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October Book of the Month

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  Posted by oldbloke2 (U2285767) on Friday, 19th October 2012

  Most English-language readers of Eilzabeth von Arnim know her mainly as the author of Elizabeth and Her German Garden and Enchanted April, which has been very successfully filmed. Elizabeth is the most underestimated novelist I know. Her reputation suffers from the lack of an adequate biography in English and, I suspect from her life story, which will not endear her to feminist critics.
  The first book of hers that I read was The Adventures of Elizabeth in R眉gen, which my daughter had read in German (Elizabeth von Arnim is more popular here in translation than in England I think) and recommended it to me because she liked it and knows what a strong emotional attachment I have to that lovely Baltic island.
  The book overwhelmed me with its wit and power of characterization. This, I thought, is first-rate writing. Somehow we associate books which are extremely funny - and Elizabeth in R眉gen is at time side-splittingly funny - with being light reading and I think this also partly explains the relative modesty of her reputation. Since then I have read several books by Elizabeth von Arnim and have enjoyed them all.
  Anyway, by chance I made email contact with a lady (I'll call her JW) who has written a biography of Elizabeth von Arnim which will be published in summer, and our discussion took us to Vera (published anonymously 1921), which she mentioned in a way that made me very curious. I ordered the book and within minutes felt gripped by a control that only a very good writer can exert over a book and its readers. Let me give you my impressions and JW's comments by quoting from the ensuing email exchange I had with JW about this wonderful book.
  
  JW: Vera is interesting - I won't say anything before you've read it apart from to say it is not as autobiographical as most commentators make it out to be. As with many of her novels, there are origins in personal experience but then she takes it all somewhere else.
  
  OB: I've finished Vera. It would surprise me very much if it were closely autobiographical. I need to read more by and about her (E von A), but my first impression of the book is its singleness of purpose. We can sense what she's going for and are in a way alarmed by it, but instead of turning away at the last minute or clouding the issue she focuses even more on the inevitability of the outcome. When it comes, the outcome, though inevitable, is, in fact a surprise, which is, I know, contradictory. It reminded me a little of one or two of those early Hitchcock films but without the benign twist at the end. If he had filmed it, perhaps the Aunt, having noticed some tell-tale detail, would have returned to the house with Scotland Yard detectives. She also keeps her own humour well under control, using it economically and with telling effect
  
  JW: You might like to know that Katherine Mansfield too especially admired the ending, calling it 'very fine' to her friend Dorothy Brett.
  What has happened is that most commentators have just picked on the character of Wemyss and equated him with that of Lord Francis Russell, Elizabeth's second husband. This is partly because there are some characteristics in common, which makes it credible, particularly as Bertrand immediately picked on the similarities. But there are major differences (Wemyss isn't a cocaine addict and an adulterer for a start!). I do find Wemyss wonderfully sinister. I think that Elizabeth's recent traumatic marriage to Lord Francis was a starting point. My reading of it is, basically, that Elizabeth thought: what if I had not had the strength to get away from such a man.? Like many of her novels, it is possibly a moral tale? I find the role of Miss Entwhistle very interesting - some have said that she has much in common with Elizabeth and maybe there is something in that. In any case, she is the observer through whose eyes we are informed. I am inspired to read it again!
  By the way, I'm sure you will know that Vera appeared before 'Rebecca' - there are definitely some similarities there.
  The problem with your quest to find out more about Elizabeth is that my biography has not yet been published! I have found that only by knowing something of Elizabeth's life (more than is at present available) can one actually begin to really understand the novels, particularly the later ones.
  
  OB: What do I most like about the way the book is written? Everything is organic, generated by character and domestic conditions. The drama doesn't rely on external events. Apart from the interplay of character, it's the airtight windows that fly open, pictures that dominate, asymmetrical cutlery etc that generates the drama as well as humour. This identification of drama and humour is typical of Elisabeth I think.
  What about Weymiss? The achievement here is the absence of judgementalism on the author's part. We see the psychological cruelty and the threat of violence even, but always clothed in Weymiss's sense of being right. (This sense derives perhaps from his condition, which we would probably call today Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. ??)
  Weymiss reminds me in a way of Grandcourt in Daniel Deronda, who is also, in my opinion mistakenly, seen solely as an evil, monstrous character, though his power over and mistreatment of Gwendolen is socially rather than psychologically fuelled. Did Virginia Wolf read Elizabeth鈥檚 books?
  
  JW: I am trying to remember if Elizabeth met Virginia Woolf - I think she did, briefly, but did not know her well. She moved in other circles than the Bloomsbury set, though of course she knew Ottoline Morrell through Bertrand Russell. She and Ottoline used to visit Bertrand when he was in prison and apparently looked rather funny, as Ottoline was so tall and Elizabeth so small. Also, Elizabeth did not spend a great deal of time in London, and when she did she was seeing her own family and close friends most of the time (and going to concerts and the theatre!). However, she did admire Virginia Woolf's writing and often mentions in her diary when she is reading the latest one, usually very much appreciating it.
  
