MY DARLING FROM THE LIONS

An evocative, fastidiously expressive first novel of two young sisters and their individual responses to the life they make and their search for fulfillment. A gallery of aimless eccentrics are the background for Jezza and Anna and their development from observant but unrecognizing children to maturity gained through experience. Jezza and Anna spend their childhood in Berg, with their grandmother, Uncle Rolf, assorted relatives and servants, in a combined youthful front against adult restriction and authority. Isolation and frustration affect the whole household save grandmother and Uncle Rolf -- each of whom provides guideposts for the youngsters. Jezza leaves to become a newspaperwoman, finds two loves are quite unreal, that she herself is lacking, but in Lapland, through the help of a critical, loving, young doctor she wakes to the need for unselfishness and warm interest in all human beings. Anna, steadfastly loyal to Berg, sees the house grow threadbare, the caprices of the remaining aunts become more accentuated, until she realizes her love for Rolf. Jezza's return and Anna's approaching marriage mark the coming of a new order for their home. An interesting, intelligent, if slightly precious book.