History, in the form of prescribed caste interrelationships, government flux, and economics destroys the most tender loves through the machinations of the most corrupt and cruel of passions. Still, the author's method of bringing Rahel home 23 years after a tragedy briefly mentioned in the first few pages, lures the reader through the prose, both meditative and political, to a climax certainly memorable for 23 years or more. The suspense of the story carries you onward toward a dramatic historical and literary conclusion. When all the threads are pulled together, you feel admiration for the author's skill. I don't want to reveal the ultimate twist at the end, linking Indian history and American literature.
Moments do open up to the bloom of consciousness.
Language is rich enough to slow you down to reading only for an hour or two at a sitting to stretch the experience over days. At first I was annoyed with the arrogance of the author to simplify Woolf s experience, but after one chapter, I allowed him this minor flaw as he revealed many complexities in her characteristic way. Based upon events and relationships in Bronte's life, this autobiographical novel follows Lucy Snowe through a series of relationships as she endeavors to find self knowledge and satisfying employment. The orphaned Lucy holds various companion, governess, and tutor positions, and in the process learns much about herself through friendships with both women and men. This novel is said to be Bronte's most feminist work.