In contrast to Trollope's previous novels - in which romantic and
familiar contretemps vibrate to the worst of times (the Boer War in
The Steps of the Sun, 1984; the battle of Waterloo in Eliza
Stanhope, 1979; etc.) - here the setting is a quite perfect,
contemporary, sentimental abstract of an English village,
gentry-dominated, and with archetypical inhabitants. But the
village is about to experience an aberrant ripple - at the
epicenter of which is a scandalous lesbian affair. Beautiful Alice
Jordan, married to mildly boring Martin, and mother of three young
children, was amazed to find herself bursting into tears at the
prospect of moving into the ever-so-desirable village of Pitcombe -
with its stone houses, little river, and Sir Ralph's estate
"looking down on it all with feudal benevolence." But Alice's
impossible depression continues, in spite of the village, and the
concern of mother-in-law Cecily - gardener extraordinary and
author, an exhilarating contrast to Alice's telly-watching,
grievance-collecting mother (and probably the reason Alice married
Martin). Enter Clodagh, daughter of Sir Ralph, adored by the
children, welcomed by Martin. Red-haired, arrogant, funny, and gay
(in both senses of the word), Clodagh swings wide in Alice the
gates of feeling. Eventually the two lovers' affair is revealed -
to predictable excitations of rage, grief, and bewilderment all
around. A hard - working vicar and a shrewd spinster offer some
help and a moral edge; but it's Alice, who, after years of being
emotionally exploited by others, of being "beholden" - even to
Clodagh, who has been "waving a wand" above Alice's renaissance -
moves toward independence and selfhood. Affected family and
friends, wracked to the core, have some revelations of their own.
Despite some solemn musing on the freeing or hobbling aspects of
passionate love, Trollope's latest is quite a cheerful experience -
full of keen appreciations of children (three tangy personalities
here), cherished bright eccentrics, and clever, funny chatter from
generally attractive people. (Kirkus Reviews)
Readers of Elizabeth Noble, Erica James and Amanda Prowse will
devour this gripping novel about love and marriage - and the ties
that bind us - from multi-million copy bestselling author Joanna
Trollope. With the flawless depiction of rural, middle-class life
and her incredibly astute characterisation, she effortlessly
demonstrates how seductive and cosy the apparent safety of money,
conformity and marriage can be - but also how fragile.... 'A story
of seduction - not only sexual seduction but the irresistible
appeal of money, beautiful objects, charming manners...excellent' -
The Sunday Times 'A richly textured and immensely readable novel' -
The Sunday Times 'Could not put this book down' - ***** Reader
review 'A must read' - ***** Reader review 'An outstanding study of
human relationships and conflicting loyalties' - ***** Reader
review
****************************************************************
WOULD YOU TAKE A CHANCE AND SET SOMETHING IN MOTION THAT COULD
CHANGE EVERYTHING? The Grey House is the final piece in the jigsaw
of Alice Jordan's perfect life. It seems to be the ultimate
achievement of her outwardly happy marriage - a loyal, if dull
husband, three children, two cars and now the house. So why does
she feel as if something is missing? As Alice and her family settle
themselves into village life, the something missing becomes
something huge and then breaks, scandalizing the village and
opening up old wounds. But because of it, Alice begins to feel that
there is hope and humour and understanding and compassion in the
new life she must build for herself.
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