Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift

2 reviews

sandysmith's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

3.25

I can see that this is a beautifully written prose, thankfully short novella, but for me, there was too much about the semen on the sheets, and frankly, who cares. The book is about a Mothering Sunday 30th March 1924 where the servants are given the day off to visit their mother's and the upper classes fend for themselves. Orphaned Jane Fairchild has the day off but no mother to visit. There are 2 houses nearby, the Nivens who Jane is a maid for and has permission to use their library, and the Sheringhams. Both houses have tragedies with "children" not returning from the great war. Paul Sheringham and Jane have had a situationship for 7 years, and Paul is due to marry another of his upper class more suitable for him. However, they use the day as a final hurrah before his marriage. The language may be a bit risqué for some, but I didn't mind it as it was contextual. It was so beautifully written but not for me.  It's labelled a romance, but it really isn't, it's about 2 individuals having sex, and him leaving her to let herself out. Much is made of the sheets in the book, but I simply didn't care. I didn't warm to Jane initially, but I did like her in later life reflecting back. A mixed bag for me.
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uranaishi's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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