Gentlemen and Players: A Novel (P.S.)

For this reader Gentlemen & Players by Joanne Harris is a blockbuster of a novel with more twists and turns than an amusement park thrill ride. Set at a British boys' school, this riveting tale plays out like a game of chess with each move and counter-move by the participants advancing the story toward its unexpected climax.

The narrative itself covers a fifteen year period in the history of St. Oswald's School for Boys and moves back and forth in time between past AND present. Through the eyes of its two narrators, one a Professor of Classics and the other the offspring of the schools groundskeeper, we are given an "up close and personal" look at subjects as diverse as the youthful despair of "not belonging", to the inner workings of an obsessive mind, to the ambitious in-fighting and competitiveness of the teaching profession.

I will go no further with my critique since too much information would ultimately ruin the surprises neatly concealed in this tale of malice and revenge run amok. Suffice to say that Joanne Harris has given us a protagonist equal to Patricia Highsmith's sociopathic Tom Ripley character.[ASIN:0099282879 The Talented Mr.Ripley]

My only acquaintance with Joanne Harris was as the original author of Chocolat, a favorite film of mine. When I picked up Gentlemen and Players on remainder, I didn't expect much, since I'm not much of an English mystery fan and I was actually more interested in her magical realism. However, this highly entertaining and literate mystery novel was a delightful surprise -- so much so that I've started reading all of Harris' other books. Classics teacher Straitley (sp?) is one of the best characters I've run into in a while, and I look forward to seeing one of the UK's great character actors filling the role on film. Though I'm usually pretty good at guessing endings, this one was a complete surprise to me -- not to say irritating because I felt in retrospect that I should have figured it out.

Terrific suspense. Gets inside the heads of its characters, especially while they contemplate breaking custom. Pure Joanne Harris. I've read five of her books and can't get enough.

Each chapter is from another character's viewpoint, and until you get into the dingbats at the chapter beginnings it's a bit confusing. But the passion each feels keeps you involved. Terrific ending - didn't expect it at all.

Bravo.

Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris is a very enjoyable read featuring one very messed up villain and an unlikely hero. The hero, in this case, is longtime professor Roy Straitley of St. Oswald's Grammar School for Boys. His partner in this novel, the other hero of the book, is the school itself. Harris has provided a stylized prose that effectively places the reader in the hallowed halls of the academia. One can almost smell the dusty books and chalk. The mystery in this book involves a variety of unusual maladies that strike students and teachers. This is a well written novel that features memorable characters and a strategic battle between good and evil. A four star read that was very enjoyable.

Other reviewers have presented admirable summaries of this book's plot and characters. Just to add my own 2 pence.......

Gentlemen and Players is one of those rare novels that can grab one's attention in the opening chapter and hold it tenaciously to the last paragraph. Unrelentingly suspenseful, it begins innocently enough, and page by page, builds layer upon intricate layer of deception and malice. While most of the characters are typical human spokes in the public school wheel, a couple of them personify pure evil. Humorous in some sections, foreboding in others, and painful in still others, Gentlemen and Players might be categorized as Harris's best work to date. This is going on my list of all-time favorites.

Here's hoping that none of us reviewers gives away the final, stunning surprise that Ms. Harris serves us up in this book. I don't think I have ever been stunned by the final revelation more than in this book. But from the beginning, the suspense begins to build, and we watch a master trouble maker turn into a murderous avenger, faced all the while with the veteran old Master teacher Straitley. The details about goings-on at an English school for boys are fascinating, the characters well drawn out. One should avoid the strong temptation halfway through the book to flip to the back to see how it comes out, no matter how worried one gets about what will happen. A first-rate book, no doubt about it.

GENTLEMAN & PLAYERS. Joanne Harris has keened her talents in her previous novels. In GENTLEMAN & PLAYERS, she shows us how sharp she has become. The small town intricacies , the village squabbles and petty rivalries all so well portrayed in her earlier novels, have taken on a new intensity. GENTLEMAN & PLAYERS is a darker, often disturbing novel, that justifying its length, 509 pages, leads to some surprises and one or two big shocks towards the end.

It basically tells the story of St Oswald's school. A reminder that no matter what may over take our society, some of the old institutions, like a well established school, will never be completely destroyed. It may be tarnished, battered but not defeated.

