This Real Night

This Real Night continues the saga of the Aubrey family that began in The Fountain Overflows, following the musical Aubrey siblings into young adulthood in early 20th century England. The family faces financial hardship and personal challenges while pursuing their musical ambitions in London. Rose Aubrey narrates the story of her family's experiences, particularly focusing on the relationships between the siblings and their eccentric mother. Their dedication to classical music remains central to their lives as they navigate performances, teaching, and the expectations placed upon young musicians. The novel examines questions of artistic integrity, family loyalty, and the cost of pursuing excellence in a changing world. West's portrayal of musical life in pre-WWI England reveals tensions between artistic ambition and practical necessity, while exploring how talent and determination shape identity.

Readers note this second book of West's Saga of the Century trilogy continues exploring the Aubrey family but lacks the dramatic tension of The Fountain Overflows. Many found the focus on music and family relationships compelling, though some felt the pacing slowed compared to book one. Readers appreciated: - Nuanced character development, especially Rose's growth - Details about classical music and performance - The portrayal of pre-WWI British society Common criticisms: - Less plot-driven than the first book - Too much focus on musical minutiae for non-musicians - Abrupt ending Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (187 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (11 ratings) Several readers mentioned struggling to connect with the characters compared to The Fountain Overflows. One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "The musical passages are beautiful but the story meanders." Multiple readers recommended reading the trilogy in order, as this book builds heavily on established relationships.

The Years by Virginia Woolf This multi-generational family saga traces the Pargiter family through decades of social change in London, examining the intricate bonds between siblings and the passage of time.

The Man of Property by John Galsworthy The first book in The Forsyte Saga chronicles a wealthy London family's struggles with love, property, and social expectations during the Victorian era.

Told by an Idiot by Rose Macaulay A narrative follows the Garden family from the Victorian age through World War I, revealing the impact of social movements and historical events on three generations.

The Fountain Overflows by Rebecca West The predecessor to This Real Night continues the story of the Aubrey family, focusing on their musical pursuits and struggles in Edwardian London.

The Past by Tessa Hadley Four adult siblings gather at their grandparents' old house to decide its fate, unearthing family histories and examining their shared past across generations.

🌟 "This Real Night" is the second book in Rebecca West's Saga of the Century trilogy, following "The Fountain Overflows." 📚 Rebecca West wrote this novel in the 1950s, but it wasn't published until 1984, after her death. 🎭 The book continues the story of the Aubrey family, drawing heavily from West's own experiences growing up in a musical household in Edwardian London. 🎵 The novel explores the tension between artistic pursuits and practical life through the lens of classical music, particularly focusing on the protagonist's development as a pianist. 👑 Rebecca West was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1959 for her contributions to literature, and during her career, she was known both as a novelist and as a formidable journalist who covered the Nuremberg Trials.