This latest novel from Australian literary doyen Elizabeth Jolley will not disappoint her many fans. Following in the tradition of her previous works, An Innocent Gentleman is an affectionate yet biting portrait of an unconventional relationship coloured by obsession and illicit desires. Set in World War II England, it tells the story of a sanctioned affair that goes too far. Henry is a vaguely eccentric yet thoroughly likeable schoolteacher with a passion for his job, his daughters, and his wife Muriel. The novel's central tension is set up in the opening chapter, when Henry observes an obvious sexual tension between his wife and their visitor Mr Hawthorne - the `innocent gentleman' of the book's title. Instead of the conventional reaction, Henry suggests to his wife that she might like to take Mr H as a lover. The tension builds as the pair become increasingly obsessed with Mr Hawthorne. Jolley provides such sharp insight into her characters' minds that the reader is made to feel like a voyeur for knowing such intimate details of their thoughts and the processes they use to deceive themselves.

Elegantly written and keenly observed, this book is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Jo Case is a freelance reviewer. 

C. 2001 Thorpe-Bowker and contributors

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