THE GREEN MARE

by Marcel Ayme ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 28, 1956

Printed in France in 1933, this is the first English appearance -- unblinkingly translated by Norman Denny -- of the Claquebue feud of the Haudoins and the Malorets which is rooted, not only in politics, personal feelings and religion, but also in a hidden scandal about Haudoins mother. Along with the stratagems of the local politicans, the Republicans and the Clericals, is the counterpoint of comment from the Green Mare's portrait, the jade green animal who had started farmer--coper Haudoin's fortunes and whose picture watches over the family outcroppings of outcroppings of sex, cupidity, envy and vengeance. Pitted against each other are the brothers Ferdinand, an unhappy, tremulously ambitious veterinary, and Honore, a contented, earthy farmer. But they are united against the idea of Zephe Maloret becoming mayor, in their attempts to find a lost letter and in repaying Zephe's betrayal of their mother. Honore, escaping the amorous intent of Zephe's daughter, effects reprisals through Zephe's wife, before Zephe and his son...Calculated and sly, this frankly surveys sexual habits and customs and contemplates a countryside as commonplace as it is erotic. Blithe and not vulgar in its Gallic amusements.

Pub Date: March 28, 1956

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION