The Unfortunates - Laurie Graham

What a very strange book. I had tremendous difficulty getting to grips with this novel, a tale of a New York Jewish girl and her life throughout the 20th Century. And my what a lot happens to her - or rather around her because she truly is the spoilt rich kid, knowing the value of nothing - especially human relationships. She drifts through crises without any of their effects rubbing off on her at all. It is mildly amusing, and fairly tragic, but a little unsettling too because Popply (the mustard heiress) is just too brittle by far - most of her family are struck by tragedy, and yet she is the person who believes World War II broke out just to spoil her idea for a knitted necktie shop. Maybe I'll try another Laurie Graham - but not yet awhile. Rating 6/10