The Temptation of Eileen Hughes: A Novel

by Brian Moore

Eileen Hughes, twenty years old and never before out of Northern Ireland, has arrived in London for a week's holiday with Bernard and Mona McAuley, who are not only her employers but also, she believes, her friends. In Brian Moore's masterful handling, this seemingly simple story darkens and expands, exploring the nature of obsession―both spiritual and erotic―with an elegance, anarchic playfulness, and imagination that recall Henry Green or Muriel Spark.

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Irish Literature, Literature, Drama, 20th Century

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Brian Moore (1921–1999) was born into a large, devoutly Catholic family in Belfast, Northern Ireland. His father was a surgeon and lecturer, and his mother had been a nurse. Moore left Ireland during World War II and in 1948 moved to Canada, where he worked for the Montreal Gazette, married his first wife, and began to write potboilers under various pen names, as he would continue to do throughout the 1950s.

The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1955, now available as an NYRB Classic), said to have been rejected by a dozen publishers, was the first book Moore published under his own name, and it was followed by nineteen subsequent novels written in a broad range of modes and styles, from the realistic to the historical to the quasi-fantastical, including The Luck of Ginger Coffey, An Answer from Limbo, The Emperor of Ice Cream, I Am Mary Dunne, Catholics, Black Robe, and The Statement. Three novels—Lies of Silence, The Colour of Blood, and The Magician’s Wife—were short-listed for the Booker Prize, and The Great Victorian Collection won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.

After adapting The Luck of Ginger Coffey for film in 1964, Moore moved to California to work on the script for Alfred Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain. He remained in Malibu for the rest of his life, remarrying there and teaching at UCLA for some fifteen years. Shortly before his death, Moore wrote, “There are those stateless wanderers who, finding the larger world into which they have stumbled vast, varied and exciting, become confused in their loyalties and lose their sense of home. I am one of those wanderers.”

Reviews

[Ivana Books Are Magic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1981, The Temptation of Eileen Huges tells the story of a young innocent shop assistant being pursued by a rich employer. It is not a beautifully written novel, that is for sure. Nevertheless, it kept my interest. Once I got into the story and found myself relating to characters (to a point), I could appreciate its thematic more. What is this novel truly about? Well, it is about love. At its core, this novel asks some interesting questions. It may not be the best written novel, the style of writing leaves much to be desired but it is an interesting novel on overall ( as slow and boring at times). Initially, I was somewhat skeptical about this novel mainly because the plot didn't look too attractive. It sounded like a familiar and perhaps even dated topic- a married man madly in love with a young woman. Love triangle- how much times have I read about it? The story seemed predictive. There is a young innocent girl and a rich couple that offers her a better life- but only there is a catch. I mean it almost sounds like a soap opera, doesn't it?

However, this novel somehow manages to be really good. I was very interested in the trio, maybe because just when you think you've figured them out, they turn into something new, making you realize that the wife is not such a harpy as she seems or that Eileen is not so boringly and unconvincingly innocent). There are layers to this novel. Not as much as I would like, but enough to keep things interesting. It's not just a story about love; it's about something else as well. As much as it is about drama of being in love, it is also about the purpose of life and other questions one may asked oneself. Many interesting themes (such as religion, the meaning of live and suicide) get examined in the course of this novel, and even if they aren't given that much space, they keep the reader interested.

"The Temptation of Eileen Huges" opens up with three characters: Bernard, Mona and Eileen vacationing in London. This trio stays in focus throughout the novel. The other characters are not analyzed, they are in the background. The only exception would be Eileen's mother- she gets some space and character. Another thing that is in the background is the political climate of the time- but it doesn't impact the narrative that much. For instance, the bombing (IRA) is carelessly mentioned, it doesn’t have an impact on the lives of this literal characters. I don’t think that social status is that important here, it’s just something that is described, not something that is commented on- that’s my opinion.

