The Colour of Milk by Nell Leyshon
Publisher: Ecco (December 2012)
171 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Content Note: Includes Swearing and Sexual Situations
Mary is the youngest daughter of a farmer and is being sent to the vicar's house to work as a maid while the vicar's wife is unwell. This story, told in first person from Mary's point of view, portrays a bleak existence where little is fair and equal, and yet Mary seems to find pleasure in many of the simple things that occupy her life. There is such a striking contrast between the people of the farm and the educated, refined people of the vicarage, and yet the superior, selfish attitude that goes with the refinement seems to sneak up on you, concealed under pleasantries as it is. It is sad to think of the simple, hard-working people being taken advantage of only to have nearly all the blame and consequences land on their side, with the people least able to deal with it. Haunting tale that reminded me of a combination between Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Wuthering Heights. Fascinating, thought-provoking read!
No comments:
Post a Comment