  
  OB: Your comments make me wonder now about Elisabeth and George Meredith. If I recall correctly, Sir Willoughby Patterne in The Egoist has something of Weymiss about him, though Meredith uses comedy differently to Elisabeth.
  Of course the social attitudes and conditions at the time of writing supported and even normalized the aspects of male behaviour she highlights and exploits. This adds to the sophistication of her books. As is the case with Grandcourt. In both cases it's the genius of the author which exposes how scarey 鈥渘ormality鈥� can be.
  
  So, fellow MBers, I hope this provides food for discussion and that those of you encouraged by this thread to read the book enjoyed it.
  

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  Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Friday, 19th October 2012

  Thanks for opening this discussion, Oldbloke. I love your introduction! I'll be back tomorrow with my own thoughts on this book.
  
  If anyone wants to know more about the Book of the Month Club, or would like to introduce a book in 2013, please go to this thread:

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  Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Saturday, 20th October 2012

  Well, I thought this was a terrific book. I had never read anything by Elizabeth von Arnim (vaguely knew her name), so this was a real discovery. I've already recommended this book to several people!
  
  It is rare to find a book that can be both comic and sinister in equal measure, but I think this book achieves that (actually, 'Solar' earlier on this year had that too, albeit different). I am rather relieved that the portrait of Wemyss is a fictional exaggeration of Russell! I found the book compelling, and really unsettling. Otoh, it was so funny in a LOL way.
  
  I was interested to read a couple of reviews which mentioned 'Rebecca' (as being influenced by this book). All the way through, that had occurred to me, even though they are very different. Perhaps it is the idea of the eponymous title of both books, where the dead person gradually takes on a character?
  
  Elizabeth von Arnim sounds an interesting person in her own right!
  
  I could just imagine this book as a film - in a Hitchcock style.

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  Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 20th October 2012

  Well, the library has let me down, so I'm off to look at Amazon. Apologies, but it will be a few days before I contribute to the thread.
  
  I first heard of Elizabeth von Arnim when I saw Enchanted April, and have always meant to read the book; haven't yet got round to it though. I am intrigued to the references to early Hitchcock and to Rebecca; Vera sounds very much up my street.
  
  Back later.
  
  Rusty

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  Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Sunday, 21st October 2012

  Just whizzing in, I have finished the book and loved it, but haven't time at the moment to do a proper post about my thoughts. Will be back at some point over the next week or so....
  
  Must say thanks to OB for suggesting the book and opening the thread.
  
  b

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  Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 31st October 2012

  I could scarecely believe it when the book finally arrived from Amazon today: it's in Italian! How did I not see that when I ordered it?
  
  Apologies ob,but I think I'm going to have to sit this one out.
  
  Rusty

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  Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Thursday, 1st November 2012

  Oh dear, Rusty! It really is worth while reading this book. Would you like me to send you /my/ copy (though I'd like it back, eventually)?

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• Message 8

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  Posted by blimbles (U2522058) on Thursday, 1st November 2012

  Oh Rusty, surely not? I'd send you mine, except that it's on my Kindle....
  
  Talking of the book, I sghoul put my two penn'orth in.
  
  I really enjoyed the book....but as it got further and further in, I felt disturbed by it....a little claustrophbic. Because of the way thet Wemyss's character and habits were revealed. I think it rang some not very welcome bells around controlling men I have known, and that fear of upsetting, in case there were days of sulking... shiver.
  
  So, yes, the book is incredibly well observed from that point of view, the author certainly knew what she was about.
  
  I liked the character of the aunt, determined, always having something niggling that Wemyss was not quite right for her niece. I was devastaed at the end when she gave in and walked away. I was hoping that she might pop back and push Wemyss in the river as he patrolled outside...or maybe chuck him out of /that/ window.
  
  Though I enjoyed the book, it left me with a feeling of dread for the future of Lucy. I guess that is the mark of a good writer though..to involve you in the personality and fate of a character such that you care what happens to them.
  
  I did not see the book as comic as such, more wry I suppose. there were some good little opposing touches such as the view of the servants at each of Wemyss's houses that they only had to get through a few days a week with him around and that could be endured....what a way to live!
  
  Loved the piano that was best not played and the books that were best not ruined by actually reading them!
  
  I think that we are meant to copnclude that Vera did actually throw herself out of /that/ window and that perhaps Lucy may eventually take this step. I want a sequel!
  
