Rose Tremain's Enduring Love

Absolutely & Forever by Rose Tremain Review: A Journey of Love and Self-Discovery

Description

Explore Marianne's journey of love and self-discovery in Rose Tremain's captivating novel, 'Absolutely & Forever.' A timeless tale.

Introduction

There are stories in literature that touch our hearts, and then there are stories that touch us on a deeper level and leave a mark on our minds that lasts. 

"Absolutely and Forever" by Rose Tremain belongs to the second group. Its main character, Marianne, takes readers on an emotional and thought-provoking trip through her life. 

This book is about love, self-discovery, and the long-lasting ties that shape our lives. It is set in the 1950s British countryside, in London's swinging scene, and in an unhappy marriage.

1. An Unhappy Marriage

At the heart of this delicate book is Marianne's troubled marriage to Hugo, a man who used to love her but now finds her "a bloody difficult person to like." 

Marianne married Hugo when she was only 20. She is on a journey to find out more about herself, and her marriage becomes a mirror of her inner problems.

2. The Charm of the First Love

As the story goes on, we are taken back to the 1950s, where Marianne meets her first love, Simon, at a country house party in Berkshire. 

Tremain does a great job of bringing this time period to life with details like creaky country houses, Tommy Steele songs, and cold collations. 

Marianne's crush on Simon becomes a key part of the story, and Tremain captures the enchantment of young love.

3. Marianne's obsession as a teenager

As Marianne's obsession with Simon gets worse, we see how crazy teenage love can be. Simon is the center of her life, and she says that she loves him "absolutely and forever." 

Marianne's wild feelings are shown by Tremain in a way that is both true and captivating.

4. The Life That Wasn't Fulfilled in London

In 1963, Marianne is living a lonely, unhappy life in London, which is nothing like the fun city she had imagined. 

Hugo's marriage hasn't given her the happiness she was looking for, and she misses her first love, Simon.

A Story About Two Friends

Marianne is having a hard time, but her friendship with Pet, a warm and funny Scottish girl, is a big change. 

Marianne's lack of direction is very different from Pet's female awakening and sense of purpose.

6. A Change That's Horrible

After more than ten years, Marianne's life takes a terrible turn. She starts to act like her mother, Lavender, who is cold and emotionally detached. Marianne's change is shown in a touching and heartbreaking way by Tremain.

7. A Picture of Being English

Tremain is a good writer because he shows Marianne's family, the Colonel and Lavender, with depth and humanity, even though they have flaws. 

Their old-fashioned Englishness, codependency, and emotional ignorance are all looked at without passing judgment.

8. A fascinating look at a person

At its heart, "Absolutely & Forever" is an interesting look at people. 

Beautifully shown is how Marianne changes from a young woman who is annoying and immature to someone who is more complicated and creatively important.

9. Having patience and being kind

This book is more than just a historical play; it is also a study of how to be tolerant and kind. 

Tremain shows us that we can break free from the limits that life puts on us without blaming the people who may have unintentionally helped us stay within those limits.

Conclusion: A Pleasure for the Mind and Heart

In conclusion, "Absolutely & Forever" by Rose Tremain is a novel that asks readers to think about how complicated love, self-discovery, and the lasting effects of our pasts can be. 

Tremain tells a story that sticks with readers and gives them delicate and thoughtful joy. He does this with wit, thoughtfulness, and humanity.

FAQs

Is "Absolutely & Forever" a romance novel?

Even though love is a major theme, this book is more about the main character, Marianne, and her journey to find herself.

2. Why is Marianne's nature easy to understand?

Marianne's flaws and weaknesses make her a real and believable character that readers can relate to on a personal level.

How does Rose Tremain show what life was like in the 1950s?

Tremain's vivid images of the countryside and parties in Britain in the 1950s take readers back to that time, making for a rich and immersive reading experience.

4. Is the book appropriate for people today?

Yes, the book's themes of love, self-discovery, and tolerance are still important and easy to understand for readers today.

"Absolutely & Forever" is a beautiful piece of writing that reminds us of the lasting power of human bonds and the journey to accepting ourselves.