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Book Review
Aug. 3rd, 2010 10:38 amThe Edwardians
by Vita Sackville-West
This novel concerns the intellectual and emotional awakening of Sebastian, Duke of Chevron, during the last days of the Edwardian era, in the decade before WWI. Sebastian is just nineteen when the book opens, and thus just entering the youthful part of his adulthood. A member of high society, he is surrounded by frivolous, licentious people who prize good behaviour and maintenance of position and image above all else. The main issuer of the novel is whether or not Sebastian will follow the model of high society, as illustrated by his mother Lucy and her friends, or strike out in a more independent and authentic direction, like the one his quiet and smart sister Viola eventually chooses. The story is bookended by the appearances of Leonard Anquetil, an unconventional explorer, adventurer, and free spirit, who first causes Sebastian to question and doubt the lifestyle of his peers and sows the seeds of independence and authenticity in him. I wish that there had been more of Leonard and Viola as a foil for Sebastian and Lucy.
Sackville-West's prose glitters in a way that made this book a delight to read. She also shows a fairly balanced view of early 20th century British high society, revealing both its glory and luxury as well as its banality and hypocrisy. Her depiction makes it completely clear why Sebastian wishes to rebel yet finds it very hard to disentangle himself.
by Vita Sackville-West
This novel concerns the intellectual and emotional awakening of Sebastian, Duke of Chevron, during the last days of the Edwardian era, in the decade before WWI. Sebastian is just nineteen when the book opens, and thus just entering the youthful part of his adulthood. A member of high society, he is surrounded by frivolous, licentious people who prize good behaviour and maintenance of position and image above all else. The main issuer of the novel is whether or not Sebastian will follow the model of high society, as illustrated by his mother Lucy and her friends, or strike out in a more independent and authentic direction, like the one his quiet and smart sister Viola eventually chooses. The story is bookended by the appearances of Leonard Anquetil, an unconventional explorer, adventurer, and free spirit, who first causes Sebastian to question and doubt the lifestyle of his peers and sows the seeds of independence and authenticity in him. I wish that there had been more of Leonard and Viola as a foil for Sebastian and Lucy.
Sackville-West's prose glitters in a way that made this book a delight to read. She also shows a fairly balanced view of early 20th century British high society, revealing both its glory and luxury as well as its banality and hypocrisy. Her depiction makes it completely clear why Sebastian wishes to rebel yet finds it very hard to disentangle himself.
