The Strange Children

THE STRANGE CHILDREN

by Caroline Gordon

 

Nomination: National Book Finalist 1952

 

Date Read: October 4, 2021

 

The Strange Children depicts the behavior and actions of adults through the eyes of Lucy who is 9 years old. On one crazy weekend, her parents friends inundate their house and all hell breaks loose. Uncle Tubby, Kev and his wife, Isabel arrive for a brief but fraught visit that ends with mayhem.

 

The day that Lucy had hoped for had finally arrived, the day she was going to get the pony she had been longing for. Her Uncle Tubby, who is actually her father’s best friend, shows up derails those plans. As much as she doesn’t remember him, Lucy does enjoy his company. Tubby informs them that their other friends, Kev and Isabel, will be arriving the following day.

 

Much alcohol is consumed, much religion is discussed, and previous dramas are revisited. A lot of this goes over Lucy’s head but she is there to witness most of it. This leaves me to believe The Strange Children refers to the adults portrayed here and not the actual children. For all intents and purposes, Lucy is better behaved than most of these grown-ups.

 

Gordon’s writing is excellent and evocative (e.g. “Her skin was as fine as tissue paper that somebody had squeezed into a ball and then smoothed out again.”) She paints a wonderful image and the majority of this book is a delight. I am still left, however, wondering what is the point.

 

I never completely connected with any of these characters and took all the limited drama in stride. I liked the subtlety of Isabel’s character and wondering if she is somehow “off” until it is affirmed towards the end that she is mentally ill. This actually plays to Gordon’s advantage.

 

Overall, a solid read and a great walk through the 50’s, which I always enjoy. Creepy cover.

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