Mary Wesley, born Mary Aline Mynors Farmar on June 24, 1912, was an English novelist known for her witty and often risqué novels. She didn’t start writing until later in life, publishing her first adult novel, Jumping the Queue, in 1983 when she was 71. Despite this late start, she became one of Britain’s most successful novelists, with ten bestsellers in the last twenty years of her life. Mary Wesley’s adult books have often been compared to Jane Austen’s. Their themes partially converge, but Wesley’s content is more explicit and darker. Also, wars did not significantly influence Austen’s writing, whereas Wesley lived through two world wars and their aftermath.
Wesley frequently delved into the complexities of romantic and familial relationships, exploring their joys and tribulations, society, and class. She concentrated on the British upper-middle class, focusing on the pre-war and wartime periods. She provided keen insights into the social mores and society’s expectations of her characters.
Another critical theme is her character’s struggles and triumphs of breaking free from conventional expectations. Her books often involve hidden secrets and their eventual revelation, which leads to dramatic changes in her characters’ lives. And, unlike many of her contemporaries, Wesley did not shy away from exploring sexual relationships, including their darker and more complex sides.
Her most famous works include The Camomile Lawn (1984) and Harnessing Peacocks (1985), adapted for a television series and a television film. Both were bestsellers.
Set in Cornwall during World War II, The Camomile Lawn tells the story of three families whose lives intertwine against the backdrop of the war. It vividly depicts wartime life using an engaging, witty narrative. In the following quote, the author expresses the importance of empathy and understanding during even challenging times.
“Cleverness is a poor substitute for kindness.”
As always in writing, words come back to haunt.
Comments