Elizabeth Taylor Centenary: The Sleeping Beauty

During June we will read and discuss Elizabeth Taylor’s sixth novel, The Sleeping Beauty. The description on the back cover reads:

The Sleeping Beauty is a love story of middle age by a writer whom Arthur Mizener called "the modern man's Jane Austen." Vinny Tumulty is a quiet, sensible man. When he goes to stay at a small English seaside resort his task is to comfort a bereaved friend, Isabella. A master of sympathy, Vinny looks forward to a few solemn days of tears and consolation. Then, on the evening of his arrival, he looks out of the window at sunset and catches sight of a mysterious, romantic figure: a beautiful woman walking by the seashore. Before the weekend is over, Vinny has fallen in love, completely and utterly, for the first time in his middle-aged life. But Emily is a sleeping beauty, her secluded life hiding bitter secrets from the past. How can this unlikely Prince Charming break the spell and rouse her from her dreams?

In her biography, The Other Elizabeth Taylor, Nicola Beauman writes, “As so often with Elizabeth’s work, there is room for half a dozen short stories within the one book (and in the case of The Sleeping Beauty she might have written six stories of genius rather than one good enough novel …)” One of the stories within the story can be found in Taylor’s portrayal of middle-aged women, still further evidence of her unique powers of observation.

This novel also marked the end of Taylor’s relationship with Knopf, her American publisher. They felt it did not live up to her previous work, objected to certain elements, and thought the characters uninteresting. Coming on the heels of a negative article in Harper’s Bazaar, the criticism was just too much to bear. The Sleeping Beauty was published by Viking.

What did you think of The Sleeping Beauty? How does it compare to her earlier work? Jump in when you’re ready to discuss!

I started the book early, because in addition to discussion here, I'm hosting on my blog. And buriedinprint set a pretty high bar for hosting in May ... :)

I read this book last month, as it happens, so I'd love to join in. It's only the second Elizabeth Taylor I've read -- the other was At Mrs. Lippincote's. I thought The Sleeping Beauty was more assured in the way she moves between characters in different walks of life. It held my interest throught. Kind of suprised to hear that her American publishers didn't like it. I wonder what they objected to?

Regarding the American publisher's/reader's objections, I've gotten to the point where I think that's a recommendation for a work of hers; many of the parts that I liked best in AGofH&S were the parts that they'd objected to, so now I'm doubly looking forward to The Sleeping Beauty.

@2 Hahah. You are such an organized reader that I bet you've had time to knit us each a pair of personalized SleepingBeauty-themed socks in the meantime.

>4 buriedinprint:: knit us each a pair of personalized SleepingBeauty-themed socks
Oh of course, and just like in the Disney film you can turn them pink or blue with a flick of your wand. While waltzing.

For those who are already wondering what the h**l is going on, this was all inspired by a recent knitting project, glittery purple socks.

Oh, you're right!!! The part in AGofH&S with the workmates is one of my favourites and I think that was one that was cut a bit, wasn't it?

>5 lauralkeet: You can save the magic pairs for other readers, I can't imagine why anyone who had purple socks would *ever* want to change their colour.

I just pulled The Sleeping Beauty off the shelf this morning and I see that it opens with a talk of a wreath. I was surprised to notice that a wreath of roses made an appearance in A Game of Hide and Seek too. I'm starting to think that there are little clues for her other book titles in her prose: I'll be watching for that now. (Although I realize it's quite likely only fancy on my part.)

It was hard not to read the introduction in the VMC edition, because it opens with talk of books and reading, but I'm sure it has tonnes of spoilers in there, so I flipped past.

I just finished The Sleeping Beauty 5 minutes ago. I noticed the wreath reference, too -- interesting isn't it? I'm going to withhold comment on the book for a while -- after all, it's not even June yet!

I've just started - only read the first short chapter - loving being back with Elizabeth Taylor : )

I have finished - my review does contain slight spoilers - so beware. Really enjoyed it - though it won't be my favourite it is still marvelous in many ways.

Welcome to week 1 of our readalong! Have you read the book yet? Just starting? Still on your TBR? To get things started, here's a spoiler-free blog post about the women in "The Sleeping Beauty":
http://laurasmusings.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/the-sleeping-beauty-book-chat-week...

Comments and discussion welcome here, on the blog, or on Facebook.