  Great book, thanks OB!
  
  b

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  Posted by Rhona D aka Meen Bonkers (U219830) on Thursday, 1st November 2012

  Tagging on -- I first read Elizabeth and her German Garden in the late 80s (I can picture the exact shelf in Melven's in Perth where I found it) and was delighted by it. I hadn't read anything else by her since. I've just this second downloaded "The Essential Elizabeth von Arnim" onto my Kindle. For the princely sum of 鈧�2.46, I have acquired Christine, Christopher and Columbus, Elizabeth and Her German Garden, The Enchanted April, The Princess Priscilla鈥檚 Fortnight, The Solitary Summer, The Ordeal of Elizabeth and Vera. I may be gone some time...
  
  Thanks for the suggestion, Old Bloke. (I nearly typed "Old Block" first of all, having spent a large chunk of Monday proofreading an article which had about 1000 mentions of "Eastern Block", "Soviet Block", etc. I corrected them all to "Bloc" and the author was quite upset and argumentative, having allegedly been writing "Block" without correction for the last 20 years.)
  
  

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  Posted by oldbloke2 (U2285767) on Thursday, 1st November 2012

  Collective reply:
  
  Glad to read that you and others enjoyed the book, Bette.
  
  Rusters, do try to get the book and comment on it. Your post reminded me that in Italian Vera means "True".
  
  bllimbles: Yes, the ending is hard to take but is what makes the book a remarkable achievement. I was also half expecting the Aunt to go back and save Lucy but I am glad she didn't (sorry Lucy. you suffered for art's sake). And the servants: in von Arnim's books there is no furniture. Every character is a living person, and the servants are so brilliantly portrayed in that they are vivid and comic but also shed light on Wemyss's character. Great writing, IMHO.
  
  Rhona, enjoy. Of course you should have corrected Soviet Block to "members of the Warsaw Treaty". (;
  
  I'm dying to read the biography when it comes out in summer. Apparently its publication was secured thanks to help generously provided by the von Arnim family.

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  Posted by Rhona D aka Meen Bonkers (U219830) on Friday, 2nd November 2012

  Hi guys (excuse cross-threading...).
  
  I read this at one sitting, more or less (sometimes one can be thankful for a broken foot).
  
  What a good read! It is so well-written and well-structured.
  
  I found some blurb online from the Cambridge Guide to Women's Writing in English:
  
  < Vera by Elizabeth von Arnim is a black comedy based on her disastrous second marriage to Earl Russell: a mordant analysis of the romantic delusions through which wives acquiesce in husbands' tyrannies. In outline the story of this utterly unromantic novel anticipates DuMaurier's Rebecca. Naive Lucy Entwhistle is swept into marriage by widower, Everard Wemyss. His mansion "The Willows" is pervaded by the spectre of his dead wife Vera, with whom Lucy becomes obsessed. ... Here the servants are partisan for both wives, and lose no opportunity to disrupt Everard's unctuous, oppressive household routines. An extraordinarily black vision of marriage, also continuously funny, the novel's power lies in the wit and economy of the usually prolix Von Arnim. >
  
  Not sure how much I agree with the above description -- "black comedy"? I think that is rather simplistic.
  
  Old Bloke, I agree that In von Arnim "there is no furniture".
  
  Now, which of the other novels in my "Compendium" should I read next?

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  Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Friday, 2nd November 2012

  (sometimes one can be thankful for a broken foot).聽
  
  Noooo! I'm so sorry, Meen. What a bummer for you.

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• Message 13

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  Posted by oldbloke2 (U2285767) on Friday, 2nd November 2012

  ["black comedy"? I think that is rather simplistic.]
  
  Agree completely.
  
  [Now, which of the other novels in my "Compendium" should I read next?]
  
  The Enchanted April.
  
  But I think you would enjoy The Adventures of Elizabeth麓in R眉gen most of all. It has all the wit of Enchanted April with a better strucure.

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  Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 20th November 2012

  I managed to order a copy of Vera, in English this time, and have just fiished it.
  
  I don't know when I've come across a more revolting and frightening character than Wemyss, and the fact that he had so little insight into his own character and wasn't aware of what an evil man he was, made him all the more grotesque. So, while I could see the wit and black humour running through the book, I was too caught up in poor Lucy's inexorable fate to appreciate it much.
  
  I was able to appreciate the humour in the way the servants handled Wemyss, but not in the wider sense; I was too busy trying not to think of the horror of Lucy's life and obvious ultimate fate.
  
  Mind you, I couldn't really get a grip on Lucy, though her aunt Miss Entwhistle fair leapt out of the pages as a real, feeling person.
  
  The Inrtroduction, by Xandra Hardie (who she?) gives a fairly comprehensive potted history of Elizabeth von Arnim's life and exploits; a remarkable woman but not a comfortable one to be around, I should think.
  
  Katherine Mansfield is quoted as having said (written?): "Have you never known a Wemyss? Oh my dear, they are *very* plentiful! Few men are without a touch."
  
  Oh my dear, I do hope not!
  
  All in all, I did enjoy this book in a masochistic way.
  
  Rusty
  
  

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