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Lady
LADY recreates a small New England town of the 1930s and '40s. Seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy, Woody, we meet Lady, a charming widow, owner of an imposing home on the Green. As does Woody, we come to care for and love his "special friend."
But there is more to Lady than meets the eye, and we share Woody's fear as he closes in on Lady's terrible secret.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1974
282 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Tryon
26 books303 followersIt was Noel Coward’s partner, Gertrude Lawrence, who encouraged Tom to try acting. He made his Broadway debut in 1952 in the chorus of the musical Wish You Were Here. He also worked in television at the time, but as a production assistant. In 1955, he moved to California to try his hand at the movies, and the next year made his film debut in The Scarlet Hour (1956). Tom was cast in the title role of the Disney TV series Texas John Slaughter (1958) that made him something of a household name. He appeared in several horror and science fiction films: I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958) and Moon Pilot (1962) and in westerns: Three Violent People (1956) and Winchester '73 (1967). He was part of the all-star cast in The Longest Day (1962), a film of the World War II generation, credited with saving 20th Century Fox Studios, after the disaster of Cleopatra. He considered his best role to be in In Harm's Way (1965), which is also regarded as one of the better films about World War II.
While filming the title role in The Cardinal (1962), Tom suffered from Otto Preminger's Teutonic directing style and became physically ill. Nevertheless, Tom was nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1963. He appeared with Marilyn Monroe in her final film, Something's Got to Give (1962), but the studio fired Monroe after three weeks, and the film was never finished. That experience, along with the Cardinal ordeal, left Tom wary of studio games and weary at waiting around for the phone to ring.
After viewing the film Rosemary's Baby (1968), Tom was inspired to write his own horror novel, and in 1971 Alfred Knopf published The Other. It became an instant bestseller and was turned into a movie in 1972, which Tom wrote and produced. Thereafter, despite occasional film and TV offers, Tom gave up acting to write fiction full-time. This he did eight to ten hours a day, with pencil, on legal-sized yellow tablets. Years later, he graduated to an IBM Selectric.
The Other was followed by Lady (1975), which concerns the friendship between an eight-year-old boy and a mysterious widow in 1930s New England. His book Crowned Heads became an inspiration for the Billy Wilder film Fedora (1978), and a miniseries with Bette Davis was made from his novel Harvest Home (1978). All That Glitters (1986), a quintette of stories about thinly disguised Hollywood greats and near-greats followed. Night of the Moonbow (1989), tells of a boy driven to violence by the constant harassment he endures at a summer camp. Night Magic, about an urban street magician with wondrous powers, written shortly before his death in 1991, was posthumously published in 1995. The dust jackets and end papers of Tom's books, about which he took unusual care, are excellent examples of his gifts as an artist and graphic designer, further testimony to the breadth of his talents.
While filming the title role in The Cardinal (1962), Tom suffered from Otto Preminger's Teutonic directing style and became physically ill. Nevertheless, Tom was nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1963. He appeared with Marilyn Monroe in her final film, Something's Got to Give (1962), but the studio fired Monroe after three weeks, and the film was never finished. That experience, along with the Cardinal ordeal, left Tom wary of studio games and weary at waiting around for the phone to ring.
After viewing the film Rosemary's Baby (1968), Tom was inspired to write his own horror novel, and in 1971 Alfred Knopf published The Other. It became an instant bestseller and was turned into a movie in 1972, which Tom wrote and produced. Thereafter, despite occasional film and TV offers, Tom gave up acting to write fiction full-time. This he did eight to ten hours a day, with pencil, on legal-sized yellow tablets. Years later, he graduated to an IBM Selectric.
The Other was followed by Lady (1975), which concerns the friendship between an eight-year-old boy and a mysterious widow in 1930s New England. His book Crowned Heads became an inspiration for the Billy Wilder film Fedora (1978), and a miniseries with Bette Davis was made from his novel Harvest Home (1978). All That Glitters (1986), a quintette of stories about thinly disguised Hollywood greats and near-greats followed. Night of the Moonbow (1989), tells of a boy driven to violence by the constant harassment he endures at a summer camp. Night Magic, about an urban street magician with wondrous powers, written shortly before his death in 1991, was posthumously published in 1995. The dust jackets and end papers of Tom's books, about which he took unusual care, are excellent examples of his gifts as an artist and graphic designer, further testimony to the breadth of his talents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 20, 2013
My absolute all time favorite and the reason I fell in love with novels more than 35 years ago. A quick read, from the point of view of a young boy and all about how we idolize the people we love and can be so disappointed and cruel when they turn out to be actually human. I re-read it every couple of years.
