At Mrs Lippincote's, by Elizabeth Taylor

A complex portrait of an unsatisfied housewife. 

At Mrs Lippincote's was English writer Elizabeth Taylor's first novel, published in 1945. It centres around the world of Julia Davenant, wife of Roddy, who is an officer in the Royal Air Force. He has been stationed at the house of Mrs Lippincote, who has recently lost her husband and is living elsewhere. It's all a part of the war effort, moving houses and being closer to military locations. The couple have one rather precocious child, Oliver, who is addicted to reading the Brontes, among other fine authors. Roddy's cousin, Eleanor, also lives with them. Somewhat of a misfit, she tries hanging out with a group of socialists.

The novel has little if any plot, and is really a series of episodes, skillfully weaved together by Taylor. Thematically, you could say the story is a feminist portrait of a wife boxed into a role she finds dull and empty, trying to break out and assert her own personality. The best thing about At Mrs Lippincote's is how well rounded a character Julia is - the fed up, bored wife who wants people to realise she's someone with needs and desires - rather than a empty-headed officer's wife. Taylor's portrait of Julia really transcends time, and you can imagine the same woman living today.

I found this a really enjoyable novel. The only other Elizabeth Taylor novel I've read is Angel - a novel I really loved. I wouldn't put At Mrs Lippincote's up there with Angel, but it's definitely worth a look into, as it gives a realistic picture of life in 1940s England. 

At Mrs Lippincote's, by Elizabeth Taylor. Published by Virago. ISBN: 9781844083091