Published in 1964, The Soul of Kindness is one of Elizabeth Taylor’s later novels. It’s the seventh novel by her that I’ve read and since I want to read everything she has written, it won’t be my last. I have to be honest though – if this had been my first, I might not have been so keen to carry on. While most other novels have one, or two central characters, this is more of an ensemble piece. It says in the foreword that it is one of three novels that don’t centre on a main character. The other two being In A Summer Season and The Wedding Group, both of which I haven’t read yet. This may sound as if I didn’t like it – that’s’ not the case but I think it works better when you know her writing already and read it as part of her oeuvre. If not, you might feel a bit let down by the lack of plot and its feeling a bit disjointed at times, especially since the blurb tells us this is Flora’s story. I suppose that was a marketing decision, as it isn’t her story, not in a traditional way that is. She’s more like the central figure among a group of people. But she’s definitely “the Soul of Kindness” the ironic title alludes to.
When the book opens, we see her as a shining bride, all eyes on her. She’s the belle of the ball. While people do admire her and many think highly of her, nobody does so as much as she does herself. Right away she is presented as attractive and nice, but also too fond of herself and a little ridiculous.
“Here I am!” Flora called to Richard as she went downstairs. For a second, Meg felt disloyalty. It occurred to her of a sudden that Flora was always saying that, and that it was in the tone of one giving a lovely present. She was bestowing herself.
Most of the central characters of this novel, are present at the wedding. Especially those whose lives Flora wants to improve. Among those unlucky ones are Meg, her best friend, Kit, Meg’s brother, and Percy and Ba, her father in law and his mistress. They are unlucky because Flora might be well meaning but she’s so self-centred, her attempts to help leads to smaller and bigger catastrophes. To help another person one has to be able to see them for what they are and that’s something Flora is incapable of.
While there isn’t really a plot, and after these initial scenes, not even a main character, the book still offers a lot. There are so many astutely observed character portraits, small vignettes, and scenes, some of which quite funny, that it’s a joy to read. I was particularly fond of Elizabeth Taylor’s use of atmospheric descriptions to convey a mood.
Here’s a very melancholic passage. We see Mrs Secretan, Flora’s mother, who was wishing so much for Flora to marry well, but never thought what it would mean for her, as a widow, that her daughter would move out.
The air smelt autumnal. In no time there would be thick evening mist coming up from the water, a complete silence from the towing-path, and the river rising; perhaps floods. And Flora would be settled in London and never to come here again, except as a guest.
I made all the plans, Mrs Secretan thought; down to the last detail. But I forgot this, I forgot myself and the future. I particularly overlooked this evening. She read the letter through again, telling herself that Flora had meant well, meant very well, poor girl. In fact she had always meant well. That intention had been seen clearly, lying behind some of her biggest mistakes.
This passage shows us, quite clearly that even her mother doesn’t think of Flora as kind and good, but merely as well-meaning with fatal consequences.
And here’s a funny passage in which Mrs Secretan, encouraged by her son-in-law, thinks about travelling. It captures both characters, of Flora and her mother so well.
To Flora’s astonishment she (her mother) was quite seriously weighing the pros and cons – of Hellenic tours (‘might be too scholarly’), India (‘but I dare say it is spoiled, now that it doesn’t belong to us’), the Holy Land for Christmas.
‘Yes, I might plump for the Holy Land for Christmas,’ she had told Flora, who had been deeply shocked. At Christmas! she had thought in dismay. So what shall we do? Christmas had always been a sacred time, with cherished customs, not one for taking oneself off to the Holy Land.
Flora is so oblivious of other people and their needs that she’s pretty much the only happy character in this novel. All the others strive for something or someone they can’t attain. Or, because of Flora, they start to strive for something that’s not attainable, risking their contentment for a mirage.
In The Soul of Kindness, like in all of her novels, Elizabeth Taylor excels at creating well-rounded, believable characters. Their relationships are complex and at times complicated. Nothing is as simple as Flora perceives it. Not even her own husband Richard. He’s very much in love with his wife, because of her beauty, but knows that she’s too self-centred to be clever. No wonder he’s attracted to his unhappy neighbour. This relationship triggers Flora’s jealousy and we see, she can be perceptive when she feels threatened.
In the foreword, Flora is called demonic, which I find a total exaggeration. I don’t think she’s as bad as we’re initially led to believe. Yes, she’s self-centred, oblivious, and puts in motion some things that go terribly wrong, but she’s the glue that holds all these people together. Without her, this particular group of people and their relationships wouldn’t exist. And that’s not a little thing. It’s a gift to attract interesting people and to bring them together. I would, if I had to judge her, call her very imperfect, but neither demonic nor mean. That’s why, ultimately, she’s liked and forgiven.
There’s a lot to enjoy in this novel but I don’t think it’s as good as others. I believe it doesn’t succeed at being the portrait of one central character like Angel for example, but that’s how the beginning reads. All the initial chapters place Flora at the centre but this cohesion eventually fizzles out. As if Elizabeth Taylor had realized too late that Flora wasn’t a big enough character to carry a whole story. I could be totally wrong, of course, as critics have called this one of her, if not her best book.