Somehow this novel seems much older than it is. Why is that? If there aren't such things as "jeans” mentioned, I would have a feeling that it's written hundred years ago. Only slang I’ve noticed is the one used by one American guy. There is just something old fashion about the writing. It seems dry. I don’t know if that adjective makes sense. How else could I put it? There’s no flare in this writer’s words, no magic. Nevertheless, some lines from this novel are really so fascinating. Mostly because they are in all the right places. The dialogues are good and they fit the characters' personality. Moreover,the narrative somehow manages to pass from third person to first person effortlessly- hard to notice when and how it happens.

What I really liked is that by the end of the novel I really sympathized with every member of this strange trio. Maybe there is something universal about suffering because of love. As much as I believe that people suffer mostly because they won't face reality but choose to believe in their own perception about person they happen to fall for- It is still quite tragic. I'm human too and I can relate. It is hard with all those feelings and nowhere to channel them. One doesn't quite know what is worse, being in love with someone who doesn't love you or being burdened with guilt because you cannot repay someone's emotions. Both is hard in its own way. Life is hard.

How much I did not want to sympathize with Bernard (because I though him a selfish idiot) I had to when I've read this:

“And as she lay there on her stomach staring at him through the bushes as though she were a sniper and he her innocent victim, she felt a strange sad empathy for Bernard McAuley. For how terrible it must be to fall in love with someone who was completely out of the question, someone who turned from you in disgust, someone who would never acknowledge one bit of love you felt for them. And there, in the park, watching him, she admitted to herself that he did love her and could not help himself.”

To conclude, besides the dry writing and some other minor flaws, this novel is really interesting and attention worthy. I do recommend it!

[Tina Tamman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far Brian Moore has always surprised me. He is one of the authors who does not seem to repeat himself. And this novel is superb: reads like a thriller, fills you alternately with anxiety and annoyance - I had to put it aside for a while - and leaves you with much to think about. What is needed for human happiness, who can tell?
Essentially it is a love triangle if an unusual one. Or is it about obsession? Anyway, it involves three people from Northern Ireland visiting London on a holiday that quickly begins to unravel. It is the way that Moore handles his characters that is just perfect: psychologically spot on, I think.
I love fiction of about 200 pages - seems to pack in so much more than a book of 500 pages or so.
Recommended.

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star read for me.

While not my favourite of the Brian Moore novels that I've read, it still lived up to the quote from The Times on the cover of my edition, in that it was 'a very good novel indeed'.

The narrative follows twenty year old Eileen Hughes, a shop assistant from the village of Lismore (Co Tyrone / Co Down or fictional setting-it's not clear), as she travels to London for a week's holiday with her wealthy employers, thirty somethings Bernard and Mona McAuley. While on first impression the benevolence shown seems genuine, very soon, the complex relationship between the couple is apparent, and the real cause of their generosity becomes apparent.

It's hard to talk about the novel without including spoilers, but Moore is able to weave quite a complex tale in a pretty short book. The uneasiness I felt when reading, particularly when it came to the arrogance of the employers was genuine, although a few of the events that occurred during the course of the novel were probably a little incredulous. Still, the tale was well written, and was one that I was able to finish comfortably in a couple of extended sessions, such was the manner in which it held my attention.

Perhaps not the place to start if wanting to read Brian Moore, but an enjoyable book nonetheless.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moore tells the story of a 20-year-old Catholic "girl' and her wealthy employers, Bernard and Mona McAuley. The story opens with the three of them in London for a vacation. This unusual arrangement clues in the reader immediately that there is something unusual about their relationship. Eileen is naive and innocent in the way many Catholic girls were in decades past. The setting is the 1980's, but Ireland and Northern Ireland had yet to experience the sexual revolution. Eileen was convent-educated, and lived alone with her widowed mother.

Living and working in a small town outside of Belfast, she'd seen nothing of the world. The trip to London was her first trip outside Ireland, and on an airplane. The story is set during the height of the Troubles but they are in the deep background of this story. The characters regularly go into Belfast to shop or for leisure. Eileen thinks about moving to Belfast, and working there. While clearly the Troubles made life unbearably in some neighborhoods, there were people who went about their lives seeing the presence of the army as an inconvenience, but didn't spend time focused on the war.

