Reviews

Battle for Christabel

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Warning: if you favour a fast-paced, plot-driven read, avoid this book. By the time you've finished the first chapter, you'll probably have roughly worked out what happens throughout the rest of the book. However, if you're more interested in detailed characterisation and sharp wit, you won't be disappointed. 'The Battle for Christabel' has both in spades. Telling the tale of Isobel, whose best friend Rowena has recently died and left a young daughter, it manages to be highly emotive whilst never straying into cloying sentimental territory.

It has to be said, Forster is adept at creating utterly fascinating characters. You may not like a large portion of the characters - indeed, I doubt that many of them were created to be liked - but you cannot help but remain interested in them throughout the book, because they are just so undeniably human. In particular, I found the relationship between Isobel and Rowena thoroughly intriguing.

The book is not without its faults - the ending, I feel, is a bit flat, and there are some pretty amateurish attempts at imagery - but on the whole, this is a compelling, superbly-written novel tackling the thorny subject that is motherhood. Highly recommended.