Literary Favourite: Together and Apart by Margaret Kennedy

Literary Favourite
24/11/2023

Summary of the book Together and Apart

“Together and Apart” by Margaret Kennedy, published in 1937, plunges us into the captivating story of Betsy Canning, a 37-year-old woman who decides to take her destiny into her own hands by asking her husband, Richard, for a divorce.

Betsy, as beautiful as she is wealthy, feels a deep dissatisfaction with her married life. She feels neglected by an ambitious, work-obsessed husband, and oppressed by a rigid, conventional social circle.

When Betsy announces her decision to her nearest and dearest, there is widespread dismay. Surprised, her family and friends try to dissuade her, but she remains determined to go ahead.

Betsy’s divorce causes a scandal in English high society. Facing judgments and rumors becomes a difficult ordeal. She also has to deal with the practicalities of divorce, such as child custody and property division.

As time goes by, Betsy realizes that divorce is no panacea. She embarks on the difficult journey of rebuilding herself as an independent woman, seeking to give new meaning to her life.

“Together and Apart” explores with finesse the themes of marriage, divorce, freedom and personal reconstruction. It presents itself as a satire of English good society and a critique of social conventions, offering an insightful and captivating perspective on the road to personal emancipation.

A reissue of Together and Apart in french Divorce à l'Anglaise by Editions de la Table Ronde

Absolutely recommended for tea time!

At Aricomagic, we loved Margaret Kennedy’s Together and Apart, recently republished and translated from English by Adrienne Terrier (aux Éditions de la Table Ronde). It’s a kind of Vaudeville that gives us the opportunity to get inside the heads of its characters. All have strong, engaging personalities, and it’s hard to choose sides. We absolutely recommend it as a tea-time read, accompanied by your favorite samoussin book cushion!

Choosing a reading cushion as a book support

Together and Apart se distingue par son écriture raffinée et sa finesse intellectuelle. Margaret Kennedy démontre une observation aiguisée des relations humaines et des conventions sociales, conférant au roman une qualité exceptionnelle. Sa satire piquante de la haute société anglaise ajoute une dimension amusante et incisive à l’ensemble.

Beyond its entertaining tone, the novel offers profound reflection on universal themes such as marriage, divorce, the quest for freedom and personal reconstruction. These issues remain just as relevant today, a testament to the timeless insight of Kennedy’s work.

In short, Together and Apart is much more than a satirical comedy; it’s a literary work that transcends its time, inviting readers to question the complexity of human relationships and the crucial choices that shape our lives.