Having read Kate Atkinson’s two most recent books, Life After Life and A God in Ruins, as well as some of her Jackson Brodie mysteries, I’ve been curious about her earlier novels and was pleased to see this one from 1997 on the library shelf. I knew nothing about this novel before I started to read it and I think that was a good thing because this is a story packed with surprises, plot twists and weird and wonderful occurrences. I have done my best here to give you an idea of what the book is about without giving too much away.
Human Croquet is narrated by sixteen-year-old Isobel Fairfax who lives with her family in a house called Arden in a small town somewhere in the north of England. Isobel’s family consists of her brother, Charles, their Aunt Vinny, and their father Gordon, who has recently returned after a long absence, bringing with him a new wife, Debbie. Gordon’s first wife, Eliza – mother of Isobel and Charles – disappeared years ago, although her presence at Arden can still be felt in small and unexpected ways. Throughout the novel we move between the Present (Isobel’s life in the 1960s) and the Past (in which we learn more about the early days of Gordon’s marriage to Eliza and the events leading up to her disappearance).
Now, this might all sound quite straightforward so far, but I’ve promised some surprises, plot twists and weird and wonderful occurrences – and yes, there are plenty of those! One of the first indications we get that something is not right in Isobel’s world comes when she finds herself suddenly slipping through time, briefly emerging in another period before just as suddenly returning to her own time. Charles, who is obsessed with the paranormal, is envious, telling her she must have experienced a time warp. But this is only the beginning of a series of increasingly bizarre things which happen to Isobel and her family. Things also become darker and darker as Isobel tries to make sense of what is going on and the truth about Eliza is slowly revealed.
Human Croquet is a wonderfully creative and imaginative story in which Atkinson plays with time and with our perceptions of what is real and what is unreal. The novel is rich in literary references and allusions; the name of Isobel’s home, Arden, brings to mind the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and both the Shakespearean theme and the forest/tree symbolism continue throughout the book. Even the title, Human Croquet, has a meaning which only really becomes clear right at the end of the novel and which made me think again about Isobel’s role in the story.
My favourite thing, though, about this – and all of Atkinson’s books – is the characterisation. Isobel’s narrative voice is very strong and distinctive, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and peppered with witty observations, self-deprecating humour and clever wordplay. Through Isobel’s eyes the rest of the Fairfax family, as well as their friends and neighbours, come to life in vivid detail. Among the most memorable are the people next door, timid Mrs Baxter and her daughter Audrey, both of whom live in fear of the sinister ‘Daddy’. The Fairfaxes are not the only troubled family in Human Croquet; this is definitely not a happy story, so I was pleased to find that there are some lighter moments to alleviate the darkness.
I haven’t read anything by Kate Atkinson yet that hasn’t impressed me; I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her earlier books, as well as Started Early, Took My Dog, the only Jackson Brodie novel I haven’t read yet. What is your favourite Kate Atkinson book?
I find it hard to pick a favourite, because I’ve found something to love in all of Kate Atkinson’s books that I’ve read. I’d like to go back and do some re-reading, because I remember loving this when it was quite new, but I’d forgotten most of the reasons why.
I’ve found a lot to love in every book I’ve read by Kate Atkinson too, although I still have quite a few more left to read. I think this would be a good one to re-read as there are so many things that don’t become clear until the end.
My favourite is Emotionally Weird. Stuck with me on lots of levels. Also went to Dundee Uni, where it’s set.
I’m looking forward to reading that one!
I just finished A God in Ruins this morning and it made me wish I had another of her books on hand to read immediately. It’s my favourite so far. I’ll be looking out for this one, thanks.
I enjoyed A God in Ruins, though not quite as much as Life After Life. This one has some similar themes, but the story is very different.
I read this so long ago that I can barely remember it, but so far, I have loved everything Atkinson has written.
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Atkinson so far too, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of her books.
Kate Atkinson is an author I have mixed feelings about: some of her books — Life After Life, A God in Ruins, Behind the Scenes at the Museum — are huge favourites, some are OK but I wouldn’t reread (the mysteries), and at least one, Emotionally Weird, I just did not get. I don’t think I even attempted Human Croquet. But I would highly recommend Behind the Scenes if you haven’t read that one yet.
No, I haven’t read Behind the Scenes yet. I’m pleased to hear you would recommend it!
Atkinson certainly writes one-of-a-kind novels. I like that about her. I haven’t read this one, but I’m intrigued by the story and all the twists and turns that you hint at in your review…and I really like the title. 🙂
Yes, her books are definitely one-of-a-kind! Human Croquet is an intriguing title and I didn’t really understand it’s connection to the story until the end of the book.
I loved Life After Life and have this one in the TBR so I might move it closer to the top after reading your review!
I loved it and I definitely think it’s worth moving further up the TBR!
I sadly haven’t read anything by Kate Atkinson, but the more I hear about her and her books the more I want too! I particularly love the sound of this book 🙂
I’ve enjoyed all of the Kate Atkinson books I’ve read. Life After Life is probably my favourite, but this one is good too.
I like the Brodie novels but I was blown away by Life After Life, I’ve recommended it to many people. A God in Ruins was also wonderful, but Life After Life is definitely my favorite. I didn’t know about Human Croquet, so I’ll have to look for it. Thanks for the review!
Life After Life is a great book, isn’t it? Human Croquet isn’t as good, but still definitely well worth reading.
This one sounds really good Helen!
It is! It’s not my favourite Atkinson novel but I did enjoy it.