Setting is an interesting concept; it not only sets the physical surroundings but also paints a metaphoric or symbolic picture of characters, introduces conflict and develops atmosphere. In The Englishman's Boy Vanderhaeghe uses all the above elements to bring his novel to a higher level.
The story opens with an effective use of setting to create a mood of suspense and anticipation, and introduces the protagonist, Harry Vincent. In the opening scene Harry is sitting at a typewriter trying to gather his thoughts: "It's true that once I was a writer of sort, but for thirty years I've written nothing longer than a grocery list, a letter." …
