Reviews

The Springs of Affection: Stories of Dublin by Maeve Brennan

amberjanereads's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

foggy_rosamund's review against another edition

4.0

This rich and complex collection of short stories comprises the majority of Maeve Brennan's literary work. The stories span decades and look at a range of characters, but all refer in some way to a small house in Ranelagh. This house in the now-affluent suburb was the place Brennan grew up, and though she lived in the US from the age of 17, she consistently returns in her thoughts to Ranelagh. The stories are divided into the three sections: the first section is a series of short vignettes that seem roughly autobiographical, and centre on a bookish child call Maeve. While engaging and likeable, they are probably the least accomplished of stories here. The centre section focuses on Rose and Hubert Derdon: they have one son who is a priest, and are trapped in a marriage that has become full of hatred. The stories are movingly told, showing the couple's initial attraction for one another, and poignant details of Rose's childhood. Both characters, Rose and Hubert, are viewed with nuance, and though neither is demonised, the reader can see why their initial affection has turned into intense dislike. The third section explores another unhappy marriage -- one that is unhappy in a different way. Delia and Martin Bagot live in the same tiny house, but have entirely different lives, and while Delia focuses on her beloved daughters, her garden and her pets, Martin wants more from life than a small house and an atmosphere of domesticity, and he believes there is "nothing" to Delia. Yet despite these couples' antipathy for one another, there are also moments of kindness between them, and attempts to reconcile. Brennan explores the complexities and difficulties of marriage, which take on a darker tone in a repressive country where divorce is not possible. The final story, from which the collection takes its name, "The Springs of Affection", is a tour-de-force, following Martin's 87-year-old sister Min, and examining the factors that have lead to a life of isolation, as well as giving a rich portrait of Wexford and rural life. These stories are very moving and very gripping, but can at times be gruelling. They mark Brennan as a subtle and important writer.

kaitlinduffy's review against another edition

May come back to it in the future, just not inclined to pick it up

notellawilliams's review against another edition

dark funny reflective sad tense 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? Yes

3.0

Really enjoyed the first half of this book, and would have loved many of the stories of domesticity in isolation, however the similar narratives got a little old after 350 pages worth. However, incredibly modern writing for the time, and a really fascinating (and depressing) look at the nuclear family.

savvyrosereads's review against another edition

4.0

If you go by the blurb, this collection of short stories sounds like one of the most boring things to ever exist. Which is why it's such a good thing that I am hear to tell you to ignore the blurb.

I am not usually one for stories that rely solely on emotion with very little point, but this collection pulled me in and made me care. Even the characters that I didn't like got to me and made me feel sympathy for them. Brennan explores human emotions and motivations with a style and a delicacy that is both fascinating and astounding to read.

I notice that I tend to end reviews with some sort of "if you like [fill in a kind of literature here] then give this book a shot." I'm going to do that here too, and I'm going to make it as simple as possible: if you like brilliantly written books, go read this one.

alma's review against another edition

emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lauraeatsbooks's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely brilliant stories, especially the autobiographical ones at the beginning. So many new favourite short stories from this one collection.

saparson's review against another edition

4.0

Just finished a collection of Maeve Brennan's short stories about misguided, deluded, emotionally distant men in sad marriages to misunderstood, tolerant, withdrawn women. Lots and lots of atmosphere, but not the kind of localized stories of Dublin. But a universality that seems at home in a magazine like The New Yorker where many of them first appeared.

Not sure I would go back for another visit, but there's no denying the artistry and mastery.

From a writerly perspective, I appreciate the "head-hopping," pace all the writing gurus who rage about the changing POVs. Maeve Brennan handles the ebb and flow of multiple perspectives without the chopped up feel that many writers use to justify opening up the inner life of several characters in a single story.

Spoiler

Like most such stories, I'm left feeling morose for the characters who seem to move from disappointment to disappointment. Perhaps the problem in my experiencing this collection is that I tried to read it from one end to the other, and grew tired of the large plate of single, bland-tasting cakes that one keeps consuming, not wishing to hurt the hostess's feelings.

For writers, I consider it a good working session on moving between multiple points of view in a short piece, and giving a finely detailed sense of place and the emotions that one attaches to such well-loved and well-lived locations.