The Hireling (Capuchin Classics) [Paperback]

L. P. Hartley (Author), Jane Feaver (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009 | Series: Capuchin Classics

Emotionally paralyzed by grief at her husband’s death, Lady Franklin, an eligible young widow, unburdens herself to Leadbitter—a gallant, hard-bitten ex-soldier who has invested his savings, and himself, in the car he drives for hire—as he takes her on a series of journeys. He in turn beguiles her with stories of his nonexistent wife and children thereby weaning her from her self-absorption, but creating for himself a dreamlife with Lady Franklin at the heart of it. Half-hoping to make his dream come true, Leadbitter takes a bold step which costs him her company and brings the story to a dramatically unexpected end. The Hireling was made into a 1973 film starring Sarah Miles and Robert Shaw.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"L. P. Hartley possesses a genuine interest in problems of moral discrimination and a concern for human and civilized values that make it possible to relate him at his best to the tradition represented by Henry James, inherited perhaps by way of E. M. Forster."  —Gilbert Phelps, author, The Heart in the Desert

"One of the best novels he has produced . . . at least as good as The Go-Between."  —Daily Mail

About the Author

L. P. Hartley (1895–1972) is the author of 18 novels including, Eustace and Hilda, which won the 1946 James Tait Black Memorial Prize, and The Go-Between. Jane Feaver is the author of According to Ruth.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Capuchin Classics (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0955731259
• ISBN-13: 978-0955731259
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,399,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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