Into this saga of St Oswald', a private school for boys of upper class parents, enters `Speccy` Snyde, Speccy` is one of many derogatory names, that has been thought up, by the bullying classmates at the Sunny Bank, secondary modern school. A school, which Speccy Snyde so desperately wants to leave. Speccy's Father, John Snyde, is the Porter of St Oswalds. It is through him, that Speccy one day, ignores the `No Trespassing` sign, and is able to steal the keys to the school, from out of his Father's office. It is from this moment, that the equilibrium of the school in general and especially of the teachers begins, slowly to unravel. To be plunged into a nightmare that, in later years, begins to threaten the very existence of the school.

At the same time, that Speccy (using the new alias of, Pinchbeck), first begins to infiltrate the proud St Oswald's, Roy Straightly is approaching retirement. For thirty years he has been the classics teacher at St Oswald's. The school is his life. And he holds to this with the same intensity, that Pinchbeck himself devotes, especially when Pinchbeck becomes a member of the St Oswalds own teaching staff. The reasons may be the same, but it soon becomes evident that the desperate lengths that Pinchbeck is willing to go to in achieving his own goals, are frighteningly different.

What is remarkable, is the in the way , that late on in the story, Pinchbeck and Roy eventually do confront each other. A part of the story, I will remember for a long time.

It is a cleverly told , well worked, brilliantly detailed novel. All the time the atmosphere of pending disaster is permeating in the events that occur. And some of these events, become darker, more sinister as the story approaches it's well dramatised conclusion.

So how does this story end, you may ask? To know this, you first have to locate the mysterious Pinchbeck (Specky)

Joanne Harris, whose books have always been enjoyable, has taken her writing to a new level with this book. The story, which takes place at an elite boys' school, centers on the main character's desire for revenge. A sociopathic personality (if you ask me), the character, whose father is the school porter, masquerades as one of the students for years and pulls it off, using a fake name. This same person later returns as a teacher with the objective of destroying the school, for reasons not fully revealed until the end. The book shows in a most frightening way how easy it is to steal identities,falsely accuse people of crimes and destroy reputations in the computer age. You wont be able to put this book down and I'm not saying any more so as not to reveal specifics of the plot.

Imagine Minette Walters and Barbara Vine having a lovechild for a book and that lovechild being set in a contemporary "Tom Brown's School Days" plus clever mystery. No? Then how about this: Of the 59 books I've read thus far in 2006, none has given me as much sheer pleasure as this wickedly fun, by turns moving, chess game of a novel. Not one, but two slightly unreliable narrators spin a tale of private-school obsession and belated revenge. Half the fun of reading the book is that you sense, with every page, the giddy delight the author felt in crafting it. Be warned: Every time you think you know what's going on, well, you're probably wrong.

I was traveling in Vietnam with my husband and two other couples, and one of the other women gave me this after she finished it. She is from Yorkshire, so may know of Joanne Harris that way. She warned me that it might not go down well.
It was a page-turner however. I am a retired French and German teacher from an American school, but there are plenty of similarities in the schools. I loved Roy Straitley, and I thought Snyde was a much better psychopath than the ones James Patterson and others are making gazillions from. It was such an organic creation.
When you look at it from the long view, there is plenty that might not be "realistic", but the surprise identity makes the pathology even more believable.
There are wounded characters like this out there, and they often appear plausibly "normal".
I reread it immediately to see if I had missed clues. There were some things that jarred a bit in the first reading like the diary in the drawer episode, but that was because I believed that the young man was Snyde. Harris is very careful to cover for herself so she doesn't give away the truth, but I don't fault her for that. (Those who figured it out beforehand are a lot smarter than I am.) I am a fool for a good story, and this is splendid.
I am moderating the discussion of it with my book club, and appreciate the wealth of material and all the reviews, which run the gamut. Personally, though, I think it's a masterpiece of the genre.

This is a story of a very calculated, planned out and well-executed revenge. Joanne Harris once again shows real affection for her characters - even her less likeable ones are well defended - and her storytelling is as well-paced, unexpected, and surprising as usual, with a sting in its tail. But the magic (both literally and metaphorically) of many of her previous books is missing.

