Books
by M J (Molly Keanes) Farrell
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Mad Puppetstown, Full House, The Rising Tide, Loving Without Tears |
I have recently immersed myself in these stories of the lost world of the great Anglo-Irish houses and their families, published between the 1930s and 1950s, They have two main themes in common: the effect houses have on their inhabitants and - particularly in the last three - the effect obsessively possessive mothers have on their children (you wonder what her own mother was like). Despite their common ground, Keanes never repeats herself, each story having its own acute perception and wit and appreciation of natural beauty (including rousing descriptions of her beloved hunting). What is more you don't know until the end if the dreadful mothers will 'win' or get their come-uppance, which makes each book a page-turner. I thoroughly recommend them if you can get hold of them!
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 72 Spring 2014) |
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