THE SOUND OF YEARS

by Merriam Modell ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 13, 1946

A first novel and thoroughly holding melodrama, toned down by intelligent writing, characterization, guarded exposition. The author is a short story writer (New Yorker and elsewhere) -- and in this, her first full length novel, she has written a subtly contrived and sustained story of a woman, which achieves by implication and restraint, considerable curiosity appeal. It is Ellen's story, Ellen, thoroughly conservative, complacent, and comfortable with her marriage, her 4-year old child, and her convenient habit of self-deception. Her security is unsettled, however, by the reminder of Brigitta, the child she's had illegitimately at 20, and left in Europe, who now comes to live with Ellen. Brigitta's arrival brings to the forefront the old affair with Richard, at the time only an antidote to Johnny, an artist, who had loved her and disappeared after the suicide of Ellen's brother. Then history repeats itself -- Ellen's indifference is indirectly responsible for Brigitta's death. An unusual approach, not on too obvious nor popular a plane.

Pub Date: May 13, 1946

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1946

Categories: FICTION