L. P. Hartley

L. P. Hartley was an English novelist and short story writer known for his works exploring themes of social class and the passage of time. His best-known novel is 'The Go-Between', which was adapted into a film in 1971.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Go-Between

    Cover of 'The Go-Between' by L. P. Hartley

    Set in the summer of 1900, the novel follows a young boy who visits a friend's family estate and becomes an unwitting messenger in an illicit affair between his friend's older sister and a local farmer. As the boy navigates the complexities of the adult world and the rigid class system of the time, he experiences a loss of innocence that has lasting effects on his life. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and the corrupting power of class and wealth.

    The 800th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Travelling Grave

    Cover of 'The Travelling Grave' by L. P. Hartley

    The book is a collection of eerie and unsettling short stories that delve into the macabre and the supernatural. Each tale explores themes of fear, death, and the unknown, often featuring characters who encounter bizarre and chilling situations that challenge their perceptions of reality. The stories are crafted with a sense of atmospheric tension and psychological depth, drawing readers into a world where the ordinary is frequently overshadowed by the sinister and the inexplicable. Through vivid storytelling and a keen understanding of human nature, the collection offers a haunting exploration of the darker aspects of life and the mysteries that lie beyond.

    The 3533rd Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. The Shrimp And The Anemone

    Cover of 'The Shrimp And The Anemone' by L. P. Hartley

    This novel explores the complex relationship between two siblings, Eustace and Hilda, during their childhood in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a seaside town in England, the story delves into themes of innocence, cruelty, and the loss of innocence through the lens of their interactions and experiences. The title metaphorically reflects the dynamic between the siblings, with Eustace's vulnerability and sensitivity contrasted against Hilda's protective yet sometimes domineering nature. As they navigate their young lives, the book poignantly captures the nuances of growing up and the intricate bonds of family.

    The 7007th Greatest Book of All Time

  4. 4. Facial Justice

    Cover of 'Facial Justice' by L. P. Hartley

    In a dystopian future where uniformity and equality are enforced to an extreme, individuals are subjected to facial surgeries to eliminate any form of physical attractiveness or distinctiveness. The protagonist, Jael 97, struggles against this oppressive regime that seeks to eradicate personal identity and emotional depth. As she navigates a society obsessed with mediocrity and conformity, Jael's journey becomes a poignant exploration of individuality, freedom, and the human spirit's resilience against dehumanizing forces.

    The 7195th Greatest Book of All Time

  5. 5. Eustace and Hilda

    A Trilogy
    Cover of 'Eustace and Hilda' by L. P. Hartley

    "Eustace and Hilda" is a three-part novel that revolves around the complex relationship between a brother and sister in the early 20th century. The story explores their emotional bond, with Hilda being the dominant and protective elder sister to the more sensitive and passive Eustace. Their co-dependent relationship is marked by manipulation, guilt, and a deep yet ambiguous love. The novel unfolds their lives from childhood to adulthood, capturing the nuances of their relationship and the societal pressures of their time.

    The 11837th Greatest Book of All Time