Book Review Roundup: 'The Well,' 'Honey,' and 'A Glove Shop in Vienna'
A selection of recent retro reads offers dark secrets, amoral love triangles, and wry humor.
This month's collection of retro reads features Elizabeth Jolley's "The Well," Elizabeth Jenkins' "Honey," and Eva Ibbotson's "A Glove Shop in Vienna," offering readers a mix of unsettling narratives and sharp wit.
The Well
Elizabeth Jolley's "The Well" delves into the isolated world of Hester, a lonely, middle-aged landowner who takes in teenage orphan Katherine to assist on her farm. As Katherine becomes the center of Hester's universe, their bond intensifies through shared activities. However, a fatal car accident where Katherine hits a man leads Hester to conceal the body in a dried-up well. This act becomes a metaphor for Hester's suppressed desires, threatening to unravel their lives and secrets. The novel is described as a dark, gothic exploration of sexuality and spirituality, leaving readers with lingering questions.
Honey
"Honey" by Elizabeth Jenkins is characterized by its precise portrayal of adult cruelty. The story centers on Honey, a beautiful but selfish woman who lures Roland away from his wife and son. When Roland's ex-wife dies, their teenage son, Brian, comes to live with them. Fearing a loss of her allure, Honey plots to seduce Brian while she and Roland squander his inheritance. The narrative shifts when Brian finds solace with a devoted school friend and his family, exposing the fragility of lust and greed. The book is noted for its dry, amoral examination of love triangles and the potential for redemption through love.
A Glove Shop in Vienna
Eva Ibbotson, widely recognized for her children's literature, showcases her wry humor in "A Glove Shop in Vienna," a collection of short stories. The tales often feature pre-war Vienna as a backdrop and explore themes of love affairs, secrets, hopes, and heartbreak. The title story humorously examines a pragmatic, sexless marriage, while "Christmas Angel" resonates with parents by depicting a child's loss of innocence. Other stories, such as "A Rose in Amazonia," reunite separated lovers, and "A Little Disagreement" offers an unexpected twist. The collection is recommended for slow savoring, akin to enjoying delicate canapés.
