Penelope Lively’s newest ” How It All Began” is a well constructed, character driven, good read. The basic premise of the novel is how one thing makes another happen. A simple idea, yet in the talented hands of Lively form the foundation of a good book.
Charlotte Rainsford a seventy-something independent Londoner is mugged by a young man. She suffers injuries that will change her lifestyle for several long weeks. She must now live with her daughter Rose and her son-in-law until her hip heals.
This event sets in motion events that will change the lives of several characters, most of whom do not know each other. Rose, for example, will not be able to accompany her employer, the scholar Henry, on a trip to Manchester. Marion, Henry’s niece. will go instead. At the meeting, she meets a pleasant, wealthy man who will change Marion’s personal and professional life.
This is only one of a trio of people who will be affected by Charlotte’s accident. All will face choices that they would not have had to face had it not been for this young mugger’s crime.
Lively has created interesting, well thought out characters and a plot in which things happen.