The Go-Between

L.P. Hartley's novel, The Go-Between (1953), centers on a 12-year-old boy who inadvertently causes a tragedy. The story unfolds through the boy's perspective as he becomes entangled in the complex adult relationships around him, unaware of the deeper emotional currents and consequences of his actions. The novel is noted for its subtle observation of manners and psychological nuance, characteristic of Hartley's work. The title itself refers to a person who carries messages or acts as an intermediary, highlighting the boy's role in facilitating communication between adults, which ultimately leads to a tragic outcome due to his innocence and lack of understanding of their world.12