...a rich novel ... a superb sequel, one that has the same impressive scope and emotional intensity as its predecessor — plus an infinitely superior title ... The patchwork of perspectives and interspersed letters and newspaper articles lend color, variety and tonal richness to the proceedings. At the end of it all, it is gratifying to find loose ends and intriguing new directions.
So Much Life Left Over spans two continents and 20 years. Its large supporting cast — many of whom get a bash at narrating — are given plenty of troubles of their own — there’s even a shamelessly scene-stealing cameo by Dr Iannis from de Bernières’ most famous novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Yet, while the book is certainly not short of vivid domestic incidents, they tend to pile up rather than provide forward momentum ... The trouble is not (needless to say) that these passages aren’t heartfelt, but that they increasingly seem like an intrusive if understandable autobiographical obsession. At times, they also seem distractingly pointed — not least when his now-adult daughter later assures Daniel that 'Mummy has to live with knowing that she didn’t do the right thing'.
As always, De Bernières writes with whimsical sympathy – except when it comes to Daniel’s relationship with Rosie ... De Bernières has said he is a committed advocate for separated fathers, but I can’t help wondering: why does he use a verbal sledgehammer to make Daniel’s case, when he has written of greater tragedies in a lighter style?
De Bernières’ latest sweeps across continents as it provides intimate glimpses into the lives of WWI survivors who never expected to have, as the title states provocatively, so much life left over. ... Interweaving their individual stories, de Bernières creates a vivid tapestry of the challenges and frustrations faced by the Lost Generation.
De Bernières unsettlingly alternates a light comic tone with more serious material and also often slips into clichéd, sentimental characterization. As a result, only the last of the story’s heartaches penetrates deeply. A readable if off-balance slice of history in which breadth comes at the expense of depth.
England between the two world wars is revisited in this witty and heartfelt novel. Daniel Pitt, a former RFC pilot, is married to Rosie McCosh and runs a tea factory in Ceylon. His brother, Archie, a solider on the North-West Frontier, is secretly in love with Rosie—just as Rosie’s spinster sister, Ottilie, back at home in England, is secretly in love with Archie ... Through a variety of points of view, de Bernières creates an impressionistic depiction of Britain recovering from one world war and slipping inexorably into another as motion pictures begin to talk, land and air records are set, and Daniel and his friends and family heroically try to adjust to changing times. The novel is light on plot, but the characters are such excellent company that it makes for an irresistible reading experience, especially for fans of Downton Abbey.