This is the story of the power people hold over one another's life. Moore asks who holds the power in this situation? Eileen? Mona? Bernard? If you are a fan of Moore, interested in Northern Ireland, and the lives of women, it is worth a read.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was somewhat skeptical about this novel mainly because the plot didn't look too attractive. It sounded like a familiar and perhaps even dated topic- a married man madly in love with a young woman. Love triangle- how much times have I read about it? However, it somehow manages to be really good. I was very interested in the trio, maybe because just when you think you've figured them out, they turn into something new, making you realize that he wife is not such a harpy as she seems or that Eileen is not so boringly and unconvincingly innocent)It's not just a story about love; it's about something else as well. As much as it is about drama of being in love, it is also about the purpose of life and other questions one may asked oneself...themes like religion and suicide are in there as well.

"The Temptation of Eileen Huges" opens up with three characters: Bernard, Mona and Eileen vacationing in London. This trio stays in focus throughout the novel. The other characters are not analyzed, they are in the background. The only exception would be Eileen's mother- she gets some space and character. Another thing that is in the background is the political climate of the time- bombing (IRA) is carelessly mentioned, it doesn’t have an impact on the lives of this literal characters. I don’t think that social status is that important here, it’s just something that is described, not something that is commented on- that’s my opinion.

Somehow this novel seems much older than it is. Why is that? If there aren't such things as "jeans” mentioned, I would have a feeling that it's written hundred years ago. Only slang I’ve noticed is the one used by one American guy. There is just something old fashion about the writing. It seems dry. I don’t know if that adjective makes sense. How else could I put it? There’s no flare in this writer’s words, no magic. Nevertheless, some lines from this novel are really so fascinating. They are in all the right places. The dialogues are good and they fit the characters' personality. Moreover,the narrative somehow manages to pass from third person to first person effortlessly- hard to notice when and how it happens.

What I really liked is that by the end of the novel I really sympathized with every member of this strange trio. Maybe there is something universal about suffering because of love. As much as I believe that people suffer mostly because they won't face reality but choose to believe in their own perception about person they happen to fall for- It is still quite tragic...all those feelings and nowhere to channel them... One doesn't quite know what is worse, being in love with someone who doesn't love you or being burdened with guilt because you cannot repay someone's emotions.

How much I did not want to sympathize with Bernard (because I though him selfish) I had to when I've read this:

“And as she lay there on her stomach staring at him through the bushes as though she were a sniper and he her innocent victim, she felt a strange sad empathy for Bernard McAuley. For how terrible it must be to fall in love with someone who was completely out of the question, someone who turned from you in disgust, someone who would never acknowledge one bit of love you felt for them. And there, in the park, watching him, she admitted to herself that he did love her and could not help himself.”

[A. Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected, thoroughly. What a reader thinks will happen, doesn't. There's nothing of the formulaic here, and Moore moves his small cast through their secrets and dreams and fears very deftly. In the end, one can't be entirely sure about the "temptation" of the title, whether Eileen is tempted or if Eileen herself is the temptation. It is fully both. Yes, the story is about obsession, but it's also about the fact that no one knows anyone else's story completely, doesn't know why another person does the things that get done, and it's about people's characters and values, too.

[myakomodo15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely enjoyed this story a lot more than I expected from the description.

Eileen Hughes is a VICTIM. And I am glad this book recognises the obsessive fixation Bernard McAuley has on her as a dangerous and abusive dynamic. The power dynamics between the characters is so fascinating, and reflects a very real social hierarchy seen in Ireland between the wealthy and working class. This feeling of being paraded around as the "innocent not-part-of-our-world" associate is deeply uncomfortable to read. Without a doubt, Eileen is an idea that Bernard is obsessed with; someone so completely his opposite. There is no love or attraction, merely enjoys her as a pretty toy to drag alongside him.

