Dunbar

Hogarth Shakespeare’s latest edition retells the story of King Lear. In Edward St. Aubyn’s story, Henry Dunbar is a modern, wealthy businessman who has been kidnapped by two of his daughters as they try to gain control over the family company. Confined to a sanatorium in England, he must rely on fellow inmate Peter to help him escape. That may not be easy with his two daughters on his track. As he tries to make his way to safety, he is troubled by his earlier treatment of his third daughter, Florence, whom he ousted from the family business. He hopes to make amends with her if only he can find a way back home.
I loved what St. Aubyn was able to do with this classic work. His interpretation is witty, amusing, and highly entertaining. I can’t think of the last time I read an author who presented such a wonderful array of characters. Often I felt they could almost walk right off the page, they seemed so real. I only wish the story hadn’t ended as abruptly as it did. I would have preferred a more drawn out conclusion to savor the brilliant characters. Otherwise, it was a pleasure to read and a joy to discover the work of Edward St. Aubyn.