The Trouble Of One House
by Brendan Gill
Nomination: National Book Finalist 1951
Date Read: June 25, 2021
I am always in awe of how much society has changed since the 50’s. Doctors wouldn’t tell women what was wrong with them because they didn’t need to know. Grieving was a series of steps to be followed, rather than emotions to be felt. Women were judged by the wake that they threw, going all out to impress other women.
The insistence on pretending Elizabeth isn’t sick seems to cause more harm than good. Everyone is supposed to pretend like what’s happening isn’t happening, to deny reality, which doesn’t allow anyone to feel anything about what’s happening. It prevents everyone from being real with each other. What a waste of an opportunity to be utterly, nakedly human with each other.
I can’t think of a single instance in this novel where the couples actually love each other. Thomas has stopped being intimate with Elizabeth a long time ago, believing she prefers their children’s company to his own. Margaret has made John sleep in his study for years, having pined for Thomas for years. Even Dr. Maher and Nurse Gayle lack tenderness and fondness, instead just jumping into bed. Bed is an easy place to go but the emotional stuff is harder. Every character here seems so cold.
After Elizabeth’s passing, there are few tears shed for her, even by her children, Jeanie excluded. Thomas, in a rare moment of self-awareness, realizes he is going to fail his children, just as he failed Elizabeth. At least, though, he is committed to trying. And that’s the bare minimum a parent can give.
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