The British-American author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand returns to the Sussex,England of her youth for this novel set largely in 1914. Much of the early part of the story vividly depicts the rigidly stratified class distinctions, restrictive boring routines, and petty jealousies of the British upper classes of the era. Endless elliptical conversations filled with innuendo never come with straightforward statements, as characters vie for privilege, and no one can seem to say what they mean in blunt language. This consistent feature made it difficult for this reader to be sure about what exactly lead to the condemnation and disgrace of at least two characters. I can’t say more about this without giving away too much of the complex plot, but I could not be sure who impregnated the unwed gypsy teen. (There is absolutely no description of sex, with all gender relationships of the young cast in the language of romance, not biology.) The long list of characters with relationships and loyalties that are often obscure and changing, who are also often working at cross purposes, left me confused in places.
The characterizations are memorable and the condescending treatment of women by men who seem to view them as universally weak and unable to look after themselves is probably an accurate reflection of attitudes of the era, as is the distain for the local Romani itinerants. Several of the characters are jealous would-be writers yearning for recognition and acclaim, spouting Latin and French phrases. (One advantage of the ebook- it is an easy two clicks for translations.)
Part Four belies the title, occurring in the trenches of France in February, 1915, and in the town of Rye, England in March, 1915. The touching vivid description of the dead and dying victims of trench warfare in this section, especially as the dying talk to their comrades, is enough to make grown men weep and become pacifists, and is the best treatment of the subject that I have encountered. By far the best sectioning in my opinion.
The writing is smoothly straightforward with colourful descriptions of characters and many memorable quotes.
“To apply a logical explanation to an irrational act is madness itself.”
“With a heave he popped upright swaying a little as the bulk of his torso sought equilibrium above two short legs and a pair of dainty feet. He considered Beatrice from hooded eyes under a broad forehead that continued up and over the back of a balding head. She thought at once of a large owl.”
A good read, to be discussed at our next book club meeting. I await enlightenment on some details that I found confusing.
The Passionate Reader 