Good Behaviour
A BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick - Booker Prize Gems
Author: Molly Keane Series: Virago Modern Classics
A brilliant comic novel about Anglo-Ireland that was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. 'A mistress of wicked comedy' MALCOLM BRADBURY, VOGUE
Behind the gates of Temple Alice, the aristocratic Anglo-Irish St Charles family sinks into a state of decaying grace. To Aroon St Charles, the large and unlovely daughter of the house, the fierce forces of sex, money, jealousy, and love seem locked out by the ritual patterns of good behavior. But crumbling codes of conduct cannot hope to save the members of the St Charles family from their own unruly and inadmissible desires. This elegant and allusive novel, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, established Molly Keane as the natural successor to Jean Rhys.
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Summary
A brilliant comic novel about Anglo-Ireland that was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. 'A mistress of wicked comedy' MALCOLM BRADBURY, VOGUE
Behind the gates of Temple Alice, the aristocratic Anglo-Irish St Charles family sinks into a state of decaying grace. To Aroon St Charles, the large and unlovely daughter of the house, the fierce forces of sex, money, jealousy, and love seem locked out by the ritual patterns of good behavior. But crumbling codes of conduct cannot hope to save the members of the St Charles family from their own unruly and inadmissible desires. This elegant and allusive novel, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, established Molly Keane as the natural successor to Jean Rhys.
Description
'I do know how to behave - believe me, because I know. I have always known...'
Behind the gates of Temple Alice the aristocratic Anglo-Irish St Charles family sinks into a state of decaying grace. To Aroon St Charles, large and unlovely daughter of the house, the fierce forces of sex, money, jealousy and love seem locked out by the ritual patterns of good behaviour. But crumbling codes of conduct cannot hope to save the members of the St Charles family from their own unruly and inadmissible desires. This elegant and allusive novel established Molly Keane as the natural successor to Jean Rhys.
Critic Reviews
“ ' Molly Keane's Good Behaviour is a remarkable novel,beautifully written, brilliant in its original idea and every page apleasure to read. Good Behaviour is a tour de force P.D. JAMES'The very best of Anglo-Irish writing' CLARE BOYLAN 'An extra” ' Molly Keane's Good Behaviour is a remarkable novel, beautifully written, brilliant in its original idea and every page a pleasure to read. Good Behaviour is a tour de force P.D. JAMES 'Dark, complex, engaging ... A wonderful tour de force' MARIAN KEYES 'A masterpiece ... Molly Keane is a mistress of wicked comedy' MALCOLM BRADBURY, VOGUE 'The very best of Anglo-Irish writing' CLARE BOYLAN 'An extraordinary tour de force' VOGUE 'A masterpiece' BOOKSELLER 'A fine novel, wickedly alive' VICTORIA GLENDINNING, SUNDAY TIMES 'Enchanting' EDNA O'BRIEN, OBSERVER
About the Author
Born in Ireland in 1904 into a 'rather serious Hunting and Fishing Church-going family' who gave her little education at the hands of governesses, Molly's interests were 'hunting & horses & having a good time'; she began writing only to supplement her dress allowance. She died in 1996.
'I do know how to behave - believe me, because I know. I have always known...'Behind the gates of Temple Alice the aristocratic Anglo-Irish St Charles family sinks into a state of decaying grace. To Aroon St Charles, large and unlovely daughter of the house, the fierce forces of sex, money, jealousy and love seem locked out by the ritual patterns of good behaviour. But crumbling codes of conduct cannot hope to save the members of the St Charles family from their own unruly and inadmissible desires. This elegant and allusive novel established Molly Keane as the natural successor to Jean Rhys.
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