A Shower of Summer Days

Violet Dene Gordon inherited Dene's Court in Ireland. It was a grand house. The family always arrived in the rain, Violet thought. The servant, Annie, noted that Violet's husband Charles did not show his age and Violet did. Charles and Violet were not alltogether comfortable with each other. Charles was a good observer. He was able to reconstruct some of the history. A ballroom had been designed but had not been completed because the money gave out. Violet's grandfather had been efficient. Charles was an enthusiast. He had learned the language in Burma. He knew about village customs. It seemed that Charles used excuses to get away and go and talk with the men at the pub. Annie knew how to cheer up Violet. Notably, an American niece, Sally, comes to stay with the couple. She is sent to Ireland by her parents because she has become involved with an actor, Ian, whom the parents believe is misleading her into hoping for a marriage. Sally believes that Violet and Charles are still in love. She watches them. At Vassar Sally had revolted against a sense of responsibility being imposed upon her. She tries to resist the influence of Violet and Annie and their attempts to become close to her. Later in the summer, Ian, through curiousity, attempts a visit. The visit is not a success. The couple parts. The book was inspired by the circumstances of Elizabeth Bowen I learned from reading another book by May Sarton. This is a psychological story of considerable interest. The atmosphere of Ireland is very well done.