Casting off, is not only a beautifully written novel, but is also an excellent historical reference, giving facts, as well as an insight into the emotional hardships of living in a country at war.

After reading only a few pages of the novel, the reader has been drawn into the world of the characters. Howard's writing not only draws you into their world, but allows you to know the characters as well as, or prehaps better than, the reader knows their own friends. By the end of the novel you find yourself feeling real emotions for the characters and their sitaution.

Howard is an excellent writer who, as yet, has not been given the recognition she deserves for her writing.


An excellent read if you have read the others first...   January 23, 1999
 24 out of 25 found this review helpful

This book is an excellent continuation of the Cazalet chronicle (book 4). As with the other three (the Light years, marking time, confusion) it revolves around a large extended family which can get a bit complicated. But the characters are brilliantly drawn and you get completely integrated into their world. It has moments of poignancy, happiness, despair.... it's a cracking good read if you like detailed, thoughtful books.