The Darling

by Russel Banks

Published in 2004,  « The Darling » by the American author Russell Banks  tells the story of Hannah Musgrave, the privileged daughter of  wealthy parents.  The young woman is in permanent rebellion against her upbringing, joining the Weather Underground, finding herself  in Africa as a fugitive from the FBI, and finally marrying a government official in Liberia and making a new life for herself there until a brutal civil war results in her returning to the US without her husband and her three sons.  As the  book begins we find Hannah leading a quiet life on a New England farm,  and moves back in time to relate the events which preceded this period as Hannah makes a final trip back to Liberia after her departure years before.

In the discussion, several members mentioned that they were unaware of the existence of the Weather Underground, a radical leftist movement that emerged in the US in the early 60’s.  Christine, who was living in the US at that time, confirmed that it was a movement that was very much in the forefront of the news.   Another element in the book that everyone found interesting was the author’s very vivid descriptions of Africa.   As for the character of Hanna Musgrave, the consensus seemed to be that she was not particularly likeable.  Several comments were made that because the character was that of a woman but written by a man, she came across as cold and rather masculine.  Some thought that the portrayal was not really successful in that respect.  Indeed, most felt that the only true emotional attachment expressed by Hannah was for the chimpanzees that she cares for while she is in Liberia.  In general, however, the book was well received by the group, especially in the chapters dealing with Africa « The Darling » by Russell Banks

and all praised Banks for his excellent writing.

Christine

6 May 2014