MOTHER AND SON

by Ivy Compton-Burnett ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 21, 1955

Probably all that needs to be said about this new novel is that it is very much like any novel by Ivy Compton-Burnett, articulate beyond belief, witty, clear-eyed, complex, and-depending on the reader- utterly delightful or utterly unreadable. The plot is as complicated as any more sophisticated Gilbert and Sullivan imbroglio. There are the Humes: Miranda, 80; her younger husband Julius, 68; her middle-aged son, Rosebery; and her two nephews and a niece, adolescents. And there is the household of a Miss Greatheart; Miss Wolsey, her friend, and Miss Burke, her housekeeper. These two groups become thoroughly intermingled- and separate again. Julius confesses that thethree children are really his illegitimate offspring and it is discovered, after Miranda's death, that Rosebery is her son by another man. Miss Greatheart and Miss Burke are saved from marriage with Julius and Rosebery, respectively, by the outspoken Miss Wolsey. And all propose to live their separate lives as happily as they may ever after. ""I have never been afraid to put my thoughts into words"", says Rosebery at one point- and any character here might say the same. It is the conversation that makes these books- the plot is nothing and the message of little importance. Either you enjoy the brilliant talk, the flashes of insight, the sharp revelations of small facets of character, or you shouldn't even bother with them.

Pub Date: March 21, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Messner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1955

Categories: FICTION