My oh so neglected book blog I am sorry. I will invest in you again x All I can say is that roller derby stole my soul – so I haven’t been up to much else but skating. But with a poorly foot I can now…well return to you x I have read many of a book but none of them are worth summarising save this one.
Title - An Impossible Marriage
Author - Pamela Hansford Johnson
First copyright date -1955
Type of book - Fiction
General subject matter - Marriage, jealousy, adultery, monotony
Price - 4’6 but it cost me 50p
ISBN - No ISBN or barcode J I love old books
The author does not state a purpose and the dedication page appears to be in French – I think. I love the appearance of old books and fell in love with this one on the shelf. A way to a girl’s heart if to buy her a book and the way to a man’s is through his stomach!
Published by the companion book club I imagine house wives are meant to read this at home while embroidering clothes. Christie is the main character who is a Plane Jane trying to get through a marriage that she falls into in her youth with a much older man. Growing up through the book she realises she cannot stand her husband but he simply will not let her go.
The conclusion of this book feels it is foretold in the first three chapters but overall it is well written. Similar themes to your modern day Jane Mansell or other trashy chic books that come free with Cosmo – this book however has a better cover and more realism than romance.
From Christies often selfish and blunt point of view she try’s to explain the complexities of her relationships but it always seems to lack emotion and be very practical – like reading an instruction book. Ned her husband is a pitiful character who try’s to hold on to her until his moral undoing. A nice book to read that will not upset you before bed time
The book reminded me that literature is often churned out every year on the same topics – recycled with a different cover but the same underlying issues we all face with human relationships. I can’t say it is a joyous book and maybe on a mental note its worth noting it wouldn’t make a favourable engagement gift.
I would recommend the book to my friends on the fact if I can’t give it away to someone it will take up space on my bookshelf and I’ll then have to take it to a charity shop when I remember. After all books are for us all to share.
On a side note the companion book club note at the back of the page is darling ` The Club is not a library; all books are the property of members. There is no entrance fee or any payment beyond the low Club price of each monthly book. Details of membership will be sent on request. Write to the Companion Book Club, 8 Long Acre, London, Wc2`
Maybe I will write to them and see if I get a reply?!