October 17, 2013
Lady by Thomas Tryon is an interesting read, to say the least. The story of Adelaide Harleigh is told through an older, wiser, Woody who was once enamored with her since age 8. He's recounting his past living across the way from her, only to be separated by the Great Elm tree and her manic episodes.
Taking place during the 1930s to the end of World War II, Lady is set in a small town named Pequot Landing where everyone knows each otehr's names and their business... or at least think they do. The oldest and most esteemed family has one heir left standing and her name is Adelaide Harleigh, otherwise known as Lady. She's the shining bright star of the community. She's beautiful, graceful, and full of something that most people can't put their finger on. Especially our narrator, Woody, who's drawn to her like a magnet. What they don't know about her could very well cause all these adoring eyes to ones filled with malice and rage.
Tryon has done nothing short of place us into a world with a brilliant voice as our guide. Poetically written and heavy on details, Lady should be on the reading list of all who enjoy historical literary fiction. Escaping to this small New England town was nothing less than a pleasure. Admittedly at times I was wondering when does the girth of the plot come to play.
On to the characters! Lady is such a well developed character but still holds so much mystery because she's told about through Woody. At times, we the reader can see things for what they really are regarding her, but his poor young heart sees things differently. She's flawed and prone to episodes of long "retirements". Most believe it's because she's mourning the loss of her late husband but there is much more at work. Woody is also very well developed and we see him make changes from being a lovestruck young boy, to a man who sees the world for what it is and that a willingness to understand and accept is what matters. The fact that our past affects will never leave us no matter where we travel.
Ultimately, Lady is an enchanting journey and should be taken as soon as possible. There are many themes that can be found in this work of fiction, lessons to be learned, and sentiments to be felt so I encourage readers to find what speaks to them with this novel. What I've taken is that we are all human and that's what makes us beautifully flawed.
Taking place during the 1930s to the end of World War II, Lady is set in a small town named Pequot Landing where everyone knows each otehr's names and their business... or at least think they do. The oldest and most esteemed family has one heir left standing and her name is Adelaide Harleigh, otherwise known as Lady. She's the shining bright star of the community. She's beautiful, graceful, and full of something that most people can't put their finger on. Especially our narrator, Woody, who's drawn to her like a magnet. What they don't know about her could very well cause all these adoring eyes to ones filled with malice and rage.
Tryon has done nothing short of place us into a world with a brilliant voice as our guide. Poetically written and heavy on details, Lady should be on the reading list of all who enjoy historical literary fiction. Escaping to this small New England town was nothing less than a pleasure. Admittedly at times I was wondering when does the girth of the plot come to play.
On to the characters! Lady is such a well developed character but still holds so much mystery because she's told about through Woody. At times, we the reader can see things for what they really are regarding her, but his poor young heart sees things differently. She's flawed and prone to episodes of long "retirements". Most believe it's because she's mourning the loss of her late husband but there is much more at work. Woody is also very well developed and we see him make changes from being a lovestruck young boy, to a man who sees the world for what it is and that a willingness to understand and accept is what matters. The fact that our past affects will never leave us no matter where we travel.
Ultimately, Lady is an enchanting journey and should be taken as soon as possible. There are many themes that can be found in this work of fiction, lessons to be learned, and sentiments to be felt so I encourage readers to find what speaks to them with this novel. What I've taken is that we are all human and that's what makes us beautifully flawed.
March 23, 2016
Those who are familiar with Thomas Tryon's first two more novels, The Other and Harvest Home might find Lady a little perplexing. Yet it may also be the now deceased author's best and most realized work. While Lady still has a Gothic setting, taking place in Tryon's mythical New England town Pequot Landing where the other two books take part, this novel is not remotely a horror story. It is part mystery and part coming-of-age story and a very good one at that. The author excels at creating an eerie and haunting environment while involving the reader into early 20th century life complete with its town secrets and slowly emerging scandals. Woody, the narrator, tells of his childhood beginning at the age of eight focusing on his close friendship with Adelaide Harleigh who is usually called Lady. The sometimes moody widow is friend and mentor to Woody but there are still many secrets about her that he questions; Such as what happened to her husband, why does she switch so quickly from elegant joviality to brooding solidarity, and who is that strange red-headed man who shows up now and then. The answer to these and other questions may seem somewhat lame to today's readers but in the period this novel takes places (1930s) it was quite shocking. For that matter, the younger readers may be surprised to know that this was a fairly shocking ending in 1974, the year Lady was first published. The times has changed.
