Ulverton by Adam Thorpe

 

Ulverton tells the story of a small English village from 1650 to 1988.  The story is told by different characters from each time period and many are written in thick dialogue, challenging the reader to pay close attention.  There are scandals that are passed down through the year, changing into village legends.  Families standing and prestige rises and falls.  The economy of the area changes from rural farming and a great estate to finally, a development of houses for those who want to move out to the country and the low income housing that is included.  This is a first novel and it is a remarkable debut.  This book is recommended for literary fiction readers.