The Story Of Lucy Gault by William Trevor

 

The time is the 1920's and the Gault family is living on their family estate, Lehardane, in Ireland.  The Gaults have one child, Lucy, who is nine.  She has grown up running on the land, visiting the sea which abuts the estate and exploring the forest and fields.  But Ireland is roiled with trouble and estates are being burnt as Irish rebels try to free themselves of English rule. 

One night, Captain Gault sees three men creeping towards the house.  He shoots and wounds one, but is then horrified to see that these are only teenage boys.  There are tins of gasoline so he has stopped their proposed crime but he and his English wife are sure that this will bring more retribution.  They decide that they must leave the estate and move to England.

Lucy is appalled at the thought of leaving all she knows and loves.  Several days before the proposed date of leaving she packs a bag and runs away.  She only plans to go to the home of a former servant, thinking that when she is returned her parents will surely change their decision to leave if it means that much to her.  But she trips and falls, injuring herself, and cannot make it either to the servant's house or back home.  This sets up a cascade of miscommunication that sears the lives of all involved for the rest of their existence.

William Trevor wrote many novels, four of which were nominated for the Booker Prize, this being one.  The writing is gorgeous, transporting the reader to another time and place.  It portrays sadness and regret as few authors can master and leaves the reader melancholy.  Love is everything and people will do whatever they think will bring love to their lives.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.