Mrs Osmond

Questions About Mrs Osmond

by John Banville

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Answered Questions (5)

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Mariah Thank you for the question and answer. I just finished this book last night and thought I have to talk to someone about this ending! I agree with your…moreThank you for the question and answer. I just finished this book last night and thought I have to talk to someone about this ending! I agree with your take overall, but rereading her last exchange with Miss Stackpole, I didn't have the sense that she had found her place there either. And the last line—Isabel said nothing, nothing at all—felt ominous to me. (less)
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why, when the cover does not include a period after Mrs, do most reviews add one? Glad Goodreads has not!
Deborah Americans always use the period, Brits don't.…moreAmericans always use the period, Brits don't.(less)
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This novel is a modern sequel to a classic work of fiction. The only other attempt at this that I am aware of is 'The New World', the brilliant sequel by Andrew Motion to Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'. Does anybody know any other titles that follow up on a classic novel?
Shabanah Yes, I highly recommend Mrs de Winter by Susan Hill, one of our very best English novelists. Quality writing, and far superior to most literary spin-o…moreYes, I highly recommend Mrs de Winter by Susan Hill, one of our very best English novelists. Quality writing, and far superior to most literary spin-offs. You might also like the Hogarth Shakespeare Project: major writers reimagining Shakespeare’s plays in new contexts. I loved Margaret Atwood’s Hag Seed, an illuminating and entertaining satirical take on The Tempest. (less)
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Should you read James' "Portrait of a Lady" before Mrs. Osmond?
Deborah Yes! You will want to know what has happened to Isabel by the end of Portrait of a Lady, because that's where Banville picks up. You will have a much …moreYes! You will want to know what has happened to Isabel by the end of Portrait of a Lady, because that's where Banville picks up. You will have a much better understanding of the characters and events. It's also important, I think, to get a taste of Henry James's style, which Banville does such a fine job of replicating.(less)
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Should you read James' "Portrait of a Lady" before Mrs. Osmond?
Oliver Dixon Yes, definitely.
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