Here’s another one for Novellas in November. Let me just say right off the bat that if you have a weak stomach, this is not the book for you. Not only is it gory, but even before it gets gory, it has disturbing details.
Winifred Notty has arrived at the home of the Pounds to work as governess for the children. Almost immediately, she has some thoughts that seem odd, and she says she’s repressing her dark self.
The Pounds are not nice people. Their son Andrew is stupid and spoiled. The older child, Drusilla, is pretty much ignored. Mrs. Pounds treats the servants with disdain and soon is jealous of Winifred because Mr. Pounds likes her. Winifred is certainly making up to him, but her intentions are different than we are led to think.
The narrative style is light and humorous, but despite her efforts to be good this time, Winifred’s behavior gets more and more bizarre. Sometimes she can’t remember what she’s been doing. We know from the beginning that everyone in the house will be dead within three months, so it’s just a matter of seeing how that happens.
Judging by her two books, Feito has a fascination with the dark side of humanity. I think this one was a bit too graphic for me, though.
I love the name Winifred Notty but that’s as far as I’ll go!
Okay… not one for me, then. Thanks!
I figured it wouldn’t be your cup of tea!