Anne Fine / In Cold Domain #BookThoughts
Despite the Harry Potter series dominating much of my childhood reading and being my most loved series of books, Anne Fine was one of my favourite authors growing up. Goggle Eyes was my favourite of her books; Kitty Killin's moody cynical account of her mother's new boyfriend was the funniest thing I'd ever read and I've lost count of the number of times I've read that book. Charm School was another favourite of hers, and probably my first introduction to the social expectations surrounding women.
In Cold Domain was the first adult novel by Anne Fine that I'd read and until I started reading it I wasn't even aware that she'd written anything but children's books! But I absolutely loved this. It's a domestic comedy that centres around Lilith Collett and her grown up children who are nothing but disappointments to her; if William, Barbara or Gilly thwart their mother in any way, she takes out her anger on the beautiful garden they spent their childhood in. With each visit, William notices the once beautiful Cold Domain becoming ever more sparse, barren, and grim. Gilly's stubbornness, Barbara's sensitivity and unsuccessful quests for love, and William's homosexuality all fuel Lillith's ruthless attacks on her beloved garden, until the land is no longer recognisable as the beloved Eden of their childhood days. Throughout the story, each of Lillith's children must learn to sever their ties with Cold Domain, and establish an identity outside of their idyllic childhood playground. It's a beautiful story about learning to let go of the past and embrace life for what it is, and realising that who you are is not contained in old toys, a house, or a garden, but in your ability to forgive, accept, and see things through another's eyes. Definitely worth a read!
It's always interesting to see how authors who have established themselves as writers for children adapt to writing for adults, but Anne Fine absolutely maintains the brilliant observations and attention to detail that I loved in her children's books. Will definitely be buying some more of her adult fiction soon!
Steph x
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