I didn’t enjoy this one unfortunately! I found the writing to be very flowery, almost overwritten for the sake of it at some times. The plot was dull and I couldn’t connect to any of the characters, they were all unlikeable especially Aroon. They all seemed hell bent on self sabotage and it was difficult and boring to read about. A very sad story with even more sad characters.

Good Behaviour by Molly Keane is a brilliantly sharp and darkly funny novel. It masterfully exposes the rigid expectations and cruelties of Anglo-Irish society through the unreliable and somewhat tragic voice of Aroon St. Charles. The novel’s satire and subtle horror make it a standout, and its portrayal of repression, snobbery, and family dysfunction is both chilling and compelling.

A quick read for me. I wasn't sure. I liked it but didn't love it. And I wanted to read it to hear more observations from our teller- the daughter. She was so observant. And it made me look around at the people around me. What was I seeing? And how do we all see things for how they are dependant on who we are in the story. As I certainly didn't agree with some of the narrative she got from her Pov. But I guess that the very point. And is how different events stem from the seemingly normal..because we are all so.utterly different souls.
I didn't love it. And I'm not sure why. Which sounds awful. But it didnt quite take me over that line. But again I don't know why.

DNF.

Unfortunately this wasn't for me. I think I must be missing something because I didn't find it funny or bleak, just dull. I wasn't able to finish it. I think if you like very subtle stories that have a lot going on beneath the surface then you would enjoy this, but I just found it somewhat painful. I'd have preferred for it to carry on from the first scene rather than flash back to tell the stories of all the people who come into Aroon's life as she grows up. My apologies for not finishing it, I really appreciate having the opportunity to try it.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley.

I love this book! Such a modern classic. It is dark humor at best. I love an unlikeable, unreliable heroine. Would recommend this book, definitely!

A sublime, droll and occasionally dark account of life for hard up gentry in the 1920s-30s. It starts with Aroon St Charles murdering her mother with a rabbit mousse (and asking the maid to keep it warm for her luncheon).

We go back to Aroon's childhood where she was neglected by her mother, who hardly ate anything and looked askance at her daughter's empty plates. Her father was too interested in hunting and womanising.

Aroon finds comfort with Mrs Brock the governess, a wonderful comedy creation who will always remind me of a sleek seal swimming. Aroon develops a monumental and ever lasting crush on Richard, the very good friend of her brother Hubert.

Social mores and repressed family behaviour create a book that crackles with tension, although the writing is at times laugh out loud funny. My heart aches for Aroon as she struggles in various social settings, and is constantly blamed when things go wrong.

It's wonderful to see this masterpiece re-published. Molly Keane was in her late 70s when it first came out.

One of the first things I noticed about this book, is that it's got 5 stars from Claire Fuller. That's recommendation enough for me.
A story of a family told through the eyes of the daughter.
How observant she is!
There's a lot of bad behaviour going on here, amongst these nice people. It's all very enjoyable.
I enjoyed the tone set by the writing, and was picking it up any chance I got.