In Certain Circles

In Certain Circles follows two pairs of siblings in mid-20th century Australia: the privileged Howards (Russell and Zoe) and the orphaned Quayles (Stephen and Anna). The siblings' lives become intertwined after a chance meeting between Russell and Stephen on a train, leading to complex relationships and life-altering decisions. The narrative spans multiple decades, beginning with the characters' youth and tracking their evolving paths through marriage, career changes, and personal upheavals. Geographic movement plays a key role, with characters moving between Sydney, Melbourne, Paris, and Europe as they pursue their individual destinies and navigate their relationships with one another. Elizabeth Harrower's novel, written in the late 1960s but unpublished until 2014, explores class divisions in Australian society and the lasting impact of childhood circumstances on adult relationships. The work examines how privilege, duty, and desire intersect to shape the choices people make and the lives they ultimately lead.

Readers note the book's intense psychological focus and exploration of post-WW2 Australian society through two pairs of siblings. The writing style receives frequent mentions for its precise, measured prose and subtle character development. Readers appreciate: - Complex character relationships and social dynamics - Clear-eyed portrayal of class differences - Atmospheric 1950s Sydney setting - Examination of women's roles and constraints Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in middle sections - Distance from characters' emotions - Abrupt ending - Unlikeable protagonists Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (250+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (40+ ratings) Multiple readers compare the style to Elizabeth Bowen. One Goodreads reviewer called it "psychologically astute but emotionally cold." An Amazon reviewer noted: "The characters circle each other like wary animals, never quite connecting." The book generates discussion about whether its restraint enhances or diminishes its impact.

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🔹 The manuscript for "In Certain Circles" was completed in 1971 but remained unpublished until 2014, when Harrower finally agreed to its release after keeping it hidden for over 40 years. 🔹 The novel was inspired by Harrower's own experiences moving between social classes in Sydney and her observations of postwar Australian society's rigid class distinctions. 🔹 Elizabeth Harrower worked as a clerk at Sydney Public Library while writing her early novels, giving her unique insight into both working-class and intellectual circles that she portrays in the book. 🔹 The book's Paris sections draw from Harrower's time living in London and traveling through Europe in the 1950s, which heavily influenced her perspective on Australian provincial attitudes. 🔹 Despite being written in the 1970s, the novel was praised upon its 2014 publication for its surprisingly modern examination of gender roles and women's autonomy in marriage.