The Rules of Engagement

Don't confuse this book with the television sitcom, because there is nothing comedic about it. I'm not really even sure that it's a likable book. I enjoyed it, but don't think I'll be seeking out any more of Brookner's work any time soon.

This is the story of Elizabeth and Betsy, two girls born in 1948 who start school on the same day, and who wind up being friends the rest of their lives. Elizabeth and Betsy are born at just the wrong time - too late to be the perfect 50's housewife, too early to be the hippies of the 60's. There lives run parallel but rather differently - Elizabeth carefully follows the rules (mostly), whereas Betsy lives a freer life... although neither one seems to be all that happy.

The novel is VERY cerebral - it is narrated by Elizabeth and takes place almost entirely in her mind - there is very little action. It is one of those novels that some readers will think about for a while afterward, and learn new insights in the process. Other readers won't get past the first chapter. I'm obviously not the latter, because I finished the book. But I'm also not going to spend a lot of time contemplating what I read. It was rather too depressing.

The Rules of Engagement: A Novel (Brookner, Anita)