But it is not the ending that stands out. Tyron has written an time machine of a novel taking us back the the 30s with exquisite detail and a understanding of the slower snow-globe existence of a small town. Sensitive characters round-out this novel which is deserving of re-issue and new discovery by new readers.
But it is not the ending that stands out. Tyron has written an time machine of a novel taking us back the the 30s with exquisite detail and a understanding of the slower snow-globe existence of a small town. Sensitive characters round-out this novel which is deserving of re-issue and new discovery by new readers.
February 16, 2019
I liked the prose but it was long winded and slow . I also didn't connect with the mc. Didn't like him . Not an easy read.
June 30, 2017
I'm editing my review cause I was having a really bad day and did not even have the luxury of escaping into what I hoped to be a great book. it was not. this book is not horror(what I read 99% of the time). well, I don't think it is. I did not like it. I doubt i'll be reading anything else by this author unless my book club picks something of his that intrigues me.
January 21, 2014
I LOVED this book. I've had it sitting on my shelf for ages. My mom had loaned it to me a while back, as it was "always one of her favorite books." A good librarian friend of hers had found it awhile back and had given it to her as a gift. The copy I have is a 1974 edition, lovingly inscribed on the inside cover with a note from her friend. The story takes place mostly in the 1930s in Connecticut and the author is amazingly adept at creating and painting a backdrop for the story that truly allows you to visualize it. Truly a timeless tale of the era, how the War, the Depression, and racial inequality defined the time.
March 15, 2017
This is a well written book yet I give it 2 stars. Thomas Tyron's first two books are two of my all time favorites (see my "All Time Favorites" list if you don't believe) and I was hoping for something similar, but this book did not deliver. I wanted mystery and suspense but it played out more like a long winded soap opera. It was chapter after chapter of the most mundane occurrences with a couple hints occasionally at what might be a little bit of mystery. Finally near the end we get some action but it's not enough to save this novel. The nostalgic moments late in the book was nice and almost got it to 3 stars but alas my displeasure has too deeply befallen me.
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October 19, 2020Sale on this one's ended. BUT. I've made a shelf so everybody can see which books are currently on sale for Kindle. I'll try to update it every day. You can see my Kindle deals shelf here.
January 20, 2014
The cover of this book might lead you to believe that this is some kind of horror or supernatural tale. It's not. It is a bit haunting but not in a ghostly kind of way. It's a beautifully told story of a boy and his relationship with his neighbor, a wealthy widow who is a bit of a tragic figure and inspires the name of the book. This is not a traditional mystery in any way but the sense that there are many mysteries right under the surface is very strong.
Woody is eight when he first meets and befriends his neighbor who is known to the whole town as "Lady." She lost her husband at a relatively young age and has been living in her big mansion with just 2 servants ever since. She becomes the central figure in the life of Woody and of his family for years to come. While Lady is wonderfully kind and plays the Lady Bountiful to his family, it's obvious there are many secrets and tragedies in her life that Woody would love to unravel.
Lady is a moody and atmospheric book. Thomas Tryon is able to set scenes that are as clear in my mind as if I were there. It can be dark and brooding and it can be light and fun. The ability to create atmosphere is my favorite quality in an author and Tryon does it in spades. It's also firmly set in it's small town. As with any good book, the setting is almost a character in itself. This is a book I will be able to return to and enjoy many times.
I received Lady through Netgalley and I appreciated the opportunity to read and review it.
Woody is eight when he first meets and befriends his neighbor who is known to the whole town as "Lady." She lost her husband at a relatively young age and has been living in her big mansion with just 2 servants ever since. She becomes the central figure in the life of Woody and of his family for years to come. While Lady is wonderfully kind and plays the Lady Bountiful to his family, it's obvious there are many secrets and tragedies in her life that Woody would love to unravel.
