I recommend this book with reservations. It’s not a “page-turner” (Anita Brookner doesn’t write those). The main character, Emma Roberts, struggles to involve herself in life. She is very introspective, and her description of the typical English person’s introversion when encountering new people rings true with the 8 mos. I spent in England with my young family. I say typical, not universal. As an introvert myself I could empathize with many of Emma’s reactions to social situations and her envy of those who find involvement easy. So, if you number among the supposed 25% of Americans who are introverts, or if you’re an extrovert with an interest in finding out how we perceive things, enjoy.