So Well Remembered

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James Hilton’s plots usually feature extraordinary women whether it’s Paula in Random Harvest, Katherine in Goodbye, Mr. Chips, or Livia in So Well Remembered.

So Well Remembered recounts the journey of Councillor George Boswell and his wife Livia.  The story begins in a small impoverished village in England in 1921, and including flashbacks, covers about 50 years of their lives.  Most of the story is told from Boswell’s perspective, but the focus is primarily on Livia. 

Hilton devotes only a brief portion to tell the story from Livia’s standpoint, but it’s an effective way to generate the reader’s empathy.  That context creates an understanding later about why Livia develops and evolves as she does.

Hilton employs his usual easy style.  He tells much of the story through dialog, and at times, it can seem to be plodding a bit.  But stick with it. It’s worth it.

As is often the case with Hilton’s novels, the conclusion doesn’t tie up every loose end.  That doesn’t always work, but it does here.  He couches the ending in such a way that you’ll feel things will resolve themselves as they should.

So Well Remembered doesn’t receive the recognition of Hilton’s better-known works, but it’s worth spending a few hours to enjoy.

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