{"product_id":"molly-keane-a-life","title":"Molly Keane: A Life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eMolly Keane (1904-96) was an Irish novelist and playwright known for her novel \"Good Behavior,\" which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. She wrote eleven novels and some of her earlier plays under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. Her novels reflect the world she inhabited, and she was educated by governesses and then at boarding school. Her biography provides an honest portrait of a fascinating, complicated woman who was a brilliant writer and a portrait of the Anglo-Irish world of the first half of the twentieth century. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 352 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 25 January 2018\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Little, Brown Book Group\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMolly Keane: A Literary Legacy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMolly Keane, an Irish novelist and playwright, hailed as the Irish Nancy Mitford of her time, left an indelible mark on the literary world with her remarkable contributions. Born in County Kildare in 1904, she emerged as a prominent figure in the 1930s, known for her captivating novels and influential plays.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeane's literary prowess was evident from an early age. She began writing under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell, penning eleven novels between 1928 and 1956. Her works, directed by the renowned John Gielgud, showcased her talent for capturing the essence of Anglo-Irish society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, it was her 1981 publication of \"Good Behaviour\" that truly catapulted her to fame. The manuscript, which had languished in a drawer for many years, was lent to actress Peggy Ashcroft, who played a pivotal role in encouraging Keane to publish it. The result was a literary triumph, earning her critical acclaim and a place on the shortlist for the prestigious Man Booker Prize.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeane's novels, characterized by their insightful portrayal of the world she inhabited, reflected the values and traditions of her Anglo-Irish background. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in hunting, fishing, and church-going traditions. Her education, like that of many Anglo-Irish households, was shaped by a series of governesses and boarding school, where she developed a keen understanding of the complex dynamics between children and their parents.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of Keane's greatest strengths was her ability to delve into the intricate and often fraught mother-daughter relationship. Her characters, particularly the mothers, were portrayed with depth and complexity, capturing the nuances of their relationships and the challenges they faced. Maggie O Farrell, one of Keane's daughters, noted that her mother \"writes better than anyone else about the mother-daughter relationship, in all its thorny, fraught, inescapable complexity.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to her literary achievements, Keane was a trailblazer in the world of theatre. She was the leading playwright of the 1930s, with her plays receiving critical acclaim and being performed to sold-out audiences. Her work was characterized by its sharp wit, social commentary, and deep understanding of human emotions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeane's legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Her novels, which have been translated into numerous languages, provide a window into the world of Anglo-Irish society during the first half of the twentieth century. Her plays, though no longer produced, remain a testament to her talent and the enduring power of her storytelling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Molly Keane was a remarkable writer and playwright whose contributions to literature have left an enduring impact. Her ability to capture the essence of human relationships, particularly the mother-daughter bond, and her sharp wit and social commentary made her a standout figure in the literary world. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring significance of Anglo-Irish culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 254g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 178 x 152 x 23 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780349007540\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sally Phipps","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44097752727802,"sku":"9780349007540","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/0ae28f64bf0431ed64444155b3b65657.jpg?v=1629945643","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/molly-keane-a-life","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}