The Squire

by Enid Bagnold

Paperback, 2013

Status

Available

Genres

General Fiction

All Topics

Fiction

Publication

Persephone Books Ltd (2013), 200 pages

Rating

½ (23 ratings; 3.6)

User reviews

LibraryThing member laytonwoman3rd

When our title character's husband leaves the household for his annual buying trip to India, the mistress of the house becomes "the Squire" in his absence. Well into her 40's, she is also very near to her delivery date for her fifth child. This situation sets off a book-load of introspection,

reflections, musings, self-analysis and observations on the nature of love, and the things that are important to a woman's life. Among all that (which can get a bit overdone at times) are vignettes of life that are often quite realistic. Each existing child has a distinct personality, and the Squire loves each of them for their qualities. She also has those Exasperated Mother moments that even parents of an Only know much too well. There are fascinating glimpses into the less-than-optimal servant situation (Mr. Hudson does not run this household with a firm and unflappable hand, and Mrs. Bridges is not reigning supreme down in the kitchen) and the mystical, if limited, relationship between a new mother and her mid-wife. If this book were a musical recording, I would call it overproduced---too many violins, by half. But it was a solid 3 1/2 star read.

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LibraryThing member LyzzyBee

20 Jan 2011

Read for All Virago All August.
Steeped in maternity and family, a rather amazing Virago for its time, and now. Like being immersed in the waiting suspension of late pregnancy and the milky intimacy of a new mother. The female Squire running her house contrasts with the sere butler and

communes with her midwife and friend, again contrasted with their virginity and rather desperate youthfullness respectively. Hugely engaging; absorbing in all respects.

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