P. H. Newby

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P. H. Newby Criticism

P. H. Newby, an English novelist born in 1918, is renowned for his exploration of cultural clashes, particularly between English and Middle Eastern worlds. His narratives often feature characters who are confounded by the cultural nuances of unfamiliar settings. This theme is handled with Newby's distinctive wit and satire, emphasizing the persistent lack of mutual understanding across cultures. In his English-set novels, Newby continues to explore themes of self-discovery and the challenges of communication within a fragmented modern society. His storytelling, as highlighted in V. S. Naipaul's analysis of A Guest and His Going, is inventive and engaging, though it occasionally ventures into the fantastical. The comedic elements in works like One of the Founders are praised by Stephen Wall, who questions the depth of thematic exploration. Newby's trilogy, as discussed by F. X. Mathews, blends satiric comedy with themes of illusion and reality, navigating the interplay between personal and political realms. His war novels, such as A Step to Silence and The Retreat, further delve into the individual's struggle with violence and moral identity, a topic explored in Mathews' analysis. Newby's work remains significant for its complex narrative techniques and thematic depth, as seen in Wilfrid Sheed's study of Something to Answer For, which intertwines political themes with a psychological narrative structure.

Contents

  • Newby, P(ercy) H(oward) (Vol. 2)
  • Newby, P(ercy) H(oward) (Vol. 13)
    • V. S. Naipaul
    • Stephen Wall
    • Newby on the Nile: The Comic Trilogy
    • Double Deal
    • Witness to Violence: The War Novels of P. H. Newby