Jun 16, 2021srd10 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
the story was not as interesting as I had hoped. And, I did not understand why the lawyer was deemed "old filth". He was successful in his profession....he was not forced to leave London to succeed in Hong Kong. The author could not…
Jun 23, 2020wyenotgo rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Empire, God help us! Old Filth is surely a walking, grumbling exemplar of Empire; and of the ghastly price generations of Brits paid for the realization of Empire. Raj orphans were but one example of the outlandish bargain the English…
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highland_hippie
Oct 31, 2019highland_hippie rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful story.
Filth is a complex character, the depths of whom is made accessible to the reader, yet ultimately intangible to those around him.
It is a testament to Jane Gardam's story telling, that the frequent epochal shifts…
Sep 21, 2017gauchetal rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I would concede that this book is well written but unfortunately the constant moving back and forth in time really interrupted the flow of the story for me.
Apr 19, 2017AlteredStaite rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written. Very "Downton Abbey". There was sex and drugs and violence but it was conveyed in a very civilized manner. The upper class, for the most part, treat the dregs of the lower class with politeness and respect or they get…
Feb 01, 2015WVMLStaffPicks rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Sir Edward Feathers, nicknamed Old Filth (Failed in London, Try Hong Kong), is a retired judge, an "orphan of the Raj" whose mother died in childbirth in Malaysia. A delightful man, we are told he is loved, admired and much discussed after…
'Old Filth' is Sir Edward Feathers nickname taken from the term 'failed in London, gone to Hong Kong,' a term used in the British Empire for those who never quite adapted to life back Home. He's a Raj orphan. This first book in the trilogy…
Oct 08, 2014vickder rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Kipling would have loved this book about the British Raj as seen through an interesting character in his twilight years. Much better then the follow-up book.
patron review:
Fabulous story--1st in trilogy about a judge in Hong Kong who retires in England, his birth place.
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gracindaisy
Jun 22, 2014gracindaisy rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
FILTH=failed in London; tried Hong Kong. A retired judge, born in Malaya, retires in rural England from Southeast Asia, where he built his career. Wonderful new author for me; love how the story is unfolded with memories spilling from each…
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rross
Sep 04, 2013rross rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
It is masterful. Story within story of unforgettable characters - most of whose motivation must be British Empire and not quite clear to a current day American. Wait till you get to the second novel "The Man in the Wooden Hat" which…
Jul 27, 2012GreenlakeDD rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Poignant, witty and informative. It very skillfully lets you experience times and places you most likely know little about. Even her most extreme characters are believable. Very funny and very sad.
Nov 22, 2010Barry108 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The conclusion of a series of linked tales. Deeply felt, masterful storytelling.
Before reading Old Filth, you might begin with the story collection, "The People on Privilege Hill" and then "Old Filth." Then go to "The Man in the Wooden…
Mar 04, 2010macierules rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The title may turn you off - but the book is really very good. Old Filth is a Raj orphan, a child of an English ex-pat removed from his family in Malaya and sent to England to be educated. Sad story about cruelty and the consequences of…
Sep 15, 2007gailygirl rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Touching ... somewhat of an old-fashioned British read. Extremely well-written. Read it in one day, but am sure I will remember it for some time to come. Vivid details and characterization.
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Old Filth