STRONGHOLDS

by L. M. Boston ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 12, 1969

In spite of the modernity carefully but quietly emphasized, and unfortunately, in spite of the author's skillful writing, this is still an unabashedly romantic woman's novel following the misadventures of one Persephone. She is an innocent dreamer, living out an uncommunicative existence on the farm until her mother's lover tries to rape her and she leaves home to find work. Which she does in a convent where she takes care of the cows and gets religion. . . in an overwhelming way as the Reverend Mother tries to stamp out Persephone's natural sensuality and a certain pagan streak that makes her long for the sea. Persephone is finally forced to leave, ending up in a mental hospital as one of its more sensitive patients. There she has an affair, becomes pregnant and again leaves to be taken care of by a friendly housekeeper and is the model for an infatuated artist's major work. She eventually loses the baby but finds love. . . . If the author could have confined her excesses to the nuns, who are marvelous characters, perhaps this would have been more appealing.

Pub Date: March 12, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION