Upper class partner swapping in wartime London.

Genre: Family drama / Fiction

Pages: 336

First published: 1984

Original language: English

The plot: Mary Wesley’s landmark 1984 novel begins on the aforementioned Camomile Lawn, in the south of Cornwall, the summer before World War II breaks out. There, five cousins gather at their aunt’s house for their annual holiday. It will prove to be the last they spend together, as war is soon declared and life takes them in varying directions, from war work in London to the front lines of battle. Along the way, they engage in multiple partnerships, doomed marriages, motherhood, parties and survival laced with humour.

What did I think of this book?

The Camomile Lawn is a middling sort of book – it was ok. No more, no less. It didn’t have quite the effect on me that it had on many people post-publication, and that’s because there isn’t much of a plot. A group of cousins argue about the war, have a lot of sex (usually with each other), go to parties, and at some point in the far future, come together for a funeral. And that’s about it. It reminded me a little of The Forsyte Saga. There are numerous relationships, a dash of controversy in Sophie’s (the youngest cousin) encounter with a hillside flasher, and a throuple.

As with many books that aim to be controversial, the copious sex had much the same effect on me as copious swearing – it became a bit boring.

What was most interesting?

Not a lot. The open attitude displayed by the (elderly) Mary Wesley to sexual relationships intrigued me. Was it something she had personal experience of? It’s important to remember that this book was considered shocking in 1984! Mary Wesley was 72 when she wrote The Camomile Lawn, and this novel was her first for adults. If it was intended to create a stir, it certainly did so.

What am I going to take away from this book?

That freedom, fun and desire can be found in the most unlikely of places, even in times of war. The constant twists and turns of the plot – usually involving who is sleeping with whom – are intended to shock, but irritated me towards the end. It isn’t a book I would rush to re-read.

Rating : 2/5