LIFE STORY

by Phyllis Bentley ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 14, 1948

The dreary cycle of progression from down-trodden poor relation to lust for power over those she controls and descent again to powerlessness is the background pattern for another long-drawn out novel of largely regional interest- set in the West Riding textile district that Miss Bentley has made her own. The novel purports to be the piecing together of the stories of the past recounted by Hannah Moorhouse Tyas to her grandson. Little Hannah is ten when the story starts with a memorable day of disaster, the disappearance of her father, the bullying of her cousins, and the falling in love with her cousin Hedley. She is much more likable at this stage than later as an imperious, power- loving matron, demanding the attention of husband, son and daughter. Accurate enough- not only in the delineation of character, but in the analysis of the effect of oppression on the oppressed, on the picture of the industrial heritage which is an integral part of the people rooted in it. But frankly, I found it heavy going.

Pub Date: Sept. 14, 1948

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1948

Categories: FICTION