Content:
Marguerite has been locked in the attic of her family home, a disintegrating Chelsea house. She has been confined by her mother, Cécile, who is concerned about her engagement to an older, near-penniless solicitor, Mr Lewis, and wishes to educate her daughter on ‘proper’ married conduct. But why is Marguerite pursuing the aged Mr Lewis in the first place? Why are her mother’s visits seemingly becoming less frequent? And just how much time has passed since the lock closed on the attic’s hatch?
Comment:
While these intriguing questions are being answered in the story, it is really more about being an atmospheric read in an impressive style. Alternating chapters follow the lives of mother and daughter and how they are being treated by their family and society. A lot of it is, of course, rooted in contradictions and hypocracy - like being locked in an attic without amenities and then being told off for looking horrible.
The main part of the story we are spending with Marguerite in the attic, while she thinks about her life before, her wishes, and the carrion crow nesting in the roof truss. But her mind-numbing boredom and loneliness express themselves in other ways as well - mostly by picking at the dishes her mother brings her at irregular time intervals and especially her own body. Seldom have I read such disgusting and nauseating descriptions while being neither gruesome nor completely inhumane.
And during all this, the author manages to not alienate the reader or paint a simplistic picture of the mother being evil. Yes, there is a toxic relationship at play, which is in part illuminated through her family history, but nothing is overexplained or -analyzed.
The writing style of this book is something not many can achieve, and it leaves you in a different place - but it really is not for the faint of heart.