SYBIL

A second novel which directs a very level look at the groundswells of a marriage and which in its detached scrutiny provides a portrait which is careful rather than concerned. Centered here is Sybil, defensively indifferent, self-conscious and critical as she wars against her family- and social pressures, until she meets and falls in love with Philip, a rather obvious young man of great eligibility. Philip, appreciative of the steadfast affection she offers him, marries her, is off to war, and on his return retreats from her submissive devotion in an occasional affair, until it narrows down to Julie who is determined to marry him. The breakup of their marriage leads to a tortured summer for Sybil, an aggressive attempt at an affair, until finally she compromises with herself and allows Philip, momentarily chastened, to come back....An intelligent rather than intense perspective of private lives, acerb in its social commentary as well.