The Mice Will Play

by Edward O. Phillips

Gemma Johnstone's intimate charms have earned her just about every material comfort a woman about town could wish for. But when her latest admirer expires in full flight of physical affection, she must suddenly face the realities of being middle-aged, single, and without further material prospects. Temporary solace appars in the form of Helen Chisholm, a bed-ridden older woman who is in need of care and companionship while her redoubtable daughter goes away on a two-week Caribbean cruise. The prospect of tending an old lady tucked away in the tower of a sprawling V ictorian mansion is hardly a tantalising one for a woman of Gemma's worldly charms. But as Gemma and Helen get to know each other, they form an unlikely bond and discover to their mutual surprise that their lives will never again be the same. A n yo ne familiar with the works of British writer E.F. Benson will immediately find themselves on familiar literary ground, probing the oft-fragile veneer of morality that separates respectability from the scandalous. Only here, the setting is a co nt emp orary one - Westmount, the genteel hillside environs of English-speaking Montreal's upper middle class. 'The Mice Will Play' is a deft comedy of contemporary manners (and the lack thereof). Written in Edward O. Phillips' fast-paced, urbane sty le, it paints an often hilarious picture of what happens when we surrender ourselves to the unpredictable twists of fate and human nature.

233 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 1998

About the author

Edward Oppenshaw Phillips was a Canadian who lived most of his life in Westmount, Quebec. He earned a law degree from the Université de Montréal in 1956, but decided against legal practice. He subsequently graduated from Harvard University with a Master's Degree in Teaching, and later earned a second Master's Degree in English Literature from Boston University.

His first novel, Sunday's Child, was published in 1981. Best known for his novel series featuring Geoffry Chadwick, corporate lawyer, reluctant hero and wry social commentator, Phillips won the Arthur Ellis Award for his novel Buried on Sunday.

Series:
* Geoffrey Chadwick

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 A little bit bawdy, but just a hoot.

[Kali · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my Canadian friends recommended this book to me, and it was quite the cozy read. The ending was very satisfying, and the food/meal descriptions are so good!

[katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid writing, enjoyable plot and story. Nothing crazy

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book. Okay, it's short and light, but it's also clever, funny, entertaining, and, in its way, wise.

I'm quite sure I loved this book so very much because I could very happily have lived the life Gemma has lived, or at any rate, having lived and loved the life I've had so far -- marriage(s, two), children, stability) -- I know I have it in me to live and love the life she's had. Maybe I was Gemma in a previous life. So many of her attitudes and ideas resonate with mine.

Personal response aside, I very much enjoyed the way the author drew the picture of Gemma, a pleasure-loving woman, very much concerned with surfaces and appearance, but who also is skilled at giving pleasure. Sexual pleasure, to be sure, to the rich men who paid for their pleasure in tokens (and apartments and lifestyle) of appreciation, but also to her friends and to the elderly, neglected, marginalized woman to whom she becomes a paid companion. Gemma is, in essence, the hooker (or, in her case, 'very close friend') with a heart of gold. She is a good woman.

And she gets her happy ending. Loved this book. Loved it.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, short, entertaining read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

[Natasha Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, light-hearted read.