A Compass Error

A brilliant book which I have read three times now and it never fails to be remarkable. Better if you have read A Favourite of the Gods first but not essential. Nor is there any need to go further back to The Legacy which is remarkably like Buddenbrooks.

Sybille Bedford has written some wonderful pieces but this one is a little limp and unconvincing. Her portrait of her heroine, even though she is obviously based upon the author, does not ring entirely true.

First published in 1968, Sybille Bedford's 'A Compass Error' is the sequel to the author's 'A Favourite of the Gods' and, like that novel, this is an elegant and entertaining story of a way of life that has now practically disappeared. It is the late 1930s and Flavia, the daughter of the lovely Constanza, has just turned seventeen, and is living in a small village in the South of France in a villa rented by her wealthy mother (who has recently escaped France with her married lover). Flavia lives alone at the villa whilst she prepares herself for her Oxford entrance exams - in the mornings she studies, followed by a swim in the warm waters of the bay before lunch; after her lunch, she returns to her studies and, in the early evening, she 'shuts up shop', takes another swim before changing into freshly-laundered linen and taking herself off to dine at a local restaurant. At 'Chez Auguste' one evening, Flavia attracts the attention of a group of painters, literary journalists and painters' wives - one of whom is the exotic Therese, who invites Flavia to join their party. Drawn into the hedonistic world of artists and writers, the sexually-inexperienced Flavia is also drawn into a loving and physical relationship with the more worldly-wise Therese. However, Flavia's feelings for Therese do not prevent her becoming utterly fascinated by the beautiful and sophisticated Andrée, who suddenly appears on the scene and, before long, Flavia becomes caught up in a situation that has significant consequences, not just for Flavia, but for those around her.Based on her own very interesting family history and filled with sensuous and very painterly descriptions of situation and setting, Sybille Bedford's 'A Compass Error' is a pleasure to read. The author's luminous language and the elegance of her writing pull the reader (well this one anyhow) into her narrative and although this may not satisfy those looking for a pacy, plot-driven story, I found this a very enjoyable and entertaining read. I can also recommend the prequel to this novel: ' A Favourite of the Gods ' and I do have Ms Bedford's ' A Legacy ' somewhere in one of my bookcases, which I am looking forward to reading and reviewing sometime soon.5 Stars.