THE TRAVELS OF MAUDIE TIPSTAFF

by Margaret Forster ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 28, 1967

Maudie is an indomitable, cantankerous, moralistic, self-righteous, admirable old Scot regarded as ""the old horror"" by her first daughter's family whom she hasn't seen in fifteen years. This could have been aptly titled the Travails of Maudie Tipstaff as she tries to bridge a lifetime gap and reconnect with her three children. There's Jean, who married well yet lost the love she needs from her husband and son, terrified and fascinated by her mother. Maudie's stay with her is filled with agonizing innuendoes, masochistic moments on both sides. Next there's Sally, lovable slut with a simple husband and house full of kids, Sally who never experienced guilt or penance. Finally there's Robert who writes Maudie beautiful, loving letters from Malta, secretly thinking of her as an amusing freak. There is an immense amount of human pathos and comedy here and characters are developed meticulously. Maudie with her flawed perfection has created her own hiatus and when she returns, a seasoned traveler and states emphatically ""Everyone--is--on--their--own..."" we know the knotty old bow is not bent, the audience is dismissed and Maudie will carry on. A pearl from the author of Georgy Girl.

Pub Date: Nov. 28, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Stein & Day

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1967

Categories: FICTION