In a quest for the respect that would automatically be granted to the mistress of his estate, Violet married weak-willed and closet homosexual Cecil. Violet's subsequent discontent and bitterness combine with the steely reserve of the upper-class English to foster generations of emotionally scarred offspring. The story originates quite drearily in the recent past at Violet and Cecil's estate in Ireland, then meanders back through the lives of various characters, providing pieces of a puzzle for the reader to assemble.
What begins as
Violet's indifference and Cecil's submissiveness evolves into
degeneracy in their son, Lumsden, leading to unmitigated horror for
the grandchild, Spencer. After literally dragging the reader through the
heart-breaking tragedy of child neglect, the author provides a subtle,
yet much appreciated glimmer of hope. Lash's novel is a complicated and
thought-provoking look at the awful strength of apathy versus the redeeming
qualities of honor and integrity. For those able to weather a somewhat
tedious start, Blood Ties is an emotionally harrowing and intensely
rewarding tale.
-----------Toni Hyde
Copyright 1998, American Library Association. All
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