Quartet - Hardcover

Rhys, Jean

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060135379 ISBN 13: 9780060135379

Publisher: Harper & Row, 1971

Synopsis

Set in a superficially romantic, between-wars Paris, "Quartet" is a poignant tale of a lonely woman. Set against a background of winter-wet streets, Pernod in smoky cafes and cheap hotel rooms with mauve- flowered wallpaper, Marya tries to make something substantial of her life in order to withstand the unreality of her surroundings. Alone, her Polish husband in prison, she is taken up by an English couple who slowly overwhelm her with their passions. Jean Rhys' first novel is both poignant and disturbingly intimate in its vivid depiction of a woman on her own.

About this title

About the Author:

Jean Rhys (1890–1979) is the author of Good Morning, Midnight; Voyage in the Dark; After Leaving Mr. Mackenzie; Quartet; and The Collected Short Stories.

Review:

“If difficulty of subject is to be considered in judging the merit of a novel, Miss Rhys must be accredited with high achievement. Not only does she deal with the most complex personalities, exploring the most intimate recesses of their psychology, but she does so with the directness and certitude of the fine artist. The style, especially of the dialogue, belongs to the new tradition in prose, which shuns elaboration for sharpness and intensity of effect.”
- New York Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper & Row
• Publication date: 1971
• ISBN 10: 0060135379
• ISBN 13: 9780060135379
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 186