JENNIFER'S HOUSE

by Christine Noble Govan ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Strong, popular elements here, with glamor of period and place (the turn of the century in the South, where the aristocratic colonial estate of the Tremonts was unique in retaining its beauty and dignity in a fast deteriorating milieu. The central figure of the story is Isobel, a classic beauty with a hard practicality which is concealed in demure innocence, unbeatable trading assets in her mercenary, materialistic career. She comes to the Tremonts as companion to old Mrs. Tremont (Jennifer) and after her death stays on until gossip persuades gallant old John Tremont to marry her. Isobel does this, deliberately subduing her attraction for her contemporary, John Tremont's grandson, Evan, casual, attractive, tormentingly aware that Isabel is susceptible to his charms. John's only daughter, who had opposed Isabel with bitter, well-grounded suspicion, dies next, leaving her husband occupant on John's death -- of the house, Riverridge. So Isabel, widowed soon thereafter, marries Ransome Parks, once again lovelsly, shrewdly, to maintain her place in ""Jennifer's House"". This time she gets a man who can match her, and there the story ends. No moonlight, roses and honey-suckle this, but full decollete in the portrayal of a regal way of life and substantial romance, tempered by realism, adeptly interwoven and narrated.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1944

Categories: FICTION