Lady is a moody and atmospheric book. Thomas Tryon is able to set scenes that are as clear in my mind as if I were there. It can be dark and brooding and it can be light and fun. The ability to create atmosphere is my favorite quality in an author and Tryon does it in spades. It's also firmly set in it's small town. As with any good book, the setting is almost a character in itself. This is a book I will be able to return to and enjoy many times.
I received Lady through Netgalley and I appreciated the opportunity to read and review it.
November 30, 2013
ARC for review (re-issued e-book edition).
Very sweet coming of age story of Woody and his interactions with his neighbor, Lady. Some great characters, but a bit too long and drawn-out for the ultimate resolutions (one of which I expected, one I didn't). Worth reading for those who are big fans of Tryon, but don't be fooled by the cover or by exposure to other Tryon books - there is a bit of mystery involved, but this is not a horror or mystery novel, just a nice, small-town story.
Very sweet coming of age story of Woody and his interactions with his neighbor, Lady. Some great characters, but a bit too long and drawn-out for the ultimate resolutions (one of which I expected, one I didn't). Worth reading for those who are big fans of Tryon, but don't be fooled by the cover or by exposure to other Tryon books - there is a bit of mystery involved, but this is not a horror or mystery novel, just a nice, small-town story.
January 31, 2010
It's hard to discuss what this book is about without giving away the story. Briefly... it is about a Lady whose husband dies and her "black" butler stays in the house with her... gossip begins. written in the 70's
June 5, 2013
The most awesome novel I've ever read. This book is a lifetime seen through the eyes of a boy.
Its filled with innocence, nostalgia, mystery, tragedy and love. It made me laugh and cry.
A Must Read!
Its filled with innocence, nostalgia, mystery, tragedy and love. It made me laugh and cry.
A Must Read!
May 27, 2012
This is the novel "The Catcher in the Rye" should have been (and was probably meant to be), but wasn't.
Read
January 19, 2024It was strange coming to Lady after reading Harvest Home. I had certain expectations that made the reading feel more pensive than it would have been otherwise. Despite that, there was no disappointment. Tryon is a wonderful storyteller and has a brilliant way of making a whole town full of characters come alive to the point where the town becomes one cohesive character in itself.
November 19, 2021
This was my third Thomas Tryon book and I want to stop here and not read more of him. I feel like I want to keep him dear in my heart with his absolutely breath-taking The Other and Harvest Home, and the beautifully nostalgic Lady (not nostalgic to me personally, but his writing is so beautiful and persuasive I felt like I was sharing the characters' memories too).
This is the story of coming of age of a boy who witnesses life from an era before the WWII and after it. He has the chance the see things before an era one might glamorize now or even back then and compare it to the ugliness of the world's truth after the WWII.
The text is full of memories, products the empty cans of which you see in antique stores now, childhood mischievousness, small town neighborhood problems, racial conflicts, gossip, and female authority in different stages. You drink it all in through the eyes of a boy who is taken seriously and not dismissed on account of childishness.
If you have my copy, make sure you check pages 132-133 and read Lady's words. That's how I want to see someone talk to their children and tell them what emotions mean!
This is the story of coming of age of a boy who witnesses life from an era before the WWII and after it. He has the chance the see things before an era one might glamorize now or even back then and compare it to the ugliness of the world's truth after the WWII.
The text is full of memories, products the empty cans of which you see in antique stores now, childhood mischievousness, small town neighborhood problems, racial conflicts, gossip, and female authority in different stages. You drink it all in through the eyes of a boy who is taken seriously and not dismissed on account of childishness.
If you have my copy, make sure you check pages 132-133 and read Lady's words. That's how I want to see someone talk to their children and tell them what emotions mean!
March 31, 2018
I was quite excited to read this, as I’ve heard he wrote great horror stories. This wasn’t one! I got about a quarter of the way through and decided that it wasn’t for me. Disappointed.
