Not quite as enjoyable as 'Cardboard Crown,' because it was much less even, and more diffuse. But still amusing, moving, and intelligent, particularly for those of us who would like to believe, against all the evidence, that some people care about human civilization. ( )

I have to admit this story lagged for me. It wasn't as non-directional as The Cardboard Crown but it still couldn't hold my attention for long periods of time. Shoot, I couldn't get through ten pages without straying from the page. A fly crawling along a windowsill could capture my attention faster and hold it longer.
So, right from the start I need to tell you the "difficult young man" of the story is Dominic Langton, grandson of Alice (writer of the journal in The Cardboard Crown). Dominic's story is being told by his younger brother, Guy. Dominic is indeed difficult and troubled and sort of a loose cannon. He kills a horse, after all. But, it's also the story of a family who is discontent wherever they are. Bounding between England and Australia, the grass is always greener on the other side. ( )

The second book in Martin Boyd's semi-autobiographical Langton quartet. For full review please read whisperinggums at: http://whisperinggums.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/martin-boyd-a-difficult-young-man... ( )