The Realms of Gold

Another book picked up on a whim in a second had shop. This was a slow burner - I found the first half hard work, and struggled to maintain an interest in the central character Frances Wingate, a divorced archaelogist. The next section, though bleak, was more interesting - an analysis of a bored housewife, Frances's distant cousin Janet and her life with an unsympathetic husband and her attempts to come to terms with this limited existence. This section also introduces us to Tockley, a town in the flat Lincolnshire fenland which forms a drab backdrop in keeping with the story. During the first half there are several authorial asides almost apologising for the dull material of the plot. The second half is much livelier, bringing together show more Frances's extended family in the aftermath of the death of a mad aunt. It also changed my opinion of the book as a whole, which I found quite moving and full of ideas. show less

The truth is I found this book kinda dull. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. But it did bring back a lot of memories. And lots of food for thought. Which is what a good book should do.

While replete with good characterisation and some interesting characters, I didn't find this a riveting read, nor, in the end, was I sure it had been worth the time I invested reading it. Will try to find a Drabble book that will better justify her reputation.

The realms of gold by Drabble Margaret
Story of a woman who after leaving her husband had tried different means to cope, drinking, pills, etc.
She should've socialized more...with her lectures she is able to travel a lot and carry on as if she's not married at all...
Like her career choice but not sure how she was able to do it with children and being married. so many struggles.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

I couldn't get interested. I only read 141 pages then gave it away. Perhaps if I had read it to the end I might have seen the point.