Wounds

by Maureen Duffy

Wounds begins with two lovers in bed. Their lovemaking throughout the book forms a recurring lietmotif, a counterpoint to the examination of the spiritual death of the characters.

In a South London environment of pub and fairground, home and work, the wounds of 20th century experience are evoked in prose which is both lyrical and precise. Kingy in her garden, 'loved by the most handsome women in the world'; Maura the barmaid: 'I prefer the little, thin men'; Glisten the Mayor: 'It'll be take-over time and too late' - these and the many other characters illustrate the basic theme of the novel.

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Maureen Patricia Duffy (born 21 October 1933) is a contemporary British novelist, poet, playwright, nonfiction author and activist.

Duffy's work often uses Freudian ideas and Greek mythology as frameworks.[1] Her writing is distinctive for its use of contrasting voices, or streams of consciousness, often including the perspectives of outsiders. Her novels have been linked to a European tradition of literature which explores reality through the use of language and questioning, rather than through traditional linear narrative.[2] James Joyce in particular, and Modernism in general, are significant influences on her fiction, as is Joyce Cary.[3] "Duffy has inspired many other writers and proved that the English novel need not be realistic and domestic, but can be fantastical, experimental and political."[1] Her writing in all forms is noted for her 'eye for detail and ear for language'[4] and "powerful intense imagery".[5]

Reviews

[Holly McKie · Rating 2 out of 5]

What even happened who is who what did I just read? I have so many questions.

[Alice Doherty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not have a clue what happened in this book and struggled to get to grips of the characters.