The Story of Lucy Gault

 

The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor  240 pages

Taking place in the early 1920s, this 2002 novel from Trevor, one of the finest writers of contemporary times.

The Gault family is driven from their beloved home, Lahardane, in 1921. When a trio of rowdy local teenagers tries to set the rural Irish mansion afire, Lucy’s father, a wealthy Irish army captain, wounds one of them. The Gault, fearing for their safety, decide to fell to England. They will leave their home in the care of two faithful servants.

Lucy, who has known no other home, disagrees with her parents’ decision. She flees into the woods on the eve of their departure. She cannot be found.  Days later, a scrap of her clothing is found on one of the beaches Lucy loves so much. Convinced she has drowned, her parents leave Ireland for a lifetime of grieving and wandering across Europe.

Lucy is found several days after her parents’ departure, starved and barely alive. The servants, Bridget and Henry, move into the house and take care of Lucy, treating her as their own as she grows into womanhood. Lucy refuses to leave Lahardane, even when the possibilities of love and a life of her own, until her parents return. She is convinced they will come back.

I found it implausible that the lawyer, who oversaw Lahardane’s finances is unable to get in touch with Lucy’s parents and let them know that she is alive. Nor do the parents contact the servants or even check on Lahardane.

I give this novel of a quiet, sad life 4 out of 5 stars.