Sunday 17 August 2008

Mariana by Monica Dickens

This novel begins after the outbreak of World War II. Mary is sitting listening to the radio when she hears that the ship her husband is on has hit a mine and sunk. While she waits anxiously for news she recalls her childhood days in Cornwall, her teenage years spent in pursuit of her handsome cousin Denys, her miserable time at drama college in London and her wild love affair in Paris. This is an absorbing coming of age story. Monica Dickens has a light, almost flippant comic touch and yet convincingly describes the angst of adolescence. The scenes where Mary accompanies her elusive cousin Denys to an Oxford ball are amusing yet painful.

If I have one teensy criticism of the novel it is that too many characters are introduced in the first chapters. I used to blame myself as a reader if I had to keep turning back pages to remember which character was which. I now think that the writer is responsible for clarity. However, I would recommend this very English novel as an enjoyable summer read.

7 comments:

kristina said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog, and I'm so delighted to discover yours!

I can't wait to read more of your recommendations. We have very similar taste in books. Indeed Mariana (Persephone edition) is on my to-read pile at the minute.

I would definitely recommend the Virago reissue of Barbara Pym's 'Excellent Women'. That and 'Provincial Lady' have been my favorites so far.

And don't give up on Elizabeth Taylor!

K x

Vintage Reading said...

Hi Kristina, thank you for your comment. I'm still plugging away at Elizabeth Taylor! I do like the photography on your blog. Nicola

Vintage Reading said...

Hi Kristina, thank you for your comment. I'm still plugging away at Elizabeth Taylor! I do like the photography on your blog. Nicola

Vintage Reading said...

Hi Kristina, thank you for your comment. I'm still plugging away at Elizabeth Taylor! I do like the photography on your blog. Nicola

Anonymous said...

Very nice, love the pictures you obviously have great taste in style and books its like you have your own photographer !!!

Vintage Reading said...

Very funny, Kate!!! I know who you are Miss Anonymous! Mum

Anonymous said...

Love Monica Dickens. I find her delightful. Also love this blog, a new find, and look forward to scouring its contents.