Devoted Ladies (Virago Modern Classics)

It would have been more fitting if this book had been titled "Despicable Ladies" because Jessica and Jane, along with every other character in the novel, were the most unpleasant I've met in a long time. Even the twin little boys were snot-noses, and the dogs were nasty, too. The touted "humor" in the novel came from scenes like the one where 30-something Piggy (yes, she even referred to herself as The Piggy) gets pummeled on the behind by the boys as she peers into a badger hole. Set in the '30s, the novel has the feel of the Roarin' '20's with drinking and sport occupying every waking moment. I asked for a Molly Keane novel for Christmas, and my daughter gave me two. I feel obligated to at least give the second one a chance to redeem the author's reputation in my eyes, but I am certainly not looking forward to reading it.