This is a sultry summery novel, a weird one to read at the end of the year, but one that I found myself enjoying a lot! Good prose and premise aside, it’s a book with a central energy that’s tangible and infectious.
Our young Aussie protagonist has arrived at an English boarding school for girls, one where time has come to a certain kind of halt in that sticky sweetness of midsummer. The routines, “the Girls”, the roses and the lawn – all vividly painted and somehow the perfect backdrop for illicit romance. The school environment is perfectly captured.
There’s an immediate attraction for the married (straight?) elegant and ultra-feminine headmaster’s wife, Mrs. S. Could it be that her feelings are reciprocated in those quick glances? Everyone seems to be enthralled by Mrs S and her quiet capacity for empathy and elegance, but our protagonist feels a special kind of connection to her latent rebellious side. Is there more going on under those proper silk blouses? Does she really buy into all this as she clacks down the halls in her heels, all smiles and diplomacy?
The descriptions of desire and lust are very compelling: this book knows and understands real intimacy. Erotic, but not too sentimental either. This book connects the mind with the animal.
Despite the love story, I think its discussions of gender and desire are best when they are layered and fluid. The romantic in you wants a happy ending and clarity, but the messy human being recognises the importance of boundaries and living and loving authentically.
There are some really good descriptions of queer solidarity and the outside reactions to lesbian desire are intelligently plotted. I loved the friendship between the two queer women that allowed for some really great humour and analysis of heteronormativity as well. Solidarity is beautifully expressed.
Also loved the Lorca cameo: the girls are putting on La Casa de Bernarda Alba and the rehearsals provide amazing dramatic tension. Love the drama teacher character, also so real!
One word: sultry.
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