The Valley of Bones by Anthony Powell

 The Valley of Bones by Anthony Powell

 

This is a very different story from the other 6 novels, from the first part of A Dance to the Music of Time. World War II breaks out and life in the army is different, even though Nick Jenkins meets a few acquaintances- the annoying Windmerpool for instance.

 

Humor is not absent, in fact I laughed at the beginning when we met Bithel.  There are some teeth in an ashtray….like”clenched teeth on cigar stub- macabre, surrealist effect”.

There is the inspection visit of general Liddament who says there should be porridge at breakfast. But when he asks the soldiers none of them wants it, with one exception.

 

On a train back from the unit, Jenkins discusses art: his favorite painting – Hunters in the Snow by Brueghel. When he wants to give some advice to Gwatkin, he thinks better of it and says that books and the advice they contain are for those who appreciate them and mean nothing to the others who think nothing of them. Very true indeed.

 

“Are you hideous, stunted, mentally arrested, sexually maladjusted…you have an evil smell? Then there’s a treat ahead of you…you’re all set for a promising career as a lover “ J

 

I wonder what the next five novels of the series will be like. I loved what I have read so far, but there is a definite change with Britain entering the war. On the other hand, Anthony Powell has more than proved that he is a great writer; he became a top favorite of mine.