Since this is one of three “group stories” I hope I will like the other two In A Summer Season and The Marriage Group more.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
I have this in the TBR and it does sound like there’s a lot to enjoy here for Taylor fans, although its good to know it’s more of an ensemble piece. I’ve not read The Marriage Group but I really enjoyed A Summer Season so hopefully I’ll like this too.
I hope it dies t sound like I didn’t like it. I just don’t think it would be the best to start reading her and I prefer those with more central characters and plot. I’d love to know how you like it. I’ll be read In A Summer Season next.
Not at all! It was a really clear review and hasn’t discouraged me from reading it. I’ll look forward to hearing how you find In A Summer Season.
I’m glad to hear that.
It’s so interesting to read about your response to this novel, especially the elements that worked well and not so well for you. At the time of my post, I seem to recall some suggestion that Taylor had originally intended this to be a short story or novella but was then encouraged to develop it into a longer piece (possibly at the request of her publishers). I’m not sure how accurate this may have been or whether it was pure speculation on the part of some readers, but it’s an interesting theory in light of your impressions of it.
Ha. Initially, I wrote that I didn’t know enough or anything about how this story was written, but that it felt like something she’d started and then picked up again and developed more. I deleted it later as the review got so long. So this makes perfect sense.
It sounds like Flora’s middle name is “hell is paved with good intentions”
Absolutely. I just heard my dad say “Le chemin . . . . “ I don’t think she’s diabolical. She’s too daft for that.
I can imagine her: meddling and obnoxious
Absolutely. And always knows what’s best for others even when they are quite happy the way they are.
I have been meaning to read Elizabeth Taylor for a long time. This sounds going. I will probably start with a book more universally esteemed by her.
Great review as always.
Thanks, Brian.
I would definitely pick another one to start with. It’s more for someone who wants to read all of them.
I really enjoyed this one, but I can understand some people not enjoying the ensemble element as much. I think Flora is a well written character, monstrous and totally unaware. I love In a Summer Season, and highly recommend it, The Wedding Group is one I have just read once, and remember least well. It’s definitely different to other Taylor novels.
All the characters are well written. Flora is very believable. A little like Emma’s Austen but less likable. I could imagine I will like In A Summer Season more. I suppose I thought this would be more like Angel but it’s nothing like it.
Wonderful review, Caroline! Sorry to know that this book wasn’t as good as your other favourite Elizabeth Taylor books, but glad to know that you still liked it. The plot looks very interesting – how Flora tries to help other people, without understanding them and imposing her own will on them. It looks very real and makes me remember many real people I’ve met. So tempted to read this book 🙂 Which Elizabeth Taylor book would you recommend to a newbie? I want to read atleast one of her books this year.
So happy to see you blogging 🙂 Can’t wait for your next post!
You’re so kind. I really hope I can return fully and also start visiting again more regularly. After all, it is my tenth anniversary in August. 😊
So wonderful! It will be wonderful if we can all get together virtually and celebrate in August 😊 It will be so cool!
Yes. It would be. I need to und out who else has a tenth anniversary upcoming this year. Maybe Emma?
Yes, I think that is possible. She has been blogging for a long time. It will be great to celebrate 😊
I looked on her blog. She started in April. Same year, just a bit earlier. I need to ask her whether she’s planning something.
So nice! Looking forward to two celebrations then 🙂
Thank you, Vishy. Yes, there certainly are characters like Flora. Trying to help when no help is needed or when it’s even counterproductive.
It’s a very good question. Which one to start with. Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont is her most famous one. Many say her best or like it the most. I think it’s still the one I would recommend even though it might mean you’ve read her best first. There is also a wonderful movie. I didn’t. I d reading it early on – it was my second – my first was Blaming but that’s the last book she wrote and quite different – as I found one I liked just as much, maybe more. A Game of Hide and Seek. With hindsight, I wish I had started chronologically. But as long as you’re not sure, you’ll read more of her – Mrs Palfrey it is.
Thanks so much, Caroline! Will try to read Mrs Palfrey soon. I’ll also add A Game of Hide and Seek to my TBR. Looking forward to reading my first Elizabeth Taylor book! So exciting!
I’m so looking forward to your review. I hope you’ll like her as much as I do.
Got the book today, Caroline 🙂 Read the blurb on the cover. Loved it! Looking forward to starting the book soon! So excited!
Wow. That was quick. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Looking forward to getting started soon 🙂
Thanks for alerting to me to this. i’ve had a mixed experience with her work. The first one I read I really didn’t care for but then went onto read two more that I did. So i’m going to make a note to avoid this one and concentrate on the ones I’m more likely to enjoy
That might be a good idea if there were books you didn’t like in the past. Which one was it?
Wreath of Roses….
I liked that. Not as much as others but still.
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