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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An astute analysis of a marriage falling apart. Set in the English home counties leading barrister Evelyn is married to the much younger attractive Imogen and appears to have a perfect life where his every need is met at home and work . while the marriage appears without passion it works although their son seems to prefer his dad and resents his mum's rules.
When Evelyn meets Blanche, an older rich lady in the village who captures his love of the countryside an friendship develops and this apparent cuckoo in the nest gradually manipulates Imogen out of her comfortable life.
This is a meticulously written story with excellent descriptions of the English countryside and the manners of the early 1950's. It also turns the traditional story of infidelity on it's head , signposted by the title, as the obvious story of a man turning to a younger woman is reversed. Definitely an enjoyable tale enhanced by an excellent introduction by Hilary mantel and the great Backlisted podcast episode.
When Evelyn meets Blanche, an older rich lady in the village who captures his love of the countryside an friendship develops and this apparent cuckoo in the nest gradually manipulates Imogen out of her comfortable life.
This is a meticulously written story with excellent descriptions of the English countryside and the manners of the early 1950's. It also turns the traditional story of infidelity on it's head , signposted by the title, as the obvious story of a man turning to a younger woman is reversed. Definitely an enjoyable tale enhanced by an excellent introduction by Hilary mantel and the great Backlisted podcast episode.
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a book that speaks softly to you, in a calm, melodic way, about serious subjects. It is beautifully written, presenting the English countryside in a very romantic way, and if it weren’t for the subject matter it would all sound very ideal and wonderful. The book is subtle, quietly moving you and breaking your heart. The drama is understated but it speaks volumes, and the last six chapters I found very emotional. Jenkins did a fantastic job of evoking sincere sadness without completely overwhelming or irritating the reader. This isn’t a story that whines at you, and Imogen is a compelling character. At times, you begin to side with Evelyn and Gavin, thinking she is, at times, weak for not standing up more for herself but Jenkins expertly guides you into realising that this is not purely the fault of the character–but of society. Overall, a really effective, beautifully written study of the decline of a marriage and the complex, turbulent relationship between men and women.
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
(4.5 stars) Yet another powerful, psychologically incisive English "domestic" novel of the 50s that seems to have gone largely ignored.
“Cecil looked at her. A woman of Blanche Silcox’s homely appearance would as a rule be given credit for speaking the truth, she thought. To find that she lied aptly, spontaneously, just as if she were another sort of woman altogether, gave Cecil a good deal to think about.”
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is definitely a slow burner & my goodness the three main protagonists are extremely annoying . But the more involved you become in the story the more engrossed you become. Divorce, Separation and illicit affairs were dealt with very differently in the 40s/50s when this novel was written , but still the same heart breaking consequences as in modern day. Surprisingly I really enjoyed the very sad tale of one woman's ambition to snare a man and the decline of the other woman and watching her slide into despair. It's not a happy read but a very well written classic and highly recommended. One final point the son Gavin - what a total spoilt horrible little git. I'm glad to say no boys in my family / children of friends , behave like that with that Attitude and behaviour towards their mums. So I'd say modern little boys are far far nicer !