Old Filth is an
off-putting title, but it’s really an acronym for Failed in London, Try
Hong Kong. Sir Edward Feathers did make an illustrious career as a
lawyer and judge in Hong Kong, but Old
Filth spans his entire life, moving nonchronologically from the
present, Sir Edwards’s old age, to his past.
Edward was born in Malaysia to a British colonial administrator and his
wife, who died three days later, and like other “Raj orphans” was
shipped back to Britain for schooling. Following a bleak childhood and
youth, he returns to the Far East after World War II to pursue his
career. He has a passionless marriage to a woman he nonetheless is
devoted to. He and Betty go back to England after his retirement, and
she dies. Built on this skeleton of Edward’s story are many
interesting, sometimes comedic, and sometimes harrowing
incidents.
Although outwardly a success, Edward is emotionally stunted, lacking
friends and having trouble fitting in anywhere. Yet Gardam portrays
Edward as his own man instead of a pathetic character. The present-day
scenes are especially rich, as Edward’s sworn enemy and late wife’s
lover becomes his closest companion in his old age.
Old Filth is the novel that
brought Gardam to the attention of America readers. In 2016 Ann
Patchett chose it one of the 75 best books of the previous 75 years.
Home
My
reviews
My
friends' reviews