Camilla Bittle

A curious, well-written novel about the effect a boy's death has on a New England boarding school. Written in 1962, the novel is as much a period piece as the TV show Mad Men and reflects that era's uncomfortable crossroads between traditionalism and modernity. It's told from multiple points-of-view (minus that of the dead boy, who drowns in a pool), which adds a layer of dramatic irony, especially when we read about husbands and wives. It's not as good as Louis Auchincloss' The Rector of Justin, but that's hardly damning.

There was very little about this book or its author on the Internet, at least from what I could find through searches with Google and Bing. I'd like to know more. Bittle is good at depicting, with a few quick touches, a character's inner emotional life. Overall a good read.… (mehr)

Opening lines: In the desperate days of the Depression there was one constant that most people could count on – family. This was true of the Beanes, who had endured in the past and would certainly do the same now.

This lovely novel tells the story of one family’s survival through tough times and good times, beginning in 1935. When Ed loses his factory job, Dorothy tries to economize and make do while he looks for another. A week before Thanksgiving her mother writes to say she’ll be coming for the holiday, and she will bring the turkey. Mrs Howard is a wealthy widow with a large home, and she insists that Ed, Dorothy, their children and Ed’s mother all come to live with her while he gets back on his feet. And so they make the move. Over the next ten years they will struggle to maintain their sense of independence while living under Mrs Howard’s roof. They endure the difficulties of the economic situation, Ed’s growing frustration with his inability to find a decent job, Dorothy’s growing dissatisfaction with not having a home of her own, and the impact of WW2 on their family.

What I really like about the novel is that it chronicles a normal family during some extraordinary times. The situations and reactions of the characters are understandable and relatable. They struggle with moral decisions, guilt, grief, loneliness, temptation and deprivation, and support one another through tragedies. But they also celebrate small victories, feel pride in their accomplishments, and find strength in loving relationships.

In a brief introduction the author states that she drew heavily on her own experiences in crafting the novel. The result is a story that is both personal and universal.
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