Mary Lavelle

The lesbian character of Agatha Conlan, although a small role, is better drawn and more visible than in most modern novels. The heroine, Mary Lavelle falls in love with a married man. Even though, she is an innocent in affairs of the heart, she controls the relationship.

This is a beautiful story. 1936 was a bit before its age. For a female Irish writer to write a book that even hints at a lesbianism was probably beyond the ability of the Irish Catholic establishment to deal with in that era. However, that is such a minor part of the novel, that it is really mistitled with this new title "Talk of Angels." Discussion about the sexual orientation of a minor character greatly distorts the stark beauty of the characters, Spain, and the inner story which O'Brien tells so well. I understand that the new title replaces the originally published title of "Mary Lavelle." But the angel passage and the lesbian angle are so minor, that I would probably opt for something associated with the climax like "Spanish Love Dance." The strength of this work is the exploration of the inner characters. The main character of Mary Lavelle, her beauty, her vulnerability, and the options between uncertain romance and unromantic certainty. We root for Mary to make love a romantic choice rather than simply an ecomonic security issue as so many women over the last centuries have been forced to make. The characters of the father and her lover are also well drawn and filled with their own special quests. As important as any of the characters is Spain itself. How lovingly is it described, more alluring than a travel trailer or vacation brochure. The society of the other nannies with their squabbling creates a strong reality in which we can see these women operate. The ending left me wanting more in the story. I wanted to know what happened after her return to Ireland. Perhaps that is what a great novel does, leaves you so connected to the characters that they last with you long after the book ends. I believe this book will connect with romantics of both genders, simply because the writing is so fine.

This was a great book for so many reasons. I loved the emotional changes that the protagonist went through and the colorful people that she interacted with. I also liked the excellent descriptions of Spain and the romantic/political atmosphere. A great read for anyone who is a romantic.

i loved traveling through the adventures of this woman's life - especially during this time period. the "blossoming" in spain - what a WONDERFUL place to be in spring!! - brought an interesting perspective that needed to be understood before appreciated. i'd love to hear thoughts on any of her other books.

This amazing pre-war coming of age novel has recently been re-released as "Talk of Angels : A Novel." O'Brien describes the life and loves (for people and for places) of her heroine, Mary Lavelle, a young Irish woman who goes to Spain as a governess for a time before her own impending marriage. The novel is terrific -- the prose style is flawless, and the interior life of the heroine complex but plausible. O'Brien specializes in describing the emotional whirlpool at the center of the transformative moments of her characters' lives, and this book is, I think, her best.