The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
- Diane Banks
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
Picador, 2022 (first published 2004)
Why?
Tempted by the reviews, I'm keen to read Hollinghurst's new novel Our Evenings but, having never read him before, thought I should start with his Booker-winning 2004 masterpiece.
Enjoyment factor
Not news to anyone, but goodness, what an incredible writer. The Line of Beauty has very little plot in its 528 pages, but I was thoroughly engaged the whole way. A good dose of '80s nostalgia always helps too, along with echoes of Brideshead Revisited.
It left me thinking ...
What a rare pleasure it is to read a novel whose characters you feel that you know personally, to the extend that you miss them when you've finished: Hollinghurst captures both the personalities and the state-of-the-nation so well that a suspsenseful plot isn't necessary. Our Evenings here we come.
Your reflections on The Line of Beauty resonate deeply! Alan Hollinghurst’s talent for character development mirrors the expertise found in a CV writing service in Pakistan. Just as Hollinghurst crafts nuanced personalities, a skilled CV writer shapes narratives that truly reflect an individual’s journey. The emotional connections you mention are what make literature so compelling, akin to how well-crafted CVs can connect candidates to opportunities. I’m inspired to explore this book further; thank you for sharing your insights!
Your insights on The Line of Beauty are captivating! Alan Hollinghurst's ability to create such deep connections with characters is reminiscent of how expert CV writers in Dubai craft personal stories that resonate. It's fascinating how both literature and professional writing can evoke such strong emotions. I’m eager to read it!
The way you described this book shows how strong writing can pull someone into a story. It is inspiring to see how words alone can create such connection. That same idea keeps us motivated as cap makers in Canada, always focusing on building something people truly feel connected to