Outside of a Dog: Caudwell, Sarah: Thus Was Adonis Murdered; The Shortest Way to Hades; The Sirens Sang of Murder; The Sibyl in Her Grave

Jean

Jean wrote on March 27, 2005 at 3:45 PM:

It's too long since I've read these (and in UK editions, which don't have the Edward Gorey covers) and I have no recollection of the plot of any of theme: but it's the voice that does it, isn't it? That quotation about "the pleasure of the moment" is perfect. I think Hilary has slightly more personality than you suggest: there are moments when what s/he says gives away more - usually of a self-centred nature - than is said explicitly. Which is about as much personality as any of these cardboard characters display. As for that spoiler: I can't help envisaging a female persona, if only because very often people who are reticent about their gender are women (who often have good reason for their reticence!). On the other hand, an Oxford academic lawyer even in the 80s is more likely to be a man. I rather suspect that Hilary has no gender, that Cauldwell never assigned one or the other.

Kate

Kate wrote on March 27, 2005 at 7:46 PM:

Jean, yes, I sometimes wondered why they were friends with Hilary at all, because as far as I could tell all that the friendship gained them was the opportunity to buy Hilary drinks or dinner; they didn't seem to have much in common, which annoyed me a touch here and there. But by and large, except for the noisiness required of a mystery novel character who isn't professionally involved in the criminal justice system, Hilary doesn't have much personality.

Kate

Kate wrote on April 3, 2005 at 12:26 PM:

I forgot--the Caudwells are also notable for the way that everyone treats same-sex relationships as though it is entirely unremarkable that they are same-sex. Not realistic in the least, but charming.

tarrant

tarrant wrote on November 23, 2005 at 9:46 AM:

Just a comment in passing; do you know that Sarah Caudwell (not her real name) was the daughter of "Sally Bowles" of Isherwood and "Cabaret" fame?

Kate

Kate wrote on November 23, 2005 at 10:04 AM:

tarrant: I did not, but then I've never seen _Cabaret_ either, so I'm just ignorant all around. =>

Faye

Faye wrote on October 1, 2006 at 10:21 AM:

I love Sarah Caudwell! Kate, I'm glad you pointed out how Caudwell treats same-sex relationships as completely normal, and how Julia always feels pressured to admire the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the men she wants to get into bed with. There's so much in Caudwell's books that's accepting of traits that would not be considered normal by many people. Also, everyone is so witty and charming. Remember how the vicar in "The Sibyl in Her Grave" says something to the effect of: "The church no longer believes in hell as a geographical place, like Paris or London. Not that anyone thought, of course, that it would be anything like Paris."

Kate

Kate wrote on October 1, 2006 at 11:07 AM:

Faye: yes, I've been finding myself inclined to re-read them as comfort reading recently for their wit. I'm holding enough because I have such a backlog of unread books, but as the fall turns to winter I may well.

Linda

Linda wrote on February 9, 2007 at 11:18 AM:

Confusion with Kate Ross? "Sally Bowles" based on Jean Ross, the author's mother. Any link there do you think. Probably just the coincidence of a common surname.