Review: The Battle of the Villa Fiorita by Rumer Godden
by The Borrowers Book Group Kesgrave Library
The Battle of the Villa Fiorita, by Rumer Godden
The Borrowers Book Group at Kesgrave Library share their thoughts on The Battle of Villa Fiorita, written by English novelist and poet Rumer Godden.
About The Battle of the Villa Fiorita
After their seemingly perfect life falls apart when their mother leaves, Hugh and Caddie Clavering are in despair. They hatch a plan to go to the Villa Fiorita, on Lake Garda, to persuade her to leave her new lover and return to London. On arrival, they can tell Fanny and Rob are deeply in love, but the scheme lives on. Will Hugh and Caddie realise that their actions have consequences before it is too late?
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Book group review
This is a beautifully written book, very much reflecting the 1950s and attitudes towards married women in England at the time. It evokes the period vividly with its expectations of middle-class women who were subservient to their husbands and whose prime role was to serve the needs of the household.
When the focus moves to the Villa Fiorita on the shores of Lake Garda, the comparison of the description of drear post-war England with that of colourful, sunny Italy matches the transformation of the main character, the mother. The amazing details describing the flowers, scents, wonderful food, atmosphere, and views, as well as the characters, bring the scene vividly to life.
The writing moves with ease between the point of view of the adults and that of the children, so the drama builds seamlessly. The children’s characters, though quite different from each other, are engaging, and the writer captures their relationships extremely convincingly.
This is a sad book which reflects the harsh judgement of divorced women at the time, compounded by Catholic views of guilt and sin where divorce was not accepted. It also highlights the difficulties of blended families from contrasting cultures.
Recommendation: A beautifully written book which transports the reader to a wonderful setting. Be prepared for a tragic ending.
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