The Little House: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Read
Review: I couldn't put this book down, though it was somewhat disturbing at times! Overall, the character development was excellent and the story realistic and engaging. I've just discovered Philippa Gregory, after having read "The Other Boleyn Girl" and now this book. A very engaging author, as is this book.

Rating:
Summary: GRIPPING!!!!!!!!
Review: I have read most of P Gregory's books but this is my absolute favourite!! I don't view Ruth's character change at the end of the book as her giving in to the stereotypical 50's housewife routine - I think this is Ruth reclaiming her power - and some!!!.
As she looks into the future she sees with frightening clarity that her son will never be her own as long as Elizabeth, the mother-in-law is around. At the same time she's knows that Elizabeth would like nothing more than for Ruth to disappear so that they can all play happy families with Thomas without her getting in the way.
Ruth did become Elizabeth in the end but Elizabeth was not the perfect housewife in the subordinate sense. The Ruth who stood poised by the switch waiting (willing?) for Elizabeth to touch the pram was no longer immature and spineless but supremely confident and in total control of her emotions, actions and thoughts, just like Eliabeth who had ruled the roost from a position of power whilst the men in her life (husband and son) danced contentedly to her tune.
Despite Ruth's suffering at the hand of her in-laws, Ruth did love her husband, Patrick and was determined to keep the family unit together.She saw the inheritance of ELizabeth's 'crown' as being preferable to being a single mum, or, worse, a mother without her child.
Yes this was a dramatic character change for Ruth who was initially career oriented but it was Ruth's overwhelming and protective maternal feelings for her baby which were the catalyst for her transfomation and led to the horrific demise of Elizabteth. 'A jolly good read!' as Frederick would say!!!

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Example Of A Top Notch Psychological Thriller
Review: The Little House is a remarkable gem of a psychological thriller. It makes even the most normal, everyday events seem sinister and riveting.

The plot focuses on Ruth who is talked into starting a family by her husband and living down the road from his upper class parents in the country. Then the nightmare unfolds. The book is a masterpiece of claustrophobia as Ruth's in-laws intrude more and more into her life. All throughout the book I felt tense and unsettled - just as I love to be when I am reading a thriller. I could absolutely empathise with Ruth and as her situation got worse and worse I was routing for her all the way.

Ruth is a delightful, yet in some ways tragic character. She is a successful journalist and yet her past has meant that she is needy and desperately seeking love. She thinks she has found a family which she can belong to at long last in her in-laws but what she fails to realise is that they want to control her. The mother in-law, father in-law, and Ruth's husband Patrick are chillingly plausible and well developed. The beauty in this novel is that unlike in many other psychological thriller's these three characters are not evil, they truly believe they are doing the best for Ruth and themselves - even as they push her further and further towards the limits of her own sanity.

Overall The Little House is a fantastic study of relationships between a woman and her in-laws and how the ordinary things can lead someone to madness, and to do the most unspeakable things. The Little House's packs a hard, chilling punch, especially as the ending is so unexpected and compelling. I would recommend this book unreservedly.

JoAnne