The Gates of Ivory : Book Review

"The Gates of Ivory" is a captivating novel penned by Margaret Drabble. Set against the backdrop of 1960s England, the story follows the life of Martha Cochrane, a middle-aged woman attempting to navigate the intricate web of personal relationships and societal expectations. This thought-provoking narrative delves into themes of love, duty, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

Martha Cochrane finds herself at a pivotal point in her life. She is married to a distant husband, and her three children have grown and begun to forge their own paths. As she contemplates her past choices and contemplates her future, Martha begins to question her desires and ponder the meaning of her life. Drabble skillfully explores Martha's innermost thoughts and emotions, allowing readers to deeply empathize with her character.

The book revolves around Martha's relationships with her family and friends, which play a crucial role in driving the narrative forward. From her husband's infidelity to her children's struggles and aspirations, Martha is confronted with the complexities inherent in familial bonds. Drabble creates a nuanced exploration of these relationships, delving into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness.

One of the key aspects of "The Gates of Ivory" is its examination of societal expectations and the ever-changing roles of women during the 1960s. Drabble sheds light on the limitations and pressures Martha faces as a wife and mother, highlighting the constricting gender norms of the era. Martha's journey towards self-discovery and personal fulfillment serves as a powerful commentary on the evolving roles and expectations of women in society.

Margaret Drabble's writing style is both introspective and vividly descriptive. Her prose allows readers to vividly imagine the settings and experience the characters' emotions. With profound insight, she delves into complex themes, adding layers of nuance and depth to the narrative.

What are readers saying?

Readers have had mixed reactions to Margaret Drabble's novel, "The Gates of Ivory". While some praised the book for its beautiful writing and strong focus on character development, others were less enthralled, citing a lack of an engaging plot and difficulty maintaining interest.

Those who enjoyed the book appreciated Drabble's elegant and insightful prose. They found the characters to be complex and relatable, with their depth being a particular highlight. Many readers formed emotional connections with the characters and became deeply invested in their lives and struggles.

However, some readers felt that the book fell short in terms of plot. They found it slow-paced and struggled to stay engaged throughout the story, feeling that the narrative sometimes meandered rather than driving the plot forward. The heavy emphasis on the characters' internal thoughts and reflections was seen as a detractor for these readers.

A common criticism of "The Gates of Ivory" was its length. Many felt that the book could have benefitted from being more concise, finding certain tangents and excessive descriptions to be unnecessary. These readers desired a tighter narrative structure.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still found merit in the novel's exploration of themes such as love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. The philosophical musings prompted thought and the introspective nature of the story was appreciated.

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