The Little House

The Little House is a remarkable gem of a psychological thriller. It makes even the most normal, everyday events seem sinister and riveting.The plot focuses on Ruth who is talked into starting a family by her husband and living down the road from his upper class parents in the country. Then the nightmare unfolds. The book is a masterpiece of claustrophobia as Ruth's in-laws intrude more and more into her life. All throughout the book I felt tense and unsettled - just as I love to be when I am reading a thriller. I could absolutely empathise with Ruth and as her situation got worse and worse I was routing for her all the way.Ruth is a delightful, yet in some ways tragic character. She is a successful journalist and yet her past has meant that she is needy and desperately seeking love. She thinks she has found a family which she can belong to at long last in her in-laws but what she fails to realise is that they want to control her. The mother in-law, father in-law, and Ruth's husband Patrick are chillingly plausible and well developed. The beauty in this novel is that unlike in many other psychological thriller's these three characters are not evil, they truly believe they are doing the best for Ruth and themselves - even as they push her further and further towards the limits of her own sanity. Overall The Little House is a fantastic study of relationships between a woman and her in-laws and how the ordinary things can lead someone to madness, and to do the most unspeakable things. The Little House's packs a hard, chilling punch, especially as the ending is so unexpected and compelling. I would recommend this book unreservedly.JoAnne

I have read most of P Gregory's books but this is my absolute favourite!! I don't view Ruth's character change at the end of the book as her giving in to the stereotypical 50's housewife routine - I think this is Ruth reclaiming her power - and some!!!.As she looks into the future she sees with frightening clarity that her son will never be her own as long as Elizabeth, the mother-in-law is around. At the same time she's knows that Elizabeth would like nothing more than for Ruth to disappear so that they can all play happy families with Thomas without her getting in the way.Ruth did become Elizabeth in the end but Elizabeth was not the perfect housewife in the subordinate sense. The Ruth who stood poised by the switch waiting (willing?) for Elizabeth to touch the pram was no longer immature and spineless but supremely confident and in total control of her emotions, actions and thoughts, just like Eliabeth who had ruled the roost from a position of power whilst the men in her life (husband and son) danced contentedly to her tune.Despite Ruth's suffering at the hand of her in-laws, Ruth did love her husband, Patrick and was determined to keep the family unit together.She saw the inheritance of ELizabeth's 'crown' as being preferable to being a single mum, or, worse, a mother without her child.Yes this was a dramatic character change for Ruth who was initially career oriented but it was Ruth's overwhelming and protective maternal feelings for her baby which were the catalyst for her transfomation and led to the horrific demise of Elizabteth. 'A jolly good read!' as Frederick would say!!!

The Little House is definetly scary. Even the people you root for in this book will frighten you with the things they do. The story starts out seeming simple enough. Ruth is married to Patrick. Ruth is a dedicated journalist, and does not want any children. However both her domineering husband and strong willed in laws are determined that she should have a baby - and soon. Ruth becomes pregnant, loses her job, and goes to live in the little house at the foot of her in laws driveway. Soon enough she finds herself in danger of losing her husband, her baby, and even her sanity to her demanding in laws. This is a book that WILL keep you up until the wee hours... and the ending will certainly give you a lot to think about it, even if it frustrates you (it certainly frustrated me!)Strongly reccomended!

This book starts off as a sweet little relationship read, of an adopted woman, Ruth trying to get accepted into her in-laws' family. Unfortunately the mother-in-law has such lofty standards that no-one, besides herself is really good enough for her son and the daughter-in-law has no hopes of attaining them. The baby comes along, and Ruth is just in the way then; as her mother-in-law literally casts her aside leaving Ruth to feel inadequate as an inexperienced mother, rather than being encouraged. RUTH FIGHTS BACK! Totally dependant, financially and mentally, Ruth sees that there's only one way to claim her space in the family and sets out to grasp it! The conclusion is brilliant, and leaves you mulling over the story line, long after you've finished reading it!

What a wonderfully written book! I was immersed in the lives of these well developed characters within minutes and couldn't stop reading until I'd reached the end in one sitting. This is an illuminating book for women. It illustrates the frightening results when a woman is unable or unwilling to set boundaries in her life. I was so affected by this book that I bought it for my newly married daughter and insisted she read it as an object lesson. I think most women will relate to the heroine of this book. The ending was electrifying and immensely satisfying!