The Napoleon of Notting
Hill (1904)
My review:
In the style of some of Chesterton’s writings, this is not a story (or even a novel), owing to a fundamental lack of plot. Instead, it is principally a series of descriptions in highly poetic language, accompanied by flowery prose, all of which ask questions about the nature of God, man, war, the city and humour. As usual, there is an emphasis on colour, shape and light; also philosophy. Chesterton can be compared to Sterne and Borges (who also wrote some very Chestertonian short stories). In short, too odd to be entertaining—Father Brown is preferred.