Just read "Mothering Sunday" for a second time as it was a choice for my book club. It was even better this time around and as a result I have upped my rating from four stars to five. I was so impressed that although it is written in the third person, it really seems like the twenty two year old narrator Jane is telling the story. Although it all takes place on that day in March 1924, we hear about her early life and what happens to her in the future. But more than anything, we hear her thoughts and imaginings of what else is happening on that day. This is quite exceptional.
Previous review:
For such a short book (actually a novella) it packs plenty of punch. In 1924, Jane Fairchild is a maid who spends the day from which the book has it's title, with the son of friends of her employer. Or should I say morning, as Paul has to meet his bride to be for lunch. So Jane has plenty of time to explore the empty mansion and contemplate her young life. Then halfway through, just a few words changes everything.
Then in an intricate construction the author turns everything on it's head until regaining forward momentum towards the end. How Swift is able to delve so deep into the characters and say so much about the human condition in such a short book is amazing. I was sorry that it only lasted a couple of days.
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