one by one

One by One by Penelope Gilliatt (Atheneum, 1965)

Another brilliant book by Gilliatt, set in the environs of London during a mysterious plague-like epidemic that is killing thousands of people.  Roger, a veterinarian, volunteers to work in inner-city clinics while his almost full-term pregnant wife Polly frets and tries to cope in the suburbs.  Assorted other interesting secondary characters, including Roger’s hateful mother, and Corker, his best friend and former lover.  This is Gilliatt’s first novel;  despite the familiar premise, it is well sustained and originally conceived and executed.  Very smart and insightful about love, marriage, and homosexuality.  An excellent book.