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Good Behaviour

A BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick – Booker Prize Gems
By Molly Keane
Series: Virago Modern Classics
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3.88 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 3,776 ratings, 482 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Good Behaviour by Molly Keane explores the life of the Anglo-Irish St. Charles family, focusing on the protagonist, Aroon. Set in the early 20th century, the story delves into the societal expectations and personal desires that shape family dynamics. With a keen eye for social nuances and dark humour, the narrative reveals the underlying tensions within genteel society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate witty and keen observations of upper-class society, layered with dark humour and masterful character development. Its exploration of family dynamics and societal expectations is both poignant and sharply entertaining, making it a compelling read for those interested in complex interpersonal relationships.

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A brilliant comic novel about Anglo-Ireland that was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

*A brilliant comic novel about Anglo-Ireland that was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. *'A mistress of wicked comedy' MALCOLM BRADBURY, VOGUE

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'I do know how to behave - believe me, because I know. I have always known...'

Behind the gates of Temple Alice, the aristocratic Anglo-Irish St Charles family sinks into a state of decaying grace. To Aroon St Charles, the large and unlovely daughter of the house, the fierce forces of sex, money, jealousy, and love seem locked out by the ritual patterns of good behaviour. However, crumbling codes of conduct cannot hope to save the members of the St Charles family from their own unruly and inadmissible desires.

This elegant and allusive novel established Molly Keane as the natural successor to Jean Rhys.

Series: Virago Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Good Behaviour by Molly Keane is highly praised for its striking originality and beautifully crafted writing. Critics admire its dark, complex undertones and engaging narrative, labelling it a masterpiece of wicked comedy and Anglo-Irish writing. It is seen as a remarkable tour de force that is both enchanting and vividly alive.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781844083244

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 December 2005

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Virago Press Ltd

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Marian Keyes

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 192.0mm

Weight: 236g

Pages: 304

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Molly Keane Series: Virago Modern Classics

About the Author

Born in Ireland in 1904 into a 'rather serious Hunting and Fishing Church-going family' who gave her little education at the hands of governesses, Molly's interests were 'hunting & horses & having a good time'; she began writing only to supplement her dress allowance. She died in 1996.

Also by Molly Keane

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  • Good Behaviour
    We kept our heads above the morass, stifled screaming despairs only by the exercise of Good Behaviour. Behind the gates of Temple Alice, the aristocratic St Charles family is sinking into a state of decaying grace. Aroon, the unlovely daughter of the house, silently longs for affection - which she receives neither from her icy mother nor her hunting-obsessed father....
    By Molly Keane
    Paperback
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