The Last September / Elizabeth Bowen

The Last September by Elizabeth Bowen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let's call it 3.5 stars?

When I first started this novel, it reminded me of Troubles by J.G. Farrell. Largely because of the time period and location, I think. But that story was seen through the eyes of an English war veteran and this one is largely told about a young Irish woman.

One of the biggest realizations for me was how little these folks had to occupy themselves, basically tennis, long walks, gossiping, gardening, and eating. No one goes off to a job and there are maids and stable boys to do most of the actual work of running a household. No wonder they have time to examine their relationships and doubt their choices so extravagantly.

Although set in Post-WWI, mores have only loosened a little and women are still very much expected to marry. Lois and Laurence are both living with their aunt and uncle, presumably because jobs are scarce and, as Laurence tells someone, he likes eating. The Irish endured a heavy death toll during the Great War, so I presume that is why both Lois and the neighbour girl Livvie spend a great deal of time with the young English soldiers who are stationed in Ireland to deal with the Republican movement.
It is this unsettled situation behind all of the characters which causes the seeming paralysis of the young people. How can you plan a life when your environment has so much potential for change? This household is torn between England and Ireland, not knowing which way to lean or whether to commit themselves. Lois knows which local men are in hiding, while she plays tennis with the English soldiers, cognitive dissonance that contributes to her lack of decisiveness.

It is an unhappy time to be Anglo-Irish, not trusted by either side. The ending, though sad, is hardly surprising.

View all my reviews