What is also missing is the `foodie' twist, which is one of the things I enjoyed immensely in Harris' previous books.

In summary, not one of her best, but still a good read.

I picked up "Gentlemen and Players" (my first by Joanne Harris) at a discount bookstore in the "Suspense" section, an act in itself which often yields hit-or-miss results. Personally, I thought the title and cover illustration (which differs from the one the store chose) evoked images of James Bond-esque men smoking pipes over a high-stakes mind game. Coupled with a dust jacket summary that was beyond suspense-cliche, I almost put the novel back on the shelves.

I'm pleased to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Starting off as what promises to be the standard of the genre (attempted murders, successful sabotage, hidden villain) the author throws out seemingly standard clues as to the ending and the identity of our antagonist. Since our protagonist comes to the realization that he is a rat in a maze at an alarmingly snail-like pace, the ending is well-hidden and unexpected. This book can only be described as a quick read and a rare treat for the seasoned mystery reader.

St. Oswald's Grammar School for boys has trained children of the elite for generations. It is a school with a high success rate and much tradition. But things are changing and not everything is for the better.

Roy Straitley has been a teacher at St. Oswald's for over thirty years. As Straitley sees tradition disappear and fancy technology begin to take over, he begins to seriously consider turning in his chalk and retiring. Email is his bane, but he could come to live with it. Not much else though. All the changes are almost overwhelming.

Five new members join the teaching staff of St. Oswald's. One of them (known often in the book as Snyde) is not there to teach promising young minds. Snyde is there for much darker reasons.

***** Now this novel is told in a far different way than I am used to! Author Joanne Harris lets Roy Straitley narrate, but also allows Snyde his turn on the soap box. This is a bold move that few authors dare. Yet Joanne Harris succeeds in making it work! Highly recommended! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Joanne Harris writes entertaining books that show us the lighter side of the darker side of human nature. They're like Disney films from the 1980s polished up with a bit of literary verve. This book tracks the revenge plot against the stuffiest of English institutions, the public school, and in doing so, comments a bit on class differences and other stresses for children and adults alike. While it's an insightful look into the human soul, and Roy Straitley is a wonderful character, there's not that much of depth here, so I'd warn away people wanting a "literary" experience no matter what the jacket says. However, the clever, funny writing and density of vocabulary made this a wonderful read, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a rollicking good time. It's like the "Pink Panther" movies crossed with a Jane Marple novel.

Brit Lit with Twist! As I read the closing chapters, I kept thinking "well-done." In the hands of a lesser author, this tale would be trite or just completely fall apart, but Harris is a masterful writer and this book is delicious. Definitely lives up to the cliche praise of once you finish, you want to turn back to the first page and start again--mostly because you are thinking, "how did she do that?"

Chess metaphors abound. "British-isms" season each page. Descriptions are literary and evocative. Again, good literature is timely and universal and G&P is particularly apropos when considering the friction (perceived or real) between social classes. Bravo of the highest order. Two days after finishing, I was still missing my morning tea with Mr. Straitley.

I mostly read library books. This one, however, once I return to the library, I'm heading out to buy. Both for my husband to read and to keep on hand for myself. Will be reading it again in a few years. It's that good.

Well written and enjoyable, you'll be reading merrily along and you'll reach a point where a good read becomes the BEST read ever. You've been duped and tricked, but will love every moment of it. Delightfully twisty ending. Now I'll be going back the first 300 pages to see how the author pulled it off without any red flags being sent up (plenty of red herrings, however). Granted, there was times when I realized a couple things didn't add up, but I chalked it up to lack of attention on my part (fast reader). Now I know that the way it was written would bring that result, no real fault of my own. Harris purposely tries to shift your attention elsewhere, all the time performing an illusion right before your eyes. Perhaps I said too much? Hmmm...maybe not. Go on, get it. I promise you'll love it.

Roy Straitley, the fussy and particular classics teacher at St. Oswald's school for boys is fast approaching retirement. Having devoted much of his personal and professional life to the well being of the school, Roy feels he's earned a certain amount of kudos and respect amongst the St. Oswald's hierarchy, and even with his fellow teaching colleagues.

