Set in the 1850s, this is the story of Pell Ridley, who decides to run away on the morning of her wedding day. Fleeing the life she dreads, Pell leaves to start anew, heading for Salisbury Fair to find work, taking her horse Jack and her little brother, Bean. However, things do not go to plan and Pell finds herself alone and desperate after suffering a terrible loss.
This is perhaps not what one would expect from Meg Rosoff. Although filled with her trademark writing style and sensitive handling of coming-of-age issues, The Bride's Farewell is a historical romance, compared by many reviewers to the works of Thomas Hardy. Pell is struggling against the future expected of her, as an older child, wife and eventually, mother.
Rosoff has certainly made a name for herself in reinventing each story she writes, with a new setting (in this case a new time period) and new characters. This particular novel is very focused on the heroine Pell and her particular struggles, and certainly does not pull any punches. Pell is subject to terrible treatment and neglect, and at one point, a particularly vicious attack. The latter half of the book delves into a somewhat atypical romance with Pell and her unnamed companion beginning a very modern relationship and living situation.
The Bride's Farewell is about courage and independance, about not accepting your lot in life, but striving to overcome adversity and facing your challenges head on. Rosoff's writing is as graceful as ever. Although dark and at times quite hopeless, Pell is such a tough character and continues onwards, showing admirable determination and strength. Perhaps my only complaint is the speed with which the story comes to its conclusion, with all loose ends tied up in a matter of pages.
Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, and perhaps not as beautiful as her other work, but a good example of Rosoff's writing. I would recommend it to any fan.
Other blog reviews:
Fluttering Butterflies
Things mean a lot
The Written World
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Bride's Farewell - Meg Rosoff
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11 comments:
Hey! Im in the middle of reading it!! Its good so far, and I love Rosoff's style of writing- i also liked 'What I Was'
xx
I didn't like this as much of her other books... But, yes, it was still good.
This sounds good, I havent read this author before.
Wonderful review.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
XJemX - I loved What I Was, definitley my favourite of her books so far. I look forward to hearing what you think of Bride's Farewell.
Kailana - I can see why some people did not enjoy this book as much, so very different from her other work.
Naida - I would recommend you start with one of her other books, they're a little more accessible. But she is a wonderful writer!
I'm afraid I'm going to sound repetitive, but again I totally agree :P While not as great as her others, this was still an excellent book.
I've only read one Meg Rosoff, How I Live Now, but I really must read more of her work! Everyone seems to really enjoy her writing.
Pell sounds like a character I can totally relate to set in a story I would thoroughly enjoy.
Thanks for the great review.
Nymeth - Makes a change, its usually me agreeing with you ;)
Aarti - I can't recommend What I Was enough, fabulous book.
Suicide Barbie - Pell is a tough cookie, quite a realistic heroine I felt.
You know, I agree. While this isn't my favourite Meg Rosoff novel, it is still wonderful. I haven't been led astray by any of her novels..
More and more I feel this is one for me - Thomas Hardy, really, as depressing?
Clover - "led astray"...I love it!
Jodie - Hardy-esque in terms of being quite a social commentary, but not necessarily a normal acceptable society. And while not depressing per se, its definitely not jump around in joy! Strong, passionate female lead...I think you'll like her.
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