The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen

 

Summary (from the publisher): In this piercing story of innocence betrayed set in the '30s, the orphaned Portia is stranded in the sophisticated and politely treacherous world of her wealthy half-brother's home in London. There she encounters the attractive, carefree cad Eddie. To him, Portia is at once child and woman, and he fears her gushing love. To her, Eddie is the only reason to be alive. But when Eddie follows Portia to a sea-side resort, the flash of a cigarette lighter in a darkened cinema illuminates a stunning romantic betrayal - and sets in motion one of the most moving and desperate flights of the heart in modern literature.

Review: In this novel set in 1930s London, young Portia has been orphaned and sent to live with her half-brother and his wife. She is the product of her father's affair with her mother and not particularly welcome in the household, especially by her sister-in-law, who is irritated by her presence and the interruption she represents. And by the pressure she places on her shame marriage. Then Portia falls for the carefree Eddie, who is taken aback by her all-consuming, innocent love for him.  Portia is ultimately doubly betrayed, both by Eddie and her sister-in-law Anna. 

It's nearly impossible not to feel sympathy for young Portia. Her only friend in the household is a servant, who is still prickly and curt with her. Despite being eager to please and sweet in her utter innocence, she is resented and betrayed at every turn. She is allowed nothing - not her privacy, which is invaded, and not her young love. 

I loved the opening scenes of this novel and the stark contrast between the youthful and pure hearted Portia and the jaded older characters, who are calculating and manipulative. I did listen to this as an audio book, which probably wasn't the best medium for it. Written in the 30s, the language was probably best suited for a physical copy. However, this is truly a piercing and poignant tale. 

Stars: 3