The school, however, is rapidly changing, much to the consternation of Roy, the new staffs more concerned with introducing computer technology and innovation, than bothering to promote Straitley's old style of teaching; his era of the gowns, tweed jackets, and Latin phrases are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Roy is being progressively relegated to a dusty corner of the new Languages section, "like a rather dull first edition no one dares to throw away."

Roy has prided himself on being a master of all things - keeping order, doling out lines and detentions, and even instantly putting names to the boys' faces, but not even he can figure out who is plotting to bring down the school, for St, Oswald is under attack. It's in the air, like a breath of revolt; a mole is at work, spreading allegations of racial bias, placing damaging stories of anti-Semitism in the local paper, and instigating rumors of pedophilia.

Someone is aiming to strike at the heart of Oswald's; not simply knocking off "a few gargoyles," but hoping to irrevocably damage the school. Soon an allergic boy almost dies of anaphylactic shock after a peanut is placed in his Fanta; items vanish - a valuable pen, and a credit card, a teacher's diary is misplaced.

Roy Straitley is initially blamed; he's an old and inefficient "warn cog from an outdated mechanism," who serves no useful purpose; and if there is to be a scandal, then who better to carry the blame. But suspicion also turns to others, as no one is who they seem to appear. The perpetrator remains a mystery, an interloper, playing on the St. Oswald's stupidity, and its arrogance, the certainly that no one would ever cross the line.

Perhaps the architect of these deeds is somehow connected to Julian Pinchbeck, the twelve-year-old son of the caretaker at the school's gatehouse, who thirteen years ago masqueraded as a pupil at St. Oswald's. He readily admits that all he wants is to belong. Relegated to the poor Abby Road Juniors with it's shabby and run-down atmosphere, a failing tribute to 1960's liberalism, and later, to the even worse Sunnybank Park, he eyes the hallowed halls of St. Oswald's with a mixture of class envy and jealous rage.

Plucking up the courage to go beyond the "no trespass," signs, Julian steadily infiltrates the school, wearing a stolen uniform, attending classes, and snooping around in prohibited rooms after hours. He eventually meets Leon, a wealthy rebel with long hair, who comes from a good family and has a penchant for shoplifting. Leon represents everything this boy wants to be - cool and calculating, an undeniable product of his upper-class background. Leon speaks with contempt of what he calls the "proles," and mocks the Sunnybank Park contemporaries with vicious and relentless accuracy.

Sweeping between the past and the present, author Joanne Harris steadily unfolds this intricate narrative, peppering her story with many subtle clues as the true of identity of Julian, with the final revelation coming as much as a surprise to us as it does to Roy Straitley. Julian Pinchbeck is indeed the epitome of a "ghost boy" his young face frozen in time, like smoke and mirrors; a ghost who "dissolved like the night mists when morning came." Thirteen years later, he is determined to expose the corruption lying beneath the fragile shine of this school that he has begun to hate, and all he needs is a well-placed stone to bring the school down.

The author creates a variety of characters, each voice blended into a chorus of anger, suspicion, and despair; ironically it is left up to the irascible Straightly, irreverently wedded to St. Oswald's, to ultimately uncover the dark goings on. The climate at St Oswald's is rife with superstitions, misjudgments, careless conclusions, and dangerous assumptions, the rituals and traditions that keep the old wheels creaking away gradually collapsing. The rules are held in place by the precarious fabric of bluff and complacency, the perpetrator proving that any rule can be broken, and trespass, like any crime can go unpunished even when there's no one who can see it. Mike Leonard February 06.

Gentlemen and Players, by Joanne Harris, is a tale of deceit, mystery, revenge, and intrigue. Set in the renowned St. Oswald's Grammar School For Boys, what seems to be a normal school year transforms into a tangled web of lies, leading to many plot twists and turns- including one that you won't see coming.

The story involves a diabolical plot by a figure from St. Oswald's past. The son of former porter John Snyde has returned to the school after many years of absence. He is bent on his singular goal- to destroy St. Oswald's. The story of the junior Snyde's past is integral to the plot, and told in a series of flashbacks alongside the present action. Having come to believe St. Oswald's has become arrogant and too rooted in the old ways (among other reasons) he decides that the best course of action is to cause the school's downfall- and he'll stop at nothing... not even murder.