Mona and Bernard are so deeply manipulative and abusive, but mask themselves as such humble and generous individuals, that it's almost frightening how realistic that dynamic is. Money, gossip and reputation is held above all these characters heads. And undoubtably, it is satisfying to see Eilieen, the poor, innocent and sheltered woman take control by making her own choices; not just accepting an easy way out under an abuser's terms.

These characters are fascinating. In Irish culture there is a concept of keeping things hush-hush so as not to bring shame on your family, and this is emulated very well in this story. The nuances of being an outsider in London is evident, even among the wealthy, is also something a lot of Irish expats can relate to. Eileen is an outsider to the McAuley's rich world, but they are still outsiders due to their accents and upbringing. Money aside, these people are the same. And it is simply their mindsets that allow power over one another.

Some confusion over the changes between first-person to third-person point of view in some chapters. I presume it's to indicate; 1st person POV for characters thoughts and 3rd person POV for characters actions. Not something all that important but worthy to mention as it slightly confused me when it occured.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story with a lot of religious symbolism.

[Pascale · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is much less exciting than it sounds, and is in fact a bit of a misnomer. Eileen is too much of a goody-two-shoes to experience any kind of strong desire or emotion. The novel would have been more interesting if it had focussed more on Bernard, the rich businessman who falls madly in love with Eileen, and yields to the temptation of confessing his love to her, although he is already married. Moore suggests at various points that after some sort of religious crisis, Bernard has given up on God, tried worshipping the arts, and finally elected pretty, clueless Eileen as his deity. If you suspend disbelief and are prepared to accept that an Irish guy who runs shops and construction companies is at bottom a dandy yearning for platonic love, you might like the character of Bernard. Eileen is just bored to death by Bernard's devotion, and her lack of empathy makes her fairly repulsive. In any case, this story, although competently told, doesn't add up to much.

[Addison V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel doesn't achieve the same artistry as Moore's The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (a book I adore so much that I've read multiple times), but, overall, this was a well-written, utterly engrossing, fairly well-crafted book. The behavior of Eileen's boss could be uncomfortably creepy at times--though this was no doubt intentional--and Eileen herself, as a protagonist, struck me as a bit bland; but the excellent prose and page-turning narrative mostly redeem those flaws. And the ending, though surprising, was plaintively satisfying.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and somewhat interesting novel about a young Irish woman who is drawn into the strange relationship of a wealthy couple who employ her. The obsessive fixation of the husband, Bernard, on Eileen was well-drawn in chilling and pathetic detail, but the character of his wife seemed enigmatic right to the end, perhaps by design, and the insertion of the character of Earl, the American visiting London on business, smacked of a bit of the deus ex machina, but all in all a provocative and satisfying psychological study with class overtones.

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Moore, for me, is the Irish Graham Greene. He is that good. And The Temptation of Eileen Hughes is another excellent novel from this wonderful writer.
Sadly not enough people know about Moore, (or at least in Australia anyway) but this is now the sixth, or seventh Moore novel I've read and all have been consistently good. Perhaps not as great or as famous as Greene but in so many ways Moore is just as compelling a writer as Greene, and that is praise enough.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic book. My first of Brian Moore & guaranteed not to be my last.

A young quiet shop assistant from Belfast befriends her wealthy employers, they take her to London on an all expenses paid holiday with themselves,with the events that follow mean all of their lives change forever.


An amazing story masterfully told by Moore it explores obsession in a dark & spiritual way.

[Elderberrywine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eileen, a naive young Irish lass, never signed up to be a point of contention between the very dysfunctional couple Bernard and Mona. All she was hoping for was the treat of a trip to London.

Fortunately, she knows where to draw the line. She may cave in to her own temptations, but they are hers, dammit, and she is willing to own them.

[Bhavya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
This was, uh... A little weird book. As in, I don't know, I couldn't find a point to the book. You can say it was a little... Anti-climatic, I suppose.
But, well, if one is into such things, it is written nicely and might be worth giving a try.

