Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Hireling by L.P. Hartley


Who loves being drawn in by a splendid cover and then experiencing an absolutely fantastic read?  My Penguin edition featuring the Cecil Beaton photo on the front was just too enticing too resist.  Having never read anything by L. P. Hartley before I simply took a chance and plunked down my money.  Both the book and the author have been wonderful discoveries so in this case chance paid off in spades.

While a particular year is not detailed in the book it is set some time after The Great War.  Lady Franklin is still in her twenties but the sudden death of her older husband has left her feeling depressed, isolated and extremely guilty.  Like you do when your husband dies while you're out dancing the night away at a cocktail party.  She is advised by a doctor to seek out conversation, with strangers if need be, to prevent herself from withdrawing further from society.  Hiring a car to drive her out to Canterbury so that she can admire the Cathedral as a way of paying tribute to her husband's love of architecture she meets Stephen Leadbitter.

Initially the driver is not an easy fellow to warm up to.  Being a hardened ex-army officer he is adept at keeping his emotions carefully in check while Lady Franklin's endless chatter about love and loss grates on his nerves.  While the driver's ego is fed by women finding him attractive, Leadbitter has a disdain for women that reaches back to childhood.  When Lady Franklin begins to ask him about his home life, Leadbitter selfishly thinks the tips will be more generous if he spins a somewhat spiteful yarn to placate his client.  And so the lies begin. 

If only this were one of those charming stories resulting in a coming together of the class divide but the plot does thicken.  There is another layer of deceit against Lady Franklin by two of her acquaintances, Hughie and Constance, which Leadbitter overhears while on duty.  To a man whose loyalty has always been to himself this raises a measure of inner conflict.

There were times while reading this story that I read at a frantic rate to find out what would happen next.  I love those moments with books when not even the house crumbling around you could separate you from the plot at hand.  Hartley expertly pushed all the right buttons and then delivered a coup de grace ending that left me feeling completely wrung out but not to worry, the residual feeling is one of hope.  I have to say the feeling was reminiscent of another excellent read, To the North by Elizabeth Bowen. 

Do not let this book languish on your shelf if you own it and if you don't then buy it, borrow it, or sign out a copy from the library.  You can thank me later.

16 comments:

  1. I kid you not - I woke up this morning thinking 'I wonder if Darlene has posted about The Hireling? I want to know what she thinks!" and then you have! marvellous. The Go Between is probably one of my - if not my favourite - books ever, and I have never read another Hartley through fear of his other books not measuring up. Your review has convinced me I NEED to read it though - I think Charing Cross Road might be getting a visit from me this week! Brilliant review and LOVE the comparison to To the North - I am sold, sold, sold!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too funny! Last night the gentlemen had a poker night so I was on my own and the house was quiet. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're not interrupted by man and hound!

      Oh Rachel, this book has you written all over it! And to think of all the times I have strolled past The Go Between in bookshops new and old. Forget that vow you made to your flatmate about your book hoarding ways, we all know your fingers were crossed behind your back anyway. Get straight to Charing Cross the first chance you get, oh hell, you've probably already been,...you will love this book!

      Delete
  2. You've convinced me too, Darlene. Like Rachel, I loved The Go-Between, and I also loved A Perfect Woman though it's years since I read it.
    Ps You were missed at the Elizabeth Taylor day yesterday. Simon was there too and we both said, "Wouldn't Darlene have loved this!" If only you could get some cheap day return floo powder ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another vote for The Go Between! Clearly this is a book I need to get my hands on and soon, thanks for mention it. Oh Mary, if anything of the kind existed I would be whizzing back and forth like goodness knows what! Sadly, my weekend is being spent behind the circulation desk at the library but it was lovely of you and Simon to think of me. Now, I need to hear more about this event!

      Delete
  3. I am convinced I have to track this book down!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was published in 1957 so it has been around for years. Hopefully a copy or two exists somewhere near you, Mystica, keep your eyes open and all the best!

      Delete
  4. I don't need another book, I don't need another book, I don't . . . I think I need to read this book. What an intriguing review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! We just love to enable each other don't we? Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!

      Delete
  5. I borrowed it from the library, I loved it, and I went out an bought a copy to keep. That was a few years ago, and it's now one of many books I really must re-read soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A feeling so many of us who are sentimental about books can identify with. The amount of times children have wailed while returning a much-enjoyed book through the slot at the library...poor things!

      Delete
  6. I loved The Go-Between but I didn't even know Hartley had written other books. I hold you fully responsible for my lengthening tbr list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I must be the only one around here who hasn't read The Go-Between! Happily taking the blame for this one, my friend.

      Delete
  7. There used to be a copy of this in my library system and I always strolled right past it. Well, now that you have made me extremely excited to read it, it is gone! I'm sure it was weeded long ago. It is not available for the Kindle, either, but The Go-Between is and so I will try that since so many commenters have praised it also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh isn't that just the way! When I find a book like this it makes me wonder just how many fabulous reads are langishing on shelves in libraries everywhere. Enjoy The Go-Between once you get to it, I'll watch for a review!

      Delete
  8. I do own this, and it IS languishing on my shelf! Thanks for the incentive to pick it up. I loved The Go-Between, which I read years ago, and should move onto more. I will make sure to thank you later ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another book that you have added to my ridiculous must read pile :o)

    ReplyDelete