Early Autumn

By Louis Bromfield

Pulitzer Prize novel, 1927.

In Possession, Bromfield weaves a new tale about strong women, dashing men, and dull husbands, themes he dealt with in his first two novels. He ties this story to the previous two by having Sabine Cane from Possession and Lily's son from The Green Bay Tree appear in this novel in supporting roles. The main character is Olivia Pentland, the beautiful, strong wife of Anson, a real cold fish. They live at Pentlands, a big house built by the Pentland family; old, wealthy Boston aristocrats. Olivia's marriage is a sham, as Anson has shown no interest in her since the birth of their son some 14 or so years before. Anson is obsessed with the Pentland family history and is writing a book about it. Olivia is just kind of drifting through life until a handsome Irishman moves nearby. This man, O'Hara, is smitten by the beautiful Olivia and he is determined to win her. Will Olivia betray her marriage for a last chance at happiness? Or will she put her duty to her family first?

Unlike his first two novels, I enjoyed this one. Olivia is a good person, kind and loving to her family. Upon her shoulders fall the burdens of running the house and taking care of her sickly son, her alcoholic father-in-law, her demented mother-in-law and also dealing with the intrusive and critical Aunt Cassie, a mean old maid with her nose in everybody's business. The Pentland family has a very high opinion of itself. But Olivia discovers there are more skeletons in the Pentland closet than the insane old woman locked away in the old north wing.
This novel stands on its own just fine. It is not necessary to read the first two in order to enjoy Early Autumn.

Review from Following Pulitizer:   https://followingpulitzer.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/1927-early-autumn-by-louis-bromfield/.