January 24, 2014
Utterly and beautifully charming. I will truly miss reading this lovely book. I am a huge Thomas Tryon fan. I did not ever think I would be--I remember growing up and seeing the cheesy covers to his books (especially Crowned Heads) and thinking they looked so very dull. Good tip from your Uncle Belinda--sometimes we are dumb when we are kids..I have yet to be disappointed with a Tom Tryon novel. The Other is a favorite novel of mine as is Harvest Home (both are also favorite films of mine) so I was thrilled when I was spending my Barnes and Nobles gift card and came across this. I was not sure what to make of it's subject matter right off the bat, but I know Tryon and I was willing to throw caution to the wind. I am so glad I did. The book is slow moving, full of lovely period detail and centers on the relationship between Woody, the narrator and Lady Harleigh his long time and mysterious neighbor. The book does an amazing job describing the wonder that a child's relationship with a cherished adult is--how the child can become possessive and maybe a touch obsessed--how the adult can care so much more than the child assumes. How each lives in their own private world, no matter how much room and love the other takes up. The book also touches beautifully on how the world we live is so very different than the world others assume we live in--the gooey inner workings behind every facade. Through many years and many situations we never lose our love for Lady or for the town and time she lives in and the people surrounding her. I have been reading this before bed on my nook--in the dark with just the glow of year round colored lights that I keep up for ambiance to light the room and it's been so calming and lovely. I only wish that Thomas Tryon had written many more books before his untimely death.
September 4, 2008
I loved reading Thomas Tryon's the Harvest Home and The Other years ago. The author died when he was quite young and that put an end to his wonderful talent. I found this book on Amazon or Ebay and noticed he had also written this book. I was not disappointed. The following review comes from Amazon but it says it so well...
"This book came to me by delicious accident: a friend found it in a box of books being given away in my apartment building laundry room. It sat on my shelf for years, until my supply of unread books began to dwindle, and I thought I'd give it a go, though I knew nothing about the book, or it's author. It's set in a previous generation, but deals with issues of the time that modern readers may not relate to, but can certainly learn from. It's overall theme is one of coming of age, and in a sense I believe it tells the story of all of our childhoods: what we see going on around us in our neighborhoods, the seemingly insignificant events that are tantamount to a child as he/she grows up, and the events of the world that, while we may not be entirely conscious of them or understand them, they shape us nonetheless. I'm sorry to see that this book is primarily out of print (and I'm certainly not giving up my 1974 edition), but do what you must to get your hands on it! You will fall madly in love with Lady as we all have ... "
"This book came to me by delicious accident: a friend found it in a box of books being given away in my apartment building laundry room. It sat on my shelf for years, until my supply of unread books began to dwindle, and I thought I'd give it a go, though I knew nothing about the book, or it's author. It's set in a previous generation, but deals with issues of the time that modern readers may not relate to, but can certainly learn from. It's overall theme is one of coming of age, and in a sense I believe it tells the story of all of our childhoods: what we see going on around us in our neighborhoods, the seemingly insignificant events that are tantamount to a child as he/she grows up, and the events of the world that, while we may not be entirely conscious of them or understand them, they shape us nonetheless. I'm sorry to see that this book is primarily out of print (and I'm certainly not giving up my 1974 edition), but do what you must to get your hands on it! You will fall madly in love with Lady as we all have ... "
January 9, 2015
Wow, what an out-of-print gem. My mom recommended Lady to me during the holidays, and I reluctantly started reading her old copy. I'm so glad I did. The story starts out with the narrator recalling his childhood in bucolic 1930's Connecticut. His relationship with the wealthy widowed "Lady" of the community starts out full of boy-like adoration and mystery. But as the story continues and the narrator grows up, Lady's character becomes more complex. This book is full of themes that are still painfully relevant today--domestic violence, interracial relationships, mental illness, etc. It's also incredibly well written, never becoming too flowery and Tryon wraps up all the story lines perfectly. Do yourself a favor and download the free e-book to keep this story alive.
April 12, 2014
Almost 40 years after reading this third novel by author Thomas Tryon LADY remains one of my all-time favorite reads. It's about growing up, lies, secrets and learning about the world we live in and what's outside of our own place we call home. There is friendship, love, betrayal and a homecoming to see everything that has gone before with fresh eyes and a new perspective. The themes are universal. You will be caught up in the tale a the world unfolds as only it can for a bright, ten year old boy, discovering the wonders of his hometown and his lovely friend everyone calls Lady.
March 19, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! Adelaide Harleigh is a lovely and generous young widow who lives across the green in a small New England town. She is attended by her two servants from the Caribbean, Jesse and Elthea, who lovingly see to the running of her household and her every need. The story of "Lady" is told through the eyes of a neighbor boy, Woody, as he comes of age and loses his innocence. Beautifully written and captures the time period (30's & 40's). I remember watching the author, Thomas Tryon, in a few Disney films before he became a writer. Great and compelling read!
