Dark Quartet by Lynn Reid BanksUp to now, I have never tried to remember which Bronte wrote the particular novel that I was reading, or more likely watching, because the names did not mean that much to me.Now, the characters are real and full of life, even Maria who quietly trusted God, as she faced the failing health brought about by spartan conditions at their boarding school. At least she died being tended by her father, unlike Elizabeth who succumbed to the same fever, and died while he was away collecting the other girls from the school. The novel gently and absorbingly introduces us to the family, staying true to the known facts, whilst portraying thoughts, torments, and ambitions that credibly explain them. After the death of their sisters, the four others shared together in an imaginary world where they lived out their fantasies. Shy and private, they sought very little other company, and even kept secrets from each other. Emily displayed these characteristics most straightforwardly. When sent away to school she nearly died pining for home. Even as an adult, tall and gaunt, she was happiest striding over the moors near their home, or curled up on the carpet with her dog. Intensely private, it was she who insisted that their novels be published anonymously, and felt violated that they should have been published at all. Branwell, the only boy, very bright and gifted, expected a fine career that would enable him to keep his sisters, but lacked the discipline and perseverance to accomplish it. Seeking solace from failed expectations he turned to drink, and became the model for his sisters darker characters. Anne, the youngest, was the softest and sweetest, yet displayed an extraordinary strength of character. Her sisters did not even know the half, as she never did confide in them her love for the family friend, whose love she might have won, but never did. When dying, she let Charlotte nurse her, and thus gave her some relief, unlike Emily who refused all help until the day of her death. Charlotte, able and consientious, carried the burden of being the eldest. Desperately shy, she faced this and most circumstances at considerable cost to her physical and emotional health. The portait Lynne Reid Banks gives is, of course, much more rich than this brief summary. It comes to an end as Charlotte begins to face life as the last remaining one of the four. Of the novels, I have read only Shirley, but I have noticed incidents in the book that find echoes in the novel. You will probably notice these more. This is a very readable and absorbing story, of four very remarkable lives. Parental Note. A wasted life, buried in the oblivion of drink; a young man, strung along by a callous married woman; a young woman, hoplessly in love with a married man she takes years to forget. I would hesitate before recommending it to a sixteen year old. Mike Pendray
|