John Fowles, "Daniel Martin"

Who knew, that a person who lived most of his life away from big cities and civilization progress, could make up a novel overwhelming of drama, inner passion and love affairs; a novel which comprises synthetic Hollywood, oldschool Britain and mysterious Egypt in one place, where love and friendship live? However, Fowles proved his ability to feel sensitivity of human soul and drama of love in the "French Leutenant's Woman". Look at the author: calm old familyman with beard, who lived last 40 years of his life in Dorset, England. And now look at his made-up heroes: inner storm of doubts and emotions, insane moves and unpredictable endings. Perhaps, Mr.Fowles was a man of great fantasy and sensitivity.

Anyway, lets go back to the "Daniel Martin". During the reading you can be misled by the author's writing style. Illusion of authobiographic novel comes up to your mind all over 797 pages. This illusion is so realistic, that you believe the hero is a really existing person. Prepare yourself to see a bouquet of different characters, faces, likes and dislikes. 
I dare to say that, maybe, there's too much of everything in this book. But attentive and sensitive readers can notice and feel the main idea passing through the whole story: the battle between freedom and obligation. What is freedom? As well as truth, freedom is unique for every person. But in this case, another aspect of the Fowles' novels shows its importance: definition of pure English soul. You may not be delighted by the density of the plot, or philosophic basis, but, the key thing you will learn from Fowles is the essence of English soul and mind. The writer crystallized noble Britain and vain England between the lines. 
Open your mind, and you'll see a door to the English heart. While a key to any door is inside yours.