Since I enjoyed reading The Man Who Loved Islands, I thought I’d try another one by DH Lawrence. I’m glad I did, as this is the best book I’ve read in a long time.

Set in northern England around the beginning of the 20th century, it’s an epic, but a small and intimate one. The story mostly unfolds slowly, over many years. The main theme is a man’s struggle with the yearnings and obligations of love and lust, while he attempts to appease opposing loyalties.

I found the historical aspect very interesting. These were hard times for many people. There are some great descriptions of the work in the mines and other industries, and of family life, even clothes. And as with The Man Who Loved Islands, there is a lot of weather and nature. I also enjoyed the sprinklings of northern dialect. There wasn’t too much to make reading difficult.

I won’t mention the plot as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

I rate Sons and Lovers ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (about as good as it gets)

Judging by the number of covers this book has had, it’s been quite popular. Here are some of them:

Sons and lovers