I have a bit of a chequered history with Elizabeth Taylor novels. I found Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont to be an utterly depressing portrayal of ageing and I've often found an underlying unpleasantness in Taylor's characters, yet I loved Blaming.
Palladian is a variation of Jane Eyre with orphaned Cassandra Dashwood going to work as a governess in a ramshackle mansion house with a romantic idea that she will fall in love with her widower employer and indeed she does. The mansion is populated with her employer's bossy sister, hypochondriac mother, brother with a drink problem, the girl he believes to be his daughter and a know-it-all Nanny who bullies the cleaner. The dialogue between Nanny and the cleaner is highly amusing and cleverly written but I found the rest of the novel pretty bleak.
I'd like to read the Beauman biography because I'm always interested in the life of writers but I think I'm done with Taylor's novels.
On a more positive note I popped into the lovely Foyles bookshop at St Pancras station last week and found a biography I've wanted to read for a long time -clue is my author of the month. I also managed to resist the temptation presented by the Cath Kidston shop next door!
I first learned of Dodie Smith from "Victoria" magazine many years ago. It was when her book "I Capture the Castle" was rereleased. I would love to read her biography since I loved her book. And regarding Elizabeth Taylor, you really gave her a chance. From what you described, I have a feeling I would have the same reaction.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you've found Taylor so bleak. Her writing does have some unpleasant undertones, I agree, but somehow I manage to enjoy her nonetheless. The first of hers I read was Angel, and despite the main character being odious, I found it a very interesting reading experience. I can't quite put my finger on why...I'm keen to read the Nicola Beauman biog too. I'm intrigued by your mention of the Dodie Smith biography...please post about it soon!
ReplyDeleteI think I feel the same way about Taylor. I've bought both Angel and A Game of Hide and Seek, have read about 50 pgs. and abandoned them. I find her writing to be inaccessible, but I can't pinpoint why.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that your last experience with Taylor didn't quite cut it for you, Nicola. I really hope you read Beauman's bio though and find your way back at some point!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read. Will add to my tbr - and off to watch Jane Eyre now!
ReplyDeleteI've only read Mrs. Paltrey, which I loved (thought I had first seen the movie version, loved Joan Plowright). I just checked my library catalog and they have this one, so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI have three of her books but have yet to read any of them (how on earth did I end up with 3?!). I wasn't expecting her to be bleak, more like a gentle portrayal on family life, I suppose. Like Dorothy Whipple.
ReplyDeleteOf the three ETs I've read, Angel is my favourite - but quite bleak, certainly! I do love her writing, but have to wait for it to 'click' with me each time.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm guessing it's Valerie Grove's Dear Dodie? I read it back in 2003 or 2004, and found it really interesting and quite surprising.
I've read two Taylor novels now and liked them very much, but I can see that the bleakness might get old. I'll have to make sure I try Blaming at some point, since you liked it so much!
ReplyDeleteA biography of Dodie Smith sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about Elizabeth Taylor... I enjoy her books, but have to be in a sturdy frame of mind! I felt the same about Anita Brookner's books, before I decided to call a halt, but I have so many of ET's books waiting to be read, that I couldn't stop now!
Sunday, I've just finished the Dodi Smith biography and would highly recommend it.
ReplyDeletebooksnob, yes, I find it difficult to post negative reviews but I suppose its best to be honest. I think Taylor is just not my cup of tea!
gudrunstights, glad I'm not the only one! I know Taylor is widely admired but she just doesn't speak to me.
Darlene, I'm in the mood for biography at the moment so I do want the Beauman book. I've also had an Elizabeth Gaskell biog on my shelves for ages which I must get around to!
Lilac's in May - is that the new Jane Eyre film? Do post a review.
Karen K, The only Taylor I really loved was Blaming. Hope you get on with Palladian better than I did!
Mae, don't let me put you off if you've not read her. I do like Whipple, though!
StuckinaBook, I agree with what you say about the click. It only happened to me when I read Blaming though. I'm loving the Dodie Smith biog!
Dorothy, I would highly recommend Blaming.
Penny, Dear Dodie is one of my favourite read this year - loved every page!
Do you know, I've read this book twice and still have no memory of it whatsoever? I took it out from the library a while ago and only realized on the last couple of pages that I'd read it before. So not exactly memorable! And I wasn't keen on Angel so I think I'm also through with Elizabeth Taylor.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Palladian, so I'll look out for it. I know what you mean about Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont. I thought it was good, but oh, how bleak. At Mrs Lippincott's I liked a lot.
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