I first read The Rector of Justin when I was young and I remember wondering idly which versions of events were the true ones and who was reliable and who not. Then I shrugged and walked away from the novel for 45 years.
This time I've read it with intensity and have worn a new wrinkle in my brow trying to decide half a hundred questions: was Horace wise to talk Eliza out of marrying Frank; did Jules commit suicide; did Griscam manipulate the rector or did the rector manipulate him; did the old man really believe in God; was the rector of the title, perhaps, the primary narrator.
Funny how books change with time . . .