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Marling Hall: A Forgotten Classic of English Literature by Graham Greene

Jack Butler

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Published in Marling Hall (Virago Modern Classics 371)

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Marling Hall By Graham Greene, Virago Modern Classics 371 Marling Hall (Virago Modern Classics 371)

Graham Greene's Marling Hall is a forgotten classic of English literature that deserves to be rediscovered. First published in 1946, the novel tells the story of a young woman named Rose Pemberton who is sent to live with her elderly aunt at Marling Hall, a crumbling Victorian mansion in the English countryside. Rose is a bright and rebellious young woman, and she soon finds herself at odds with her aunt's strict religious beliefs and conservative lifestyle.

Marling Hall (Virago Modern Classics Book 371)

by Angela Thirkell

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3611 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	269 pages

As Rose explores the Hall and the surrounding countryside, she begins to uncover the dark secrets of her family's past. She learns that her great-grandmother was a famous actress who died in mysterious circumstances, and that her grandfather was a gambler and a drunkard. Rose also discovers that her aunt is haunted by the ghost of her dead sister.

Marling Hall is a suspenseful and atmospheric novel that explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of the past. Greene's writing is both beautiful and haunting, and he creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a young woman coming to terms with her own identity and her family's legacy. The novel has been compared to the works of Henry James and Daphne du Maurier, and it is considered one of Greene's finest achievements.

The Characters

Rose Pemberton is a complex and sympathetic character. She is a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world, and she is not afraid to challenge the conventions of her time. Rose is intelligent, curious, and independent, but she is also vulnerable and insecure. She is haunted by the feeling that she does not belong, and she longs for a sense of purpose and meaning in her life.

Rose's aunt, Lady Caroline Pemberton, is a stern and unforgiving woman. She is a devout Catholic who believes that her duty is to protect her niece from the evils of the world. Lady Caroline is a kind and loving woman, but she is also narrow-minded and judgmental. She cannot understand Rose's rebellious nature, and she tries to suppress her niece's individuality.

The other characters in Marling Hall are equally well-drawn and memorable. There is Max Pemberton, Rose's charming but irresponsible cousin; Father Brendan, the compassionate and understanding priest; and Mrs. Grose, the mysterious and enigmatic housekeeper. Each of these characters plays an important role in Rose's journey of self-discovery.

The Setting

Marling Hall is a magnificent but decaying mansion that is steeped in history. The Hall is a symbol of the Pemberton family's wealth and power, but it is also a place of darkness and secrets. Rose explores the Hall and the surrounding countryside, and she gradually uncovers the dark secrets of her family's past. The Hall is a place of both beauty and terror, and it is a powerful metaphor for the human psyche.

The Themes

Marling Hall explores a number of important themes, including guilt, redemption, and the power of the past. Rose Pemberton is haunted by the guilt of her family's past, and she feels responsible for the sins of her ancestors. She is also struggling to find redemption for her own sins. Rose's journey of self-discovery is a complex and difficult one, but she ultimately finds redemption and forgiveness.

The power of the past is another important theme in Marling Hall. Rose Pemberton is constantly haunted by the past, and she feels that she cannot escape her family's legacy. The past is a powerful force in the novel, and it shapes the lives of all the characters. However, Rose ultimately learns that she can overcome the past and create her own future.

Marling Hall is a forgotten classic of English literature that deserves to be rediscovered. Graham Greene's writing is both beautiful and haunting, and he creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a young woman coming to terms with her own identity and her family's legacy. The novel is a suspenseful and atmospheric read, and it is sure to stay with you long after you finish it.

Marling Hall (Virago Modern Classics Book 371)

by Angela Thirkell

4.2 out of 5