[Barbara Sibbald]

This is perhaps the third novel I've read by Moore: "The Luck of Ginger Coffey" (1960) is my favourite so far, but this, as the cover blurb from The Times assures, is "A very good novel indeed." It is.
The book portrays a quiet young attractive shop assistant from Northern Ireland and her relationship with her rich employers Bernard and Mona McAuley who take her on a trip to London. Bernard is obsessed; Eileen must resist. It's an understated story that slowly unfolds with plenty of development and surprises from every character. The three have very different motivations: Bernard wants something/one to worship; Mona seeks security and comfort; Eileen wants love and freedom. The collision of these desires makes for compelling reading.

Bon mot:
"And as she [Eileen] lay there on her stomach staring at him through the bushes as though she were a sniper and he her innocent victim, she felt a strange sad empathy for Bernard McAuley. For how terrible it must be to fall in love with someone who was completely out of the question, someone who turned from you in disgust, someone who would never acknowledge one bit of love you felt for them. And there, in the park, watching him, she admitted to herself that he did love her and could not help himself.”

[Nick Bomba · Rating 4 out of 5]

TEMPTATION OF EILEEN HUGHES

Brisk paced story – its only 200 pages – but it feels much longer in a good way tho – a lot of emotional happenings in this book.
Interesting, that some reviewers mention it shoulda been written from Bernard or Mona’s ( first person ) perspective – wtf – those two bloody nut cases – lucky BM new best.
.
Eileen tells the story perfectly - its quite suspenseful – and the story is nothing like the title of the book mite suggest.
She is actually very level headed – and I sort of liked her somewhat lack of personality traits – and dry wit.
.
The chance meeting and catch up with Dr Irwin and wife at airport is a terrific part of the story.
.
And the ending is sublime – perfect closure.
.
Actually I quite like BM endings, to use an idiom, they have that peaceful– ride into the sunset feel about them.

SPOILER – Not many novels include a chaos babysitting section with a bit of Hooch.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eileen is twenty years old and employed by Mr. and Mrs. McAuley. She is invited to go to London with them and it seems like a great gift as she has not seen much of the world. However the intentions of the McAuleys are suspect to say the least. Eileen is socially innocent, but her common sense and some help from a man she meets saves her from disgrace and debauchery. Just an average read from an author who produced much better.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a successful Catholic businessman in Northern Ireland, 34 years old, who falls madly in love with a young woman from his town, invites her to London along with his wife, declares his love for her, and it goes on from there. An unusual book for Brian Moore in that it takes place on a small canvas - mostly over only 3 days in London.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fairly dull book with three fairly irritating main characters.

[Jo Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dreadful obsessive and his obsession - so pleased Eileen knew what was good for her even if she's so innocent and gets a happy ending.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not expect any of the plot turns and developments in this strange novel. Now that I have read 3 of Moore's books, all I can say is - they are all very different from each other.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

ganz nett, aber charaktäre irgendwie unsympathisch. der typ total übergriffig, vllt ein ausdruck der zeit und seiner emotion aber hat mich irritiert. ließ sich aber gut lesen

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belfast Brian wrote women very well.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent portrayal of male obsession and control. Also of innocence and naivety. A psychological thriller of sorts.

[Tallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I would describe this book… but I enjoyed it. The emotions and behaviors behind the trio of characters was very complicated and you felt for but also hated every character.

[Patricia]

My copy of this book was a gift. The lovely inscription was dated 1995 so I guess that was when I last read it.
I really didn’t remember the story except that I didn’t love the book. I was able to put this one down but still read over a few days. Bernard was a little irritating but still this is another great read from Brian Moore and one that stands the test of time.
Overall it is still worth 5 stars.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh. Sometimes people are messed up.

Sort of Fowles-ian, albeit mildly less creepy (mildly).

I have to say though, the interlude with the pot smoking foreigner didn't quite seem to fit in the book. Also, not exactly the most accurate depiction of someone losing their virginity.

[Nicole Baratta]

The Temptation of Eileen Hughes by Brian Moore (1995)

[Southern Flower · Rating 4 out of 5]

maeve binchy-esque with emotionally Traumatized people - and a non-happy ending - great!