Another Part of the Wood

Rating:
Summary: Not One Of Her Best
Review: This is one of the earliest of Ms. Bainbridge's works that I have read. It differs from the more familiar of her works in that it does not take place during a notable period of History, or during an event of Historic note. This time the cast is limited and she has isolated them at a sort of country retreat. The interaction amongst the group is the focus this time, not a group that is coping with each other in addition to events of great magnitude.

Most of the people on this Holiday are less than welcome guests. Many are present as a result of those who were invited taking the liberty of inviting their own guests as well. The group includes adults that are either odd bordering on eccentricity, relationships that are all dysfunctional, and two adolescents that are caught in their midst. To be more specific there is one male egomaniac, and a second male that is as creative with the truth as his egocentric counterpart.

My only thoughts as to what the Author was getting at would center primarily on the two young boys. One is a son and deemed normal; the other is a sort of foster child that is assigned a variety of labels, none that are flattering. It is the boys and their actions that eventually take over the story, and the adults remain oblivious to what is unfolding.

The book does make a dramatic point as all her works do, it is just that this one is either a bit more opaque in approaching her ending, or I missed something along the way. I have read enough of her work to feel confident it is not the latter, but that will be for others to decide for themselves.