Disappointing DH

I had not read D H Lawrence for over 30 years and I recently chose to read his last published work, "The Virgin and the Gypsy" which was discovered in France after his death, as a part of my reading program for the year. For the last thirty years I have consistently read at least 50 books throughout the year, averaging one per week and aiming for the grand 52 whenever possible. So this is number 15 for the year (a novella - chosen in part because of its brevity) and it has all the classic Lawrence themes - uncivilised civilisation, social prejudice, family relationships. Unfortunately it lacks the polish and rigorous editing that Lawrence put his published works through but it does have some nicely drawn characters and he has caught the nuances and language of teenage girls well. I found myself struggling to be sympathetic or involved with anyone in the story. Lawrence was one of my favourite authors in my college days and his poetry in particular influenced me with his wonderful descriptive turns of phrase. But if you're looking for a Lawrence, head to Sons and Lovers or Women in Love and leave The Virgin and The Gypsy parked on the shelf.

 And now its on to a bit of a romp and a laugh or three with the inimitable Joe R Lansdale and Flaming London .

Burn brightly, Pete