Our Evenings

Our Evenings, a masterful work by the Booker Prize-winning author Alan Hollinghurst, presents a compelling, darkly beautiful and wickedly humorous portrayal of modern England. Through the acutely observed and often unsettling experiences of its protagonist, the novel deftly navigates themes of race, class, theatre, and sexuality, entwined with poignant moments of love and the jolting impact of violence. Hollinghurst, renowned for his exquisitely crafted storytelling, offers a narrative that is both deeply personal and broadly reflective of societal dynamics.

The story begins with Dave Win, a thirteen-year-old boy whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is awarded a scholarship to a local boarding school. As part of his scholarship, Dave spends a weekend with his benefactors, a family whose son Giles harbours a complex mix of jealousy and aggression towards him. This pivotal weekend, filled with games, challenges, and unexpected encounters, not only presents new opportunities for Dave but also exposes him to the harsh realities of class envy and burgeoning violence.

As the narrative unfolds over the next fifty years, the paths of Dave and Giles diverge significantly. Dave emerges as a gifted actor, continuously battling against societal conventions and prejudices, while Giles ascends to power as a formidable and increasingly dangerous politician. Their intertwined lives provide a fascinating exploration of success and failure, ambition and disillusionment.

Our Evenings is presented through the lens of Dave Win, who recounts his journey from schoolboy to student, including his early love affairs and his tumultuous time in London with an avant-garde theatre troupe. The book also delves into Dave's experiences as he matures, focusing on a transformative late-life romance that redefines his understanding of happiness and introduces him to a precarious sense of security in his sixties.

Hollinghurst's elegant prose and keen insights on human nature make Our Evenings a richly layered narrative full of vivid characters and emotional depth. It is a testament to his standing as one of the finest writers of our age and a profound exploration of life's enduring complexities. Whether it’s capturing the intensity of first love or the tension of political machinations, Hollinghurst weaves a story that is both intimate and expansive, ensuring an unforgettable reading experience.