CASHELMARA

by Susan Howatch ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1974

Perhaps no bigger (it's still sizable) but certainly busier and spicier than Penmarric is this mid-19th century English/Irish dynasty saga which covers three generations of landed aristocrats and uncovers some surprise pomanders in the family closet. The sections narrated variously by six principals, are thoughtfully labeled with titles like ""Duty,"" ""Passion,"" ""Fidelity,"" etc. in case you can't follow the dots. The first Lord of Cashelmara, the family holding in Ireland, is Edward -- a pearl of English nobility, fair, just, civil, although apt to be obtuse about the needs of his children. Particularly Patrick, who when he assumes the title after Edward's death, marries American Sarah, has three children, but succumbs to his masochistic homosexual proclivities. Thus both Patrick and Sarah become the willing/unwilling slaves of the agent's son and Patrick's lover MacGowan. Sarah's doubtful savior is one Maxwell Drummond, of low estate but thanks to the Irish underground and his own native wit, he is able to spirit Sarah to America and eventually establish her back at Cashelmara. But was Patrick's death or that of a supportive uncle natural? And who shot MacGowan? Patrick's son and heir Ned, made of his grandfather's sterner stuff, sorts it all out, takes over the reins and marries happily at sixteen. A richly gossipy tale, told with no particular elegance but a good deal of verve which will be smashingly rewarded and spells out Cashelmara with a stunning emphasis on the first syllable.

Pub Date: May 1, 1974

ISBN: 0449206238

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1974

Categories: FICTION