DAUGHTER OF TIME

The identification of the central character of this novel with Katherine Mansfield, and the liberties taken with fact, burden this story with prejudice in advance. Forget the fact that this is a hybrid -the novelized biography -- and read it as straight fiction, accepting a good deal of charged sentimentality which is in sharp contrast with the subtlety, purity of Katherine Mansfield's own work. Childhood years in New Zealand -- an early love -- an overnight decision to marry another man, in London, and separation after five days -- pregnancy and a stillborn child and no divorce (all fictitious). The meeting with A Barr (Marry) and the close association with Davies (Lawrence), finally divorce and freedom to marry Barr. Then the decade of mounting suffering -- and death, alone at Fontainebleau. Truth and fiction oddly and unwelcomely blended.