Customer Reviews

Morality Tale: A Novel

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This novel's story is one that is bound by truth and the tensions of living not only with one's own past but that of one's partners; new and old. I found myself stopping and thinking as scenes and dialogue brought me face to face with clear eyed truth. I do not understand the reviewer who feels that the novel some how loses focus at the end. The novel captures the tone and feel of relationships fraying, starting, inverting and shifting; all in the deft way of a great novel. I cannot imagine anyone who has explored the passionate and often messy life of adult intimacies not finding this a string book.

"This novel comes straight from the dark solitary heart of the middle of the night." Acknowledgement

Sylvia Brownrigg's The Morality Tale is an important book about human relationships. The main character named Pan is in an unsatisfying marriage (her first, her husband's second), poisoned by her husband's bad relationship with his first wife and his children caught in the firefight and her husband's flaws. Pan has settled for this marriage, having "never imagined being asked" and "having given up on any hopes in the matrimonial department." (41). "My husband, in marrying me, saved me from having a love life off the grid." (78). Into this situation comes a mysterious stranger named Richard, who is an envelope salesman, who arrives at the store where Pan sells stationery. It is a mostly spiritual relationship between Pan and Richard, consisting of shared thoughts, coffee, lunches and ultimately a cataclysmic but perfectly understandable moment on which the story takes a new turn. This gradually evolves further into an emotional relationship which the author captures in one of the captions to her chapters (87):

Denial - Don't overestimate the powers of denial. "Of course I didn't' __" "Do you really think I would -" "It never happened" - are entirely ineffectual in the face of a jealous spouse. This is especially true if the denials are false."

The story explains how the relationship makes sense. Pan gets from Richard what she does not get from her husband, a missing spirituality. "You can see it a little easier now, can't you? How I was ready to meet a guy with envelopes who talked in broad terms about the universe and its workings." (48) Full of astute observations that make one start with amazement ("Lunch -- this lunch - was the turning point between Richard and me. At a lunch you breathe differently. You look at each other with changed eyes.") 72, the book explores the complexity of relationships between men and women, including hard and unapologetic advice ("Tough but essential" 202) to a flawed spouse. It is recommended for anyone interested in the meaning of love and friendship and the connections between the two; who is willing to give in to powerful emotions and even tears; and who enjoys brilliant writing, sharp insights and an excellent story. Without answering the questions directly, it addresses whether men and women can be friends; if so how; if not, why not; and what are the boundaries. This will also resonate with all those who have crossed boundaries, whether deliberately or inadvertently; lost friendships; and some day hope to find their way back.

© Copyright Norman L. Greene 2009. New York, N.Y. Page references are to hard cover version.

A book for grown-ups who have lived through some things and now know better. I nodded and laughed (and squirmed) the whole time I was reading it--it exactly captures how hard it is to keep loving someone through the mundane challenges of everyday existence. There's nothing extra in here--every page gets right to the point. A great read for anyone who has struggled with an imperfect relationship, and their own imperfections in it.