Old Filth (Old Filth Trilogy)

Again, this book has a deepening historical reference--about the Raj orphans, children born usually to British parents in India and sent "home" to England at a very young age to be fostered and educated in England. Gardam develops an interesting case in Edward Feathers. World War II makes its contribution to Feathers' feeling always alone, cut off, in fear of being left. It is perhaps ironic that Feathers makes his career with t he help of a "Chinese dwarf" lawyer who gives him connections in Hong Kong, where Feathers makes his career. But in retirement it's home again to England, from which ending his earlier life becomes dominant again in his mind.

A life of "memory and desire." Gardam magnificently weaves the threads of a life, both what is seen on the outside and what is known on the inside. This is a masterpiece. And like all great writing, a page turner as well.

I had this book recommended by two old high school friends whom I trust explicitly. It was not at all what I had expected but must say that I fell in love with "Old Filth" and plan to read the other two books by Jane Gardam.

Beautifully written, the thoughts and lives of the characters come across as intensely realistic. Vivid descriptions, flashbacks and the pace of the story convey a feeling of truthfulness which is rarely this robust. A long relationship, mostly silent and detached, without a real knowledge of each other. The denouement of life itself, which begins with promises and sunlight and progresses - as life does - quite differently. An excellent though delicate rendering of the tragedy of Raj orphans, torn from their lands to be sent 'Home', misfits forever.

Wonderfully insightful novel about a man's life. Filled with many memorable characters and great detail about everyday
Occurrences, such as meals, what one wore, the weather. Creating a rich portrait of a man's life.

Well written. Fascinating information about a period of British history and those who worked and lived in the far-flung Empire. The plight of the Raj orphans was eye-opening and heart-breaking. A book worth reading.i

Best novel that I have read recently. I identified with Old Filth because I arrived in England in 1947 after being separated from my Father for most of WW11. The plot would make a great TV Series. I will be reading the other Old Filth books.

Well-written, symbolic, allegorical, literate novel about a barrister, his profession, his love, his hates and his zest for life. Is actual part of a trilogy with the other two novels telling the same story from the viewpoint of "Filth's" wife, and the barrister who also loved her. The novel spans the slowing decline of the English empire.

Good writing, nice character development, and interesting descriptions of times, places, and practices not known to me, e.g. Raj orphans. On a deeper level, a story of someone who traveled his life alone, even while surrounded by society and members of the bar.

I think reading all three of these together works best. Getting the perspective of the same story from 3 different characters is a nice approach. I liked Man in Wooden Hat best of the three. Last Friends was probably weakest of three but all add to the fascinating story line that holds up through each of the different views.

beautifully written account of another side of the British raj - what happened to the children of the English families who lived and worked in countries in the Empire, but sent their children back to England to grow up and be educated?

Read the trilogy. This is an interesting story. Somewhat serious in the complex characters, but still light hearted. You will laugh at what Filth means so don't let the title fool you. My favorite part is...all of it.

Old Filth (Really Sir Edward Feathers) is a rather appealing old codger with a story to tell. Gardam writes clearly, with a nice tight style, gripping your attention. Eddie truly is the main character, although his dead wife Betty is pretty important. The lesser characters are not so well drawn--all foils in a way to Feathers. Just finished it today and immediately downloaded the next book in the trilogy.

The book opens with the reader eavesdropping on a couple of young barristers commenting on the distant, handsome, elderly figure of "Old Filth," the rich lawyer cum judge who presided in Hong Kong before it returned to the Chinese. The barristers say that Old Filth had a quiet life, excepting that he made a pile of money, and is although distinguished, otherwise unremarkable.

I have rarely loved a book so much and so quickly as this one. Eddie Feathers ("Old Filth") is reserved, well bred, well spoken, well dressed and one of the more remarkable survivors in literature. His youth would be a horror story in other hands. He is British from the day (post WWII, just as the Empire is failing) when to be a gentleman was to appear to be without passion, and to appear not to care about such ephemera as happiness. To be understated means that there is a statement to be made. Uunderstatement is in every sentence of his remarkable work, evidenced by the control Jane Gardam has of every sentence. Her craftsmanship builds character, story, plausibility and setting into a gently told, incredibly moving whole. Characters appear that deserve their own books, especially Mr. Ross and Sir,and perhaps Isobel. Every character breathes on his or her own and still tells us more of Eddie. How many authors can manage their populations with such skill, ease and fascination?

But to see Eddie Feathers you must also meet his wife. Her story is in The Man in The Wooden Hat. "Old Filth" is a complete work and stands alone very well. But Gardam goes back and, through Betty's eyes, expands on what you know. Together,the books are the best exploration and most accurate insights I know of on how real relationships--especially long marriages--truly work. Their lives are entirely together, and separate. When I finished The Man in the Wooden Hat, I had to sit down and marvel. "Old Filth" was not originally intended to be "Part I of II" which makes the accomplishment of finishing a story that seemed perfectly complete even more astounding and incredibly satisfying. There is no point in telling you the plot because the plot is the vehicle for much more. Like Eddie and Betty Feathers, there is a lot more than meets the eye.

If you love good,no, superb writing, read these books. If you enjoy the realization that there was more there than the immediate story made you consider, read these books. If you think that the 'marriage of true minds' leads to happiness ever after, you probably need this book to find a new definition of 'happiness'. This is an amazing writer who deserves a wide and appreciative audience.

Failed in no respects. An enjoyable airline read. I would recommend it to anyone looking to settle down either in 33F on a transatlantic flight or in front of a fire while the storms blow and you settle into a good read

Fascinating character whose life proves to have been far more complex than his colleagues could have imagined. Past and present are woven beautifully and always with the sense that there are many layers of the character and the story that are yet to be revealed. Can't wait to read the other two in the trilogy.

Good lead into his aging life by including his youth history. Interesting character development for his family members and friends and the lifestyle dictated by changes in their life cycle. I knew this was part of a trilogy when I learned of the 3rd book before I knew of the 1st and 2nd so it helped to read from this novel forward to enrich the story further.

I really fell for this author (my first time) and enjoyed every minute of Old Filth. It helps to be old, to love the orient, to have spent time on Borneo, but it's mostly that everything she says is just plain interesting.

Really enjoyed this story, the wonderful writing made a "man who never did anything" come to life with richness and totality. However, one of my friends rated it "so so", so it may not suit everyone.

I love her writing and the story is riveting. She is a favorite author for me. I am now reading the final book of the trilogy, although I don't think they have to be read in order, and this one is my favorite of the three.

I found öld Filth"to be a very interesting book. Jane Gardam is an excellent author and I did not want to put the book down. I also learned a great deal about 'Raj children'.
I highly recommend this book.

loved this book: well written, absorbing character and the nuances and quietness of the small pieces of information that were scattered throughout the book involving him and other characters really gave me a sense of this man's life and why he became the person he was

Excellent introduction to the series of three books. This one needs to be read first since the characters are developed here, the story is explained and everything that follows enhances the main plot. Loved them all but Old Filth was the best, in my opinion. Would recommend to anyone who loves good writing.

Really enjoyed the journey. Quite disarming comedy at the expense of Raj types. Subject matter important (failure to parent and affective deficits), and dealt with feelingly if rather too explicitly for my taste. But jokiness en route is delightful. Ending a tad lame.

The book was a little confusing at times with the back and forth in time.However the story was really fascinating . Everyone knows that the British posted overseas sent their children back "Home" for boarding school. but I did not know that they were sent back to England as small children to live with foster families. It all makes for an interesting tale.