The Public Image

THE PUBLIC IMAGE
by Muriel Spark

Nomination: Booker 1969

Date Read: June 15, 2020

The Public Image is about exactly that, the public image of an up-and-coming actress, Anabelle, in Europe who has finally found traction in her career. After having a baby and moving to Rome for her next film, her marriage begins to fall apart. Anabelle's carefully crafted public persona portrays her as a loving wife and mother, albeit a "tiger" in her marriage bed. Rather than divorce, Frederick and Anabelle keep up the charade that they are happily married rather than face facts.

As the couple live increasingly separate lives, with Frederick disappearing for days at a time. Anabelle is often visited by Frederick's best friend, Billy, and has even slept with this sleazy character a few times, and she provides him funds whenever he asks.

The coup-de-grace comes when Frederick has been noticeably absent and Anabelle sets up camp in their new, unfurnished apartment. At 7 p.m. one evening, just as she gets the baby to bed, legions of people begin to unexpectedly show up at the apartment, all saying they were sent by Frederick for a housewarming party. In addition to these unexpected arrivals is the lack of Frederick himself who never shows up. 

As time moves on and Billy somewhat tactfully ends the party, they realize that just as the party was happening, Frederick was committing suicide in a nearby cathedral. To make matters worse, he has sent suicide notes hither and yon, which Billy intercepts before Anabelle. While Anabelle is busy trying to portray to the media that Frederick's death was an accident, Billy is blackmailing her about the letters, threatening to reveal them to the press.

What I find disturbing here is that their marriage must have been so insufferable for Frederick to end his own life and bring Anabelle's down with him. I am always in wonderment about love that turns into absolute animosity. This novel brought out the worst in each of these characters, leaving just about everyone's lives in shambles. 

Looking Forward: Loitering With Intent

Looking Back: The Driver's Seat

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