THE DIVIDING OF TIME

by Elizabeth Sewell ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 22, 1951

A beautifully written first novel by a fresh and promising if still somewhat undisciplined talent, this is the allegorical first-person story of the battle of bureaucracy versus the civilian individual during the blitz days in the London of the early '40's. As the steady surf roll of form letters in duplicate and triplicate washes over the young poetic protagonist, she realizes a compulsion to go back over her life in an effort to find explanation and a way out--and forward. Seven facets of self accompany her to the city of grim beginnings and the king-god. Nebuchadnezzar, serves as symbol of sustenance and hope in a dead forest. A trip to a moon castle further rends the clouds of doubt and indecision--clearing the way to a fresh start in a still young life. Though the symbolism at times dives too deeply into Freudian depths, the power and pace of the narrative are unusual and unusually compelling. Not to be overlooked as a critical if circumscribed success.

Pub Date: March 22, 1951

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1951

Categories: FICTION