September 3, 2010
Thomas Tryon's
Lady
is a masterpiece of suspense. It got off to a slow start, but by the time I was one-third into it I was hooked and completely engrossed. Nothing turned out to be quite what it seemed.
Lady
's big secret turned out to be something that might not raise an eyebrow today, but in mid-1930s New England was probably the worst thing a woman could do short of murder.
October 7, 2013
I DNF this book. I gave it an honest effort,50% through, but it just didn't draw my attention. I kept putting it off until I finally gave in and quit. I am curious as to what this big secret was that Lady Harleigh kept, but not enough to keep reading. Maybe at a later date when my To Read pile isn't huge I will give in another go.
August 3, 2014
This is a reprint of a book published originally in 1974. It tells the story of Wally a boy from a large family surviving it the days of the depression. He has a relationship with the lady across the green Adelaide Harleigh which benefits both he and his family. It's a coming of age story about a boy learning the lessons of love and loss and the mysteries surrounding lady.
November 13, 2012
Borrowed from my mother. I really enjoy Tryon's book, "The Other," so I looked forward to reading this, as well.
In short, I loved it. The writing flowed well, the story was engaging, the characters relatable. I look forward to reading something else of his now.
In short, I loved it. The writing flowed well, the story was engaging, the characters relatable. I look forward to reading something else of his now.
February 5, 2010
Lady keep my interest from beginning to end. I loved all of the characters, and the way Tryon wrote, you could almost visually see each one and could feel their joys and pains. A Great Novel perhaps worthy of five stars.
January 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It's very light reading & so sweet. The description of life back in the early 1900's in a small New England town really makes you feel warm & fuzzy :) You watch young Woody grow up & learn about life.
July 24, 2014
I totally enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. It's a great story with great characters about growing up in a small town among small narrow minds- with a mystery thrown in.
June 8, 2017
In Thomas Tryon we were blessed with a marvelous story teller, the likes of which a reader does not often come across. His writing is like a warm fleece blanket unless you are reading one of his 'horror' stories. Then this reader finds his writing to be terrifying.
With Lady, even though there are mysterious aspects to the tale, I found myself wrapped up in a Southern Comfort story. It is the coming of age story of our young protagonist, Woody, who lives across the town 'green' from a widowed woman known to all the community as simply Lady, short for Adelaide. She is beautiful, smart, sophisticated, and sometimes both fun and funny but always mysterious about certain areas of her life. She lives in a large, beautiful and magnificent house and keeps largely to herself and her servants, a houseman and his wife, her housekeeper.
Our lad watches the goings on across the green and is fascinated and curious about Lady. He is just one member of a family consisting of a widowed mother and several children. The story becomes even more interesting when Woody and Lady meet, befriend one another and carry the story on to new levels for the better Woody comes to know Lady and the closer they become, the more curious he gets about her life and her past. Over time she reveals more to him than she ever has to anyone excepting perhaps her servants who have been with her for many years. She takes his family under her wing, so to speak, and they attempt to watch out over her. That is, when she is not suffering from one of her spells for our Lady has frequent spells brought on by memories of unhappy times and/or relationships gone by and is brought quite low by them. Often she remains reclusive for lengthy periods of time. During these times she sees and speaks with no one but her servants.
I have heard this book compared with To Kill a Mockingbird many times and yet I fail to see or to feel the comparison unless one is only comparing the writing which is marvelous in both. I have always loved TKaM but I find Lady to be superior to the former.
I loved reading this story and also loved the way Tryon grows his characters, even the minor ones, into fully rounded and fleshed out roles in his novel. It is sad that we do not have a larger body of work from him to appreciate.
With Lady, even though there are mysterious aspects to the tale, I found myself wrapped up in a Southern Comfort story. It is the coming of age story of our young protagonist, Woody, who lives across the town 'green' from a widowed woman known to all the community as simply Lady, short for Adelaide. She is beautiful, smart, sophisticated, and sometimes both fun and funny but always mysterious about certain areas of her life. She lives in a large, beautiful and magnificent house and keeps largely to herself and her servants, a houseman and his wife, her housekeeper.