The story is told in a unique style- it has two narrators. The first is, of course, the junior Snyde. The second is Roy Straitley, the aging Master of Classics at St. Oswald's. As the chaotic events escalate, he becomes the only one who can stop Snyde from attaining his dreadful goal. However, his age and declining health are an obstacle that he must overcome if he is to defend the school he has become tied to.

In between dual narrators, sudden changes from dry humor to dark glimpses into the human soul, and a plot twist that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief, Gentlemen and Players is a unique and enthralling tale. You may need some knowledge of British culture and of Latin to fully enjoy the book, but it is not necessary to enjoy the story itself. A dangerous game, indeed...

This book exposes the brittle line dividing the haves and the have-nots in this disturbing yet strangely intriguing story set in the hallowed halls of St Oswald's, an aristocratic British boys' school hovering on the edge of extinction. I can't really tell you why I liked this book, but it had me from the beginning and I was disappointed when it was over, because I really cared about the characters, even the ones that I shouldn't have cared for.

"Gentlemen and Players" is story set in a school - for me, it harks back to reading Mallory Towers or St Claire's by Enid Blyton as a kid, or even Harry Potter, except that this is a regular human educational institution. A new school year begins, and things start going wrong - at first, small things, like a pen gone missing or something pinched from a locker. Then, the mischief becomes more sinister, and soon, there is murder. Actually, 'soon' would be an overstatement, because the murder doesn't actually occur until some two-thirds into the book. So, for someone looking for a crackling thriller or murder mystery, this book would disappoint. Neither would I consider it a page-turner. However, the canter does break into a gallop in the last one-third of the book - and boy, is there a twist at the end which is deeply satisfying. (Think the movie Primal Fear starring Richard Gere). Having said that, as with all books with a twist, for me, "Gentlemen and Players" is unlikely to get a second reading; the irony is that a surprise ending etches deep in your mind the plot of the story, leaving almost little to savor at the next sitting. Had I known this, I would have borrowed the book at the public library instead of purchasing it. For it may be years before I take it off my shelf again.

I enjoyed almost everything about this novel. I was fascinated by, and, for the most part, believed in psychological development of the characters...a plus for any mystery. Set in a semi-tony British Boy's school, always a treat, this fun psychological thriller kept me guessing until the end. As my only previous experience with this writer was the movie Chocolat, which just didn't appeal to my personal taste very much, I was very pleasantly surprised. I look forward to reading her next effort!

I have to say that I have never disliked anything that Joanne Harris has written. But this is the best since Five Quarters of the Orange. In a complete change of setting - hardly any mention of France - this is set in a posh Private School in the north of England. It could be described as a whodunnit. But for much of the book it could be described as a whodunwhat. We know that some mayhem is afoot but do not actually know what it is. All of this makes it very difficult to put down - I read it in about three sittings.

The characters are typically well written. Especially the wonderful Straitly - aiming for a century of terms in the school that has been his life - and the Brodiesque devotion to 'his boys'. As ever there is a lurking and increasing darkness with twists and turns on every page.

Five stars. Read it!

Gentlemen & Players is completely enthralling, with unforgettable characters and intricate plotting. I listened to the unabridged audio book performed by Steven Pacey, who brought to life every detail of St. Oswald's Grammar School for Boys. This is a tale for those who enjoy Patricia Highsmith's kind of suspense and lovers of mysterious and literary fiction. I look forward to reading and listening to more novels by Joanne Harris.

A thrilling scholarly experience by Joanne Harris, master storyteller who tells the story of a long-time plotted revenge. The story is narrated from two alternate point of view: the plotter, hired in the privathe School of St. Oswald under a false identity, and an old schoolmaster nearing pension, threathened by the rise of new technologies and new department re-organizations. The plotter seeks revenge, and plans the ruin of the School itself, and does that by ruthlessly exploiting the secrets, the rivalities, the contrasts between students and teachers. The finale is memorable, and will be quite a surprise when the plotter's identity shall be revealed. This is an exquisitely crafted, insightful thriller, in wich the Author also tackles sensible issues like bullyism and social discrimination. I loved it!

I loved Joanne's earlier novel Chocolate, so I decided to pick this one up. It was good book with lots of fascinating twists and turns (especially in the last seventy pages or so), but it gets just four stars because it drags at times. Despite my impatience with some parts of the book, I still think it's worth reading.

