Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor

'Mrs Palfrey first came to the Claremont Hotel on a Sunday afternoon in January.  Rain had closed in over London, and her taxi sloshed along the almost deserted Cromwell Road, past one cavernous porch after another, the driver going slowly and poking his head out into the wet, for the hotel was not known to him.'

From the beginning of the story we can surmise that Mrs Palfrey and her only daughter do not have a close relationship.  She chooses The Claremont as a place to relocate while staying with Elizabeth in Scotland.  It also quickly becomes apparent that this is the sort of hotel that begrudgingly caters to seniors before their final destination of the dreaded nursing home.  After her bags have been taken to her room by the porter, and by only page three, my heart was already breaking...
'The outlook - especially on this darkening afternoon - was daunting; but the backs of hotels, which are kept for indigent ladies, can't be expected to provide a view, she knew.  The best is kept for honeymooners, though God alone knew why they should require it.'
And right there, in a couple of sentences, is why I adore Elizabeth Taylor's exquisite gift for storytelling.  She has acutely and succinctly laid out how it feels to be an inconvenience and despite paying her way, Mrs Palfrey is to be thankful for any hospitality she receives as a guest of the hotel.  Yes, in part, this is a sad novel but not so much so that your first instinct is to shy away from it.  As the reader is introduced to the other elderly guests taking advantage of the low winter rates the story becomes a bit of a sitcom - in a good way.  I gradually warmed up to the irritating Mr Osmond with his inappropriate jokes and adversity to hand washing, Mrs Post does the library run but gets Elizabeth Bowen muddled up with Majorie Bowen.  Poor incontinent Mrs Arbuthnot is also terribly arthritic, Mrs Burton has mauve hair and spends far too much on whisky.  Wanting to find some sort of common ground with the ladies, Mrs Palfrey buys a bit of wool and a set of needles to join in with the after-dinner knitting circle. 

The number of invites received by a guest to attend an outing with family or friends is carefully examined and commented on by the other residents.  When Mrs Palfrey's daughter or grandson show no sign of turning up, her pride takes over and a tale formulates after an unfortunate turn of events.  Ludo is a handsome young writer, poor and barely scraping by, who comes to Mrs Palfrey's rescue in more ways than one and their resulting friendship...well, it's the stuff dreams are made of but by no means perfect.  It is also another example of wonderful characterization on the part of Taylor, so convincingly does she write both sides.

There is no way that I could ever choose just one Elizabeth Taylor to call my absolute favourite but this one did make me laugh...and cry.  A combination which rates quite highly when it comes to labelling something a really good read and this one surely is that.  I also really enjoyed the parallel experience of reading this story while staying in my own little hotel room in London, albeit in different circumstance.  Being the new face in the breakfast room but quickly settling in was certainly recognizable.  Although, thinking back to what the experience would have been like over forty years ago when Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont was written did make me thankful that luggage now have wheels!

Thanks to Verity for writing the post that made me pull this book from my bookcase at the last minute before my trip to London, it was perfect.  And once again, thanks to Laura for being the one to go to for information about this year's read-along of Elizabeth Taylor's novels.

20 comments:

  1. I have not read the book, but did you know about the film, starring one of my favourite British actresses Joan Plowright? http://j.mp/SLrYcU I just love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joan Plowright is wonderful isn't she! I haven't seen her in anything for ages though, oh just the sound of her voice makes me all warm and fuzzy. And yes, I have seen her in Mrs Palfrey but as is usually the case, the book is much better. Thanks for stopping by, you have a lovely blog!

      Delete
  2. I have read this twice and have not managed to re-read it again for the ET centenary. I think it was the first of hers I read and I loved it though when I read it again more recently I was more struck by the sadness of the scenario -- the ageing guests, the looming nursing home. I have seen the film and thought it was quite good -- of course Joan Plowright is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a nursing home in Burlington with an ice cream station so the residents can make themselves sundaes. That's where I want to go one day but you're right, the prospect isn't a pleasant one in Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont. When the guests have to watch another of the group leave in a car for goodness knows where...that was very sad and did upset me.

      Delete
  3. Have just started reading this and am loving it so far.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Am glad that you enjoyed it - we'll be having a chat about it on my blog tomorrow!

    I see that two people above me in the comments liked the film, I, and my colleague, thought it just rubbish!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I have you to thank for the experience, Verity! I'll be checking in with you...

      All that I can remember about watching the film is that I enjoyed it but that was years ago. I'm ever so slightly more picky these days so another viewing just might be called for.

      Delete
  5. Lovely post, Darlene! I do love this novel - so perceptive and, as you say, both funny and melancholy, which is an impressive feat. I thought the film was pretty good for the most part, but they do throw in some ridiculous slapsticky scenes...

    Mention of Elizabeth Bowen makes me remember that I have finally kept up my end of the bargain there! More anon ;) (but probably not til mid next week)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Simon! Why thank you...and see, we both adore so many of the same books. Why should Bowen be any different, I ask you? This post of yours will be much-anticipated but no matter the outcome I will always respect your taste in reading material. Be glad that pistols at dawn have gone out of fashion though...I'm just saying.

      Delete
  6. I loved this but agree that the film was a bit of a letdown; the kind of thing that's okay if it's on TV and you've nothing better to do.
    Have you read At the Jerusalem by Paul Bailey, the book and the young writer who inspired ET? IT's good, but of course she did it better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sunday afternoon movies during a lazy weekend...haven't seen a decent one in ages but it's a wonderful thing when it happens.

      Not yet and my library doesn't own a copy either. I do remember reading a story about the connection though. Male authors don't feature very often on my bookshelves and that title wouldn't make me take a closer look at a second-hand shop but now that I now more about it, I will! Thanks, Mary!

      Delete
    2. I found it for £1 in your favourite shop.

      Delete
  7. This was my first Taylor novel and I just loved it. I hope you don't mind, but I added this to the Mr Linky on my Taylor Centenary page.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is very okay, thanks, Laura! Off for a visit to your place...

      Delete
  8. I loved this book, and it is all thanks to Verity that I picked it up and read it (well actually downloaded it but same thing!)

    I have a taste for Elizabeth Taylor now, and look forward to reading some more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If this was your first ET novel then you are in for a wonderful treat, Jo! Clear some space on your bookshelves!

      Delete
  9. I love that cover. I have seen the film a few times, but haven't read the book. Even though I liked the book I have a distinct feeling that I like the book more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's pretty isn't it! Not mine, sadly, but I loved it as well and chose to go with it. This is a wonderful read, Thomas, and I am quite sure you would really enjoy it. The London scenery will appeal as well.

      Visiting your blog I see you have a new look, a beard really suits you! Those books spilling from the building's window were strange and interesting. Quite the pulpy mess after a few days of rain I imagine...

      Delete