Our lad watches the goings on across the green and is fascinated and curious about Lady. He is just one member of a family consisting of a widowed mother and several children. The story becomes even more interesting when Woody and Lady meet, befriend one another and carry the story on to new levels for the better Woody comes to know Lady and the closer they become, the more curious he gets about her life and her past. Over time she reveals more to him than she ever has to anyone excepting perhaps her servants who have been with her for many years. She takes his family under her wing, so to speak, and they attempt to watch out over her. That is, when she is not suffering from one of her spells for our Lady has frequent spells brought on by memories of unhappy times and/or relationships gone by and is brought quite low by them. Often she remains reclusive for lengthy periods of time. During these times she sees and speaks with no one but her servants.
I have heard this book compared with To Kill a Mockingbird many times and yet I fail to see or to feel the comparison unless one is only comparing the writing which is marvelous in both. I have always loved TKaM but I find Lady to be superior to the former.
I loved reading this story and also loved the way Tryon grows his characters, even the minor ones, into fully rounded and fleshed out roles in his novel. It is sad that we do not have a larger body of work from him to appreciate.
November 7, 2022
Lady feels like a time capsule that when opened is more relevant than ever. Unlike Harvest Home or The Other, Lady is a slow burn that does not descend into actual horror territory. However, portions of it are truly suspenseful.
There is a Huckleberry Finn quality to the character of Woody. The story is told from his perspective, starting in the 1930s, first as a young boy and then as a grown man. His recollections of his relationships with Lady, Jesse, and Elthea are rich and peppered with a layer of nostalgia. When the novel opens Woody is a young boy of eight years of age, the middle child in a large family. His mother was the family's breadwinner since his father's death. Although his mother works tirelessly to maintain the family, they live in a nice neighborhood. Adelaide "Lady" Harleigh is a widow and the object of young Woody's affection. It is his fascination with "Lady" that shapes the story.
When the novel was first published, the plot twists were subversive and shocking. Now, the secret relationship that forms the crux of the tale would be seen as a common occurrence. Yet, approaching the story from the lens of a modern reader, does not detract from the nuanced storytelling and the depth of feeling Tryon successfully conveys. I felt invested in all of the main characters and I particularly enjoyed how fully developed they were. Lady may not have been the paramount of virtue that Woody painted her to be during the retelling of his early childhood memories. It is her flaws that added layers to the story and the conversation around her mental illness which I found important.
This novel may have been a departure from the genre that Tryon became known as a writer for, but I love that it was something I wasn't expecting. Although some of the twists didn't come as a complete surprise, Tryon leaves enough breadcrumbs for the reader to surmise what is going on behind the curtains, the ones that were a surprise were refreshing. I highly recommend Lady to someone that wants to indulge in the nostalgia brought about by small New England town intrigues without killer clowns.
There is a Huckleberry Finn quality to the character of Woody. The story is told from his perspective, starting in the 1930s, first as a young boy and then as a grown man. His recollections of his relationships with Lady, Jesse, and Elthea are rich and peppered with a layer of nostalgia. When the novel opens Woody is a young boy of eight years of age, the middle child in a large family. His mother was the family's breadwinner since his father's death. Although his mother works tirelessly to maintain the family, they live in a nice neighborhood. Adelaide "Lady" Harleigh is a widow and the object of young Woody's affection. It is his fascination with "Lady" that shapes the story.
When the novel was first published, the plot twists were subversive and shocking. Now, the secret relationship that forms the crux of the tale would be seen as a common occurrence. Yet, approaching the story from the lens of a modern reader, does not detract from the nuanced storytelling and the depth of feeling Tryon successfully conveys. I felt invested in all of the main characters and I particularly enjoyed how fully developed they were. Lady may not have been the paramount of virtue that Woody painted her to be during the retelling of his early childhood memories. It is her flaws that added layers to the story and the conversation around her mental illness which I found important.
This novel may have been a departure from the genre that Tryon became known as a writer for, but I love that it was something I wasn't expecting. Although some of the twists didn't come as a complete surprise, Tryon leaves enough breadcrumbs for the reader to surmise what is going on behind the curtains, the ones that were a surprise were refreshing. I highly recommend Lady to someone that wants to indulge in the nostalgia brought about by small New England town intrigues without killer clowns.
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