Even though several books have been described as a page-turner, this is the first book that I have read in a very long time where that description is apt. I truly could not put it down, it was that engrossing and suspenseful. I would read as much as I could, then put it aside, but then I just could not stop thinking about the storyline, and I just had to pick the book up again and continue reading. Please read this book for yourself and I hope you'll agree. It's wonderful!

This book has it all - great character development, great plotting and a great finish. Few authors achieve 2 of 3 but Harris attains what should be the ultimate goal of all novelists - an all-round great read. Enough has been said regarding the contents - I merely wish to add my praise to the fray.

I was a little hesitant at first about reading this book. However, it did not take me long at all to realize that I had chosen a winner. The plot is amazing! If only every book was written this well. Yes, you think you have it all figured out and WHAM! It's NOT to be missed!

My husband downloaded this book for me because I had read it years ago and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it again! This book is very engaging and kept me guessing right until the end.

I can highly recommend it to anyone who likes a mystery.

I bought this book because of the amazing reviews in the book's front matter. Although I enjoyed the book, I cannot sing the strong praises offered by other reviewers. There were many things I liked about it: particularly the view into a mysterious priveleged world and a game of players to figure out. However, the plot took one too many twists for my taste. This novel changed directions so many times, that it made the mystery's resolution seem implausable and frustrating to me, rather than elucidating. Still, if you are looking for a pleasant read that's a little bit different, this might be a good choice for you.

A thoroughly enjoyable book that reminded me of Barbara Vine (one of my favorites!). Resist all temptation to peak at the end, and you won't be disappointed. I had to look back through the book to see just how Ms. Harris tricked me! I also enjoyed the changing narrator--allowing the reader to see the same events from different points of view. Highly recommended!

This is a wonderful story that has so many twists and turns it makes all the roller coasters at Six Flags tame. I loved envisioning the plot twists in my head. This is a book that will keep you up at night.

This book was such an enjoyable summer read. It was an interesting novel with different narration perspectives. I just love both mystery and prep/ boarding school books. This book included great aspects of mystery and classic novels.

Gentlemen and Players begins in style: the setting is patiently and beautifully defined; the characters are well-introduced; and the central plot of the book--as described on the inside flap--is enough to keep any reader interested. However, after 100 pages of the 400 page book, I felt like the reader was still trapped inside the first 10 pages. The patient exposition that I had welcomed for 25 pages became downright annoying after 100. Joanne Harris writes well, but I feel that the same level of enjoyment could have been gleaned from a 200 page version of Gentlemen and Players instead of a 400 page version. Buy it if you'd like, but be prepared to skip a few irrelevant chapters in the middle to speed things along.

I thought this book was superb.

Although I figured out the "twist in the tail of the tale" very early on, I really enjoyed it. There were so many reflections of my own school life in the book, that empathy was easy for me.

The reason that I don't give it five stars is that I found that the pace dragged a bit at times, and I was almost screaming, "Get on with it!"

Well worth reading. I would recommend it.

What a great read! It was funny, sad, puzzling, suspenseful. The ending took me completely by surprise and made me want to pick it up and read it again with new insight. You think you've got it figured out? Well, you don't.

Enjoy!

This book was recommended to me in my discussion forum about books with twist or surprise endings. I thought that the end was great, I didn't see it coming at all. However, the book reminded me of Seinfeld, it just wasn't about anything. It's very narrative and descriptive where I would have preferred more action less talk. However, if you like books like that this one would be perfect.

A very different type of book for Joanne Harris. I followed the chess game between the two main characters with interest. I think if the cover hadn't hinted at a surprising twist, I would not have guessed early on what the twist would be. But it did and I did.

Lots of strong reviews and an enjoyment of the odd British mystery led me to think I would like this better than I did. Sort of plodded my way through it. Surprised and disappointed in the first 4/5ths, and honestly, a bit confused as to why. Wanted to weigh in on "stars". Might give it an extra half star for the last fifth.

An engaging book that twists and turns its way along a compelling story. I enjoyed the characters, their stories, and the plot twists. It was escapist fiction without being too much of a stretch. It is worth reading.