I just peeked into the introduction, but it's off the shelf (always the first serious step for me), and within arm's reach. It looks like the sort that I'd like to read in a burst. Could you read it in an afternoon do you think? That's how I read A Wreath of Roses and I loved it like that...

I think you could manage it in an afternoon if you were lucky enough to get that uninterrupted time with a book :((

I'm about halfway in and really enjoying it tho it's making me quite sad and I think will get even sadder towards the end. I want to finish it all in a rush because I can't stand the suspense but I'm trying to go slow with ET because it's easy to miss important bits of her book if you hurry.

I'm about half way through, and it IS sad, isn't it ....

Desperately sad - I'm going to finish it today but I can hardly stand the strain - I know it will all end badly but it's just a case of finding out what awful thing happens to who..... More thoughts later.

Just finished it and fortunately the end was not quite so crushing as I had thought it might be! So as not to give any spoilers I shall make comments on Laura's blog (and try to avoid spoilers there too!)

Oh, it *does* sound like one best read in a burst, although I do agree, Kaggsy, that it's more likely I'll miss details that way. I get more caught up in the story and some of the finer points of the writing slip past, which is probably why I find the re-reading so worthwhile. I have my eye on Friday afternoon this week, and am hoping that, if I squeeze a little too much into all the other days, that I can take the afternoon to settle in.

Hello everyone, we're into the second week of the readalong now. How's everyone doing? I had hoped to be a bit more "chatty" here, but I had to travel quite suddenly when my father was hospitalized. He is OK but my brother and I have also been working through longer-term care and living needs, so it's been busy and stressful.

Fortunately I had this week's post ready to go before all of that hit. Last week we talked about the women in the novel, this week it's all about the guys. Let's hear your thoughts!

http://laurasmusings.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/the-sleeping-beauty-book-chat-week...

I understand how time consuming that kind of situation is, to say nothing of emotionally wearying. Hang in there, Laura!

What's been said about the characters so far is only making me all the more intrigued by this slim novel.

I also understand your situation Laura. Am going through it with my brother right now....have been for nearly 3 months. Last year I went through it with my mother. It is very fortunate that you have your brother. Going it alone is very difficult and depressing. Will be thinking of all of you and praying for you.

to the book:

I am getting quite near to the end of Elizabeth Taylor's The Sleeping Beauty and have found myself loving it from the very beginning. I love Taylor's sense of humor. (i.e.: "I'm in the Army." She glanced gravely at his uniform, not smiling.") Her timing is impeccable. This is one of my favorites of hers and all of hers are my favorites. lol!~! And though there are sad moments and awkwardness for some, I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I too loved re-reading this book and didn't find Emily irritating as iIhad the first time around. Maybe I am growing more tolerant. No, I don't think so. Loved the scene of Isabella and Evalie with their facepacks on; reminded me of the time when I was offered a job by telephone and could hardly move my lips to turn it down on account of the white pack drying on my face.

>21 criggall:: ha ha! Great story!

I enjoyed The Sleeping Beauty a lot but am having problems finding the right words to review it for some reason.

I loved Taylor's writing: the knowingness and the humour and even the way she portrayed the bleak isolation of her characters. I do wonder though if I would have loved the book so much if I hadn't gradually acquired an appreciation of Taylor's writing over this year. She doesn't always make things easy for the reader with no linear plot or lovable characters to root for!

There was one Taylor which I read a year or so ago which I couldn't engage with at all: The Soul of Kindness. I'm looking forward to re-reading it and finding out if I get on better with it now.

We're into the final days of our readalong now. I hope a few more of you have managed to read the book.

I published the final "book chat" on my blog this morning -- this one with spoilers! Check out my thoughts on Vinny, Rita, UK marriage law, and another of Taylor's classic ambiguous endings!

Now, let's hear what you think ...

I just realised I reviewed the book on my blog but forgot to put the review on here! So I have done that now.

Yay! There's also a "Mr Linky" on my blog's Elizabeth Taylor Centenary page. Would you be willing to add a link to your blog review there?

I've done that, it should be quite clear that the review is included in the set of 3 reviews I link to - I do my book reviews in blocks to save people seeing reviews every day or three in a day more likely!

Thanks!!

I have done a little review here:

http://kaggsysbookishramblings.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/virago-volumes-2-the-sle...

Looking forward to Angel!