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A review by athravan
Darkness and Day by Ivy Compton-Burnett
5.0
This is a review of the 2015 digital publication of Darkness and Day, which was written in 1951 by Dame Ivy Compton-Burnett. It is a slow paced psychological look at the life and past of Sir Ransom Chase, his relationship with his wife, his daughters and some disturbing, incestuous family secrets. The grim Oedipus-like storyline was way ahead of it's time, quite out-there even now, let alone in the early 50s.
The entire book is written in dialogue. It's a strange format, and this novel was a contradictory read for me. At times, it was boring and confusing, as I slogged through page after page of dialogue and at times, wondered who was even talking right now. Others it was witty, gripping, dark, even shocking. The children's dialogue (in particular with their governess) especially had me smiling, possibly the best written children I have ever read. She had a way with language that was unique and that kept me turning the pages even through the momentary bore. Even without descriptive prose each character has depth, and the relationship with others fully formed.
This isn't an easy read and I can't describe it as a fun one either. It was an experience and I'm glad that I persisted and finished the book, I have a new found appreciation for Dame Ivy and her skill, but I'm not sure I will be brave enough to look at any of her other works. Once again, when I consider the author I am left with conflicting views - it seems a huge shame that someone with this level of writing skill is not more widely read in our current times, but on the other hand, both her style and subject matter are unlikely to appeal to today's readers.
Despite giving it 5 stars, I'm really not sure I would recommend it to any of my friends or family - but certainly to any avid readers who are interested in exploring something different, or existing fans of her writing.
I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley.
The entire book is written in dialogue. It's a strange format, and this novel was a contradictory read for me. At times, it was boring and confusing, as I slogged through page after page of dialogue and at times, wondered who was even talking right now. Others it was witty, gripping, dark, even shocking. The children's dialogue (in particular with their governess) especially had me smiling, possibly the best written children I have ever read. She had a way with language that was unique and that kept me turning the pages even through the momentary bore. Even without descriptive prose each character has depth, and the relationship with others fully formed.
This isn't an easy read and I can't describe it as a fun one either. It was an experience and I'm glad that I persisted and finished the book, I have a new found appreciation for Dame Ivy and her skill, but I'm not sure I will be brave enough to look at any of her other works. Once again, when I consider the author I am left with conflicting views - it seems a huge shame that someone with this level of writing skill is not more widely read in our current times, but on the other hand, both her style and subject matter are unlikely to appeal to today's readers.
Despite giving it 5 stars, I'm really not sure I would recommend it to any of my friends or family - but certainly to any avid readers who are interested in exploring something different, or existing fans of her writing.
I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley.