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blankgarden's review against another edition
5.0
My review: https://theblankgarden.com/2017/02/16/i-do-know-how-to-behave-believe-me-because-i-know-i-have-always-known/
lnatal's review against another edition
3.0
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
The St Charles family hit hard times in this 1920s drama set in Ireland. Short of cash and initiative, their estate is in genteel decline. An overweight daughter, philandering father and a cold mother struggle to maintain an aristocratic façade of Good Behaviour. Stars Frances Tomelty, Annette Crosbie and Ronald Pickup.
Molly Keane's novel was dramatised by Shelagh Stephenson. Produced by Eoin O'Callaghan.
The St Charles family hit hard times in this 1920s drama set in Ireland. Short of cash and initiative, their estate is in genteel decline. An overweight daughter, philandering father and a cold mother struggle to maintain an aristocratic façade of Good Behaviour. Stars Frances Tomelty, Annette Crosbie and Ronald Pickup.
Molly Keane's novel was dramatised by Shelagh Stephenson. Produced by Eoin O'Callaghan.
angharadop's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars.
This was beautifully written and very interesting, but it was just so sad! Our protagonist was delusional until the end, and she was surrounded by cruelty. There was no comedy or happiness to balance the sadness, which made this novel seem unbalanced. Id like to try some more of Molly Keane's work though!
This was beautifully written and very interesting, but it was just so sad! Our protagonist was delusional until the end, and she was surrounded by cruelty. There was no comedy or happiness to balance the sadness, which made this novel seem unbalanced. Id like to try some more of Molly Keane's work though!
sethd's review against another edition
4.0
Subtle telling of a declining aristocratic family, of human need and of how the need for "good behavior" overrides, suppresses, masks, and ignores all other human needs. A dark humor comes through in the misunderstood secrets told through the eyes of a naive narrator as she struggles to find a place in family and society and to feel loved.
geertje's review against another edition
4.0
My parents let me buy some books to reward me for getting my MA. I bought some that had been on my TBR for a while, and then I also bought some of the Virago Designer Collection hardcovers; I normally don't buy hardcovers, because they are expensive, and so I thougth I might as well use this moment to treat myself.
I had heard of some of the books I bought (e.g. A Far Cry From Kensington), had even wanted to read some of them (e.g. The Magic Toyshop), but there are also a number I bought just for liking the cover. Obviously we are always told not to judge a book by its cover, but I figured I might as well take a leap of faith for once.
Good Behaviour was such a leap of faith, and a lucky one it has proven to be. It's a strange tale, full of the cruelty and hurt that come from small family interactions. Initially I was not sure whether I would like it, but the writing is absolutely superb, and once I got past the first fifty pages I was hooked. I shall definitely check out more of Molly Keane's work in the future.
Also, I stan Mrs Brock, poor bisexual disaster that she is.
I had heard of some of the books I bought (e.g. A Far Cry From Kensington), had even wanted to read some of them (e.g. The Magic Toyshop), but there are also a number I bought just for liking the cover. Obviously we are always told not to judge a book by its cover, but I figured I might as well take a leap of faith for once.
Good Behaviour was such a leap of faith, and a lucky one it has proven to be. It's a strange tale, full of the cruelty and hurt that come from small family interactions. Initially I was not sure whether I would like it, but the writing is absolutely superb, and once I got past the first fifty pages I was hooked. I shall definitely check out more of Molly Keane's work in the future.
Also, I stan Mrs Brock, poor bisexual disaster that she is.
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