25.3.21

The Herb of Grace

 

The Herb of Grace continues the story of the Eliot family a few years on; the war that was looming in The Bird in the Tree has ended, leaving pain and exhaustion in its wake. Nadine has left David and gone back to her husband and children (not that she ever actually left them) and this time the story centres not on Lucilla's old house of Damerosehay, but on the equally lovely and historic inn, the Herb of Grace, which Nadine's war-weary husband George purchases almost on a whim. Poor bloody Nadine has no say in the decision, obviously. 

The old inn welcomes and protects the whole family, including eventually Nadine herself (she just has to accept and surrender, like she did in the last book) and the two mysterious newcomers, Annie-Laurie and Malony, who are hiding some very dark secrets. I do feel for Nadine, the mother figure, who has sacrificed so much for a life that she doesn't really enjoy. I would love to see her have some outlet for her creativity beyond beautifully decorating the rooms and being a perfect hostess! (She does gain some fulfilment in her friendship with Annie-Laurie, but still.)

I think I've worked out why the Eliot Family trilogy is so peaceful to read -- there is no action at all! Almost every scene is someone thinking about their life, or people talking to each other, usually in a beautiful woodland setting or a lovely old room, described in minute detail. The drama comes from the interaction of different personalities or from an inner struggle. Even Annie-Laurie's very dramatic backstory is given to us in conversation, in retrospect. I don't say this in a disparaging way, it is a real gift to carry a whole novel (let alone a trilogy) without leaning on action and plot, and it's clear that these novels are much loved and often returned to. They are meditative to read and spiritually refreshing, a great source of comfort and strength for many readers, including me.

8 comments:

  1. You started me re-reading this series, Kate. I was in the middle of a very stressful six week placement and needed some reading balm to the spirit... I found that my favourite book was the last, Heart of the Family. Love in its many guises, death and pain and her ever-present theme of duty - she is really talking about how to live a good life as a flawed human being amongst other flawed beings - Goudge goes surprisingly deep, I find

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  2. ...and oddly, the Herb of Grace, which has more "story', more plot than the other books, is my least favourite!

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  3. I have Heart of the Family waiting for me on the Kindle! I'll get to it soon, good to know it's worth the wait. Yes, they are such meditative books, reflections on life and obligation and love. I think Herb of Grace is my least favourite too, my heart goes out to Nadine and all her sacrifices. I hope she gets some consolation in Hear too the Family!

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  4. It's almost as if Nadine is being punished for being beautiful and sexual. I think sexuality is Goudge's blind spot. Or perhaps it's just a reflection of the times, the readership and even middle-brow English-ness!

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  5. I think you are so right, Sue. She is very good on love but pretty hopeless on sex. One doesn't like to make assumptions but she seems to have led quite a celibate life, maybe it was something she didn't really feel herself. She just doesn't seem to get it, does she?

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  6. The way I imagine the stories, Nadine and David in The Bird in the Tree, and David and Anne (the beautiful blonde woman he meets while on tour in the US) in The Heart of the Family ARE in fact lovers...the angst really doesn't make much sense otherwise...but Goudge just doesn't know about it!

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  7. What, what? Who is this Anne? What about Sally? Spoilers!! Yes, I agree, Nadine and David must have been lovers (behind the veil).

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  8. Oh, so sorry! Spoiler indeed... I hope you are very good at forgetting, Kate!

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