The Rising Tide (Virago Modern Classics) Paperback – June 1, 2006

I read Good Behaviour many years ago and enjoyed it very much, so that when somehow I found myself with a copy of The Rising Tide, I started reading it and soon became immersed in the story. Some might find the elegant English a bit challenging, but I love Keane’s use of language and descriptions that go to extravagant lengths to convey the very essence of her subject.The story of beauty, power, both of person and place, plus the frailties and foibles of human nature result in a rich tapestry of lives when the wealthy could enjoy their every whim; when parents had complete control of their children’s lives; when girls’ entire future in the stakes for a husband depended on the turn of an ankle or a winning smile.This is the story of a family and two women who ruled it and the effect on them and their offspring. The ending is magnificent in its wisdom and simplicity. “Nothing they tell you about Life is true. Nothing. Especially nothing they tell you about old age.”

I only discovered the books of Molly Keane recently. What a wonderful discovery. I am now on my fourth and I am looking for more.Rising Tide is really about a house, a house that seems to influence the characters in different ways. The gloom of the house is so well depicted that one can feel the atmosphere from reading the brilliant descriptions of its inhabitants. Only one of these did everything possible to change the gloom and she did quite successfully , but the house was too strong even for her.If you have never read Molly Keane do so, now.

A good read. Brings me back to those rainy Sunday afternoons and the old British black and white movies from the 30s/40s era. Interesting character study of the protagonist.

Boring book.

Hunting, horses, gardening, a house as a character. Going into The Rising Tide it had such a number of unappetizing (to me) ingredients I didn't see how I could like it. Which raises the question of why I was even reading it in the first place. Answer: I don't rightly know. However, wonder of all wonders, I did end up liking it--a lot!The story here concerns Cynthia. We meet our Queen just as she's on the verge of power, follow her through her power's height, and see the sad sight of her power reaching its decline. It really is all about Cynthia, how can it not be with the energy she gives off, her glamour, her beauty? Much is made of her effect on others; the many who worship her and consider themselves lucky to have the privilege.I had more than a few instances of awe when I came across a particularly canny observation, or was tickled by a turn of phrase. Oh man, I should've underlined, would've made it easy to find an example; also for later personal reference. Okay, here's one: "Yet when you have what is in your dream, you have no dream. Your dream is in your poor hands to bruise in ignorance and lose in confusion. It is the moment before the moment that really counts whether the matter is love or hanging." Now THAT is a way to put it.

Here the life is examined in minute detail with a caustic eye. These people are not likeable but my goodness what fun

Superb, as are Molly Keane's other books - in particular GOOD BEHAVIOUR.

Best known for her novel "Good Behaviour",Molly Keane wrote many more titles. The stories come from her own Anglo-Irish background. There is a certain elegaic quality to her observations of this self-absorbed minority of "squatters" on Irish soil. She grew up and lived amongst this eccentric caste and she entertains us with the oddities and the peculiarities of their solipsistic view of their privileged lives. She observes without judging,letting their words and actions deliver the points she might wish us to see.What we then get is a compelling picture of a spoilt elite that can make us laugh as well as feel antagonised by. Molly Keane is a jewel waiting for your discovery.

The corners are yellowish