Imogen is the third wife, and new widow, of academic Ivor, who died in a car crash 2 months prior to the start of the story. The tale unfolds with a houseful of uninvited guests for Imogen over Christmas; assorted family members and others. There’s a chill in the tale, with unexpected events that are unexplained until the end of the story . . .
Comments:
- I found the book a little confusing, I enjoyed it, and found it a page-turner, though I’m not entirely sure I’d like to read another of this author’s works.
- I found it rather chaotic in the telling. I didn’t warm to any of the characters. I wouldn’t read any more of this author’s work.
- I enjoyed it and do intend to read more of this author’s books, perhaps “Uncle Paul”. I’d describe the atmosphere conveyed by the author as “claustrophobic”. The death of Ivor started out as being reported as accidental, but then doubts were cast on this. I found it a page-turner.
- It’s nicely written, a book of its time, presumably set in the 50s or 60s. I wanted to slap Imogen! I won’t be reading more by this author.
- I found myself thinking about “Mrs de Winter” (by Susan Hill) when there was mention of Darling Desmond and not speaking ill of the dead. I was always convinced that Imogen didn’t kill Ivor. I’m glad I read it.
- At the party at the beginning of the book, people don’t know what to say to Imogen, a newly bereaved widow.
- I wouldn’t recommend it either, though it’s cleverly written. When Imogen lost a day after the death of Ivor, this seems to ring true as very believable. I didn’t believe in any of the characters though.
- The atmosphere of unease in the writing reminded me of “Eight Months on Ghazzah Street” by Hilary Mantell. I enjoyed the book for what it is, even though I found several loopholes in the story line. It’s clear that some of the characters in the story don’t know how to relate to Imogen, recently widowed.
- The author is an astute observer of people.
- I have never read any of Celia Fremlin’s works before and from the book description was expecting more of a spine-chilling read - it was a relief that it wasn’t! Certainly, there were some strange goings on, and I felt the suspense was well developed over the first half of the book. However, I felt that the mystery was overshadowed by the various relationships within the house and ultimately, I felt let down by the ending.
However, having said that, her writings about the expectations of a grieving widow hit home and I felt the tensions within the house between the numerous uninvited guests were well observed and at times humorous. I liked her writing style so would consider another of her novels.
- I enjoyed this book, liked the way it was written to make fun of the various characters who foist themselves on Imogen after the death of her husband. When events become somewhat surreal and mysterious it adds another dimension. The writing reminded me a bit of Barbara Pym, rather cynical and amusing. Written in 1975, I imagined it being set earlier somehow, maybe 1950s?
- I felt the story line was slow, with the black humour, and so many characters (most of them staying for Christmas) it all became rather diluted and a bit of a yawn to read.
Although the last line in the book does keep you guessing on its meaning. . . .
Marks out of ten: 7,7, 7, 8, 6.5, 6, 7.