At the Jerusalem
Bailey, Paul, 1937-2019
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Following the death from leukaemia of her daughter, Celia, Mrs Gadny goes to live with her sullen stepson Henry. But she finds little affection or contentment either with him, or with his selfish wife Thelma, or with their ungrateful children. She is sent to an old people's home, 'The Jerusalem', a converted workhouse, green-and-white-tiled. Mrs Gadny is repulsed and humiliated by the home and its inmates: women like acid-tongued Miss Trimmer, the vulgar toothless Mrs Affery, and Mrs O'Blath with her hysterical laughter. Retreating from the kindness offered her by the nurses and the friendly Mrs Capes, she withdraws into her memories, but even their fragmented recollection provides small comfort. Mrs Gadny's only escape from 'The Jerusalem' lies in her own crumbling consciousness.
Main title:
At the Jerusalem / Paul Bailey ; introduction by Colm Toibin.
Author:
Imprint:
London : Apollo, 2019.London : Apollo, 2019.
Collation:
240 pages ; 23 cm
ISBN:
9781838934019 (hbk)
Language:
English
BRN:
2260696