cecileegbgn's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mazza57's review against another edition
4.0
Lady Slane is released from a lifetime of feeling trapped in conventional society, whilst always wishing she could have been an artist of importance, by the death of her husband. After the funeral she makes the decision to isolate herself (and her French ladies maid) in a rented house in Hampshire. She bans her grandchildren and great grandchildren from visiting, her children - mainly egotistic, self centred, chips of Lord Slade's block make no real effort to keep in touch. Lady Slade establishes friendships with her landlord, her builder and an old acquaintance. This is a beautifully written classic novel, short but powerfully written. The only problem is that all the Maid's dialogue is written in French the idea of what she is saying can in the main be interpreted but some remains unknown.
tina94's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
wendoxford's review
4.0
88 year old Lady Slane can, at last, become her true self when her husband (ex Viceroy of India, ex PM) dies. Instead of being prostrate with helplessness and grief, she rejects her patronising children's efforts to manage her and sets off on a small late life adventure of independence.
A subtle invective against Victorian values, being old, being a woman and frustrated dreams (albeit from a moneyed perspective!)
A really "good read"
A subtle invective against Victorian values, being old, being a woman and frustrated dreams (albeit from a moneyed perspective!)
A really "good read"
wigglybones's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
honeyblonde02's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
ilariarogers's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Interesting comment on the choices we make and the choices we have. Inspiring in making the best of a situation while retaining a distance that allows self reflection. Some rather nicely drawn characters- the ghastly children the philosophical landlord- there could be a bit more depth to some of the less central characters. Quite a lot of French it is assumed the reader will understand. Also interesting insights into relations between a rich lady and her servant revealing an asymmetry the lady protagonist seems for a ling rime to not notice. To modern eyes a bit jarring. The central situation appears dated - but is it really? Nice satisfying ending.
ccwray's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bronwynmb's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a beautiful book. The emotions and feelings within it are so real. The story is wonderful. I'm so glad my mom recommended it to me, but I'm sorry it took me so long to finally read. I wish I could read this for the first time again.