At Last

At Last (2012) by Edward St. Aubyn. This is a masterful gem of a novel, describing in great detail the travails of being rich. Patrick, the main character, stands to inherit a small fortune passed down from his great-great-great-grandfather, who made a fortune in candles in America. Inherited wealth, it seems, is a great burden on those who receive it, because they feel guilty for being rich without having earned it. The essence of this book, however, is in the writing, which is gorgeous and seemingly flawless. It requires attention from the reader, because St. Aubyn is a writer given to flights of eloquence; and since it takes place in England, it's not always easy to follow for American readers. Still, it deserves top marks. Grade: A