💙 First published in
1962,
The Weather at Tregulla is a charming book penned by Stella Gibbons,
telling the story of Tregulla, a quiet little seaside town in Cornwall, and how
the place influences its inhabitants' fate.
💙 Una Beaumont has lived
in Tregulla since she was born nineteen years ago. She desperately wanted to leave
the dull, stagnant town, and pursue her dream to be actress in London. But,
alas, when the time of departure is approaching, her mother died; and with her,
the inheritance money her parents had allocated for her, vanished. Una's hope
is dashed, and now she might never leave Tregulla and its unchanged people,
whom she had known since she was born.
💙 Enter Terrence and
Emmeline Willows, who rent a cottage owned by the Trewyns, Barnabas and Hugo -
Una's childhood friends - and their mother. The Willowses are brother and
sister who live in Bohemian style. Terrence is a selfish moody painter, while
Emmeline, an eccentric girl. Una is immediately infatuated with Terrence; more,
I think, because she saw her chance of leaving her dull life in him, than actually
attracted to him.
💙 As the story
progressed, I could see what kind of person Terrence is - his carefree way of
life, his dubious friends, his selfishness. Like most talented artists, he
cares only about his paintings. Nothing is more precious than that. I was
worried all along about Una. She isn't the kind of girl I would have befriended
- she is a bit into herself. All she cares about is her needs; she doesn't even
care about her grieving father. Still, Una doesn't deserve a man like Terrence.
He will make her unhappy.
💙 Hugo Trewyn, the
brooding younger brother, is also in love with Una. He never shows his
feelings; I think he feels insecure about his deformity; that he's incapable of
making the high-spirited Una happy. Una, of course, never treats him other than
a childhood friend. If only her father isn't that apathetic concerning his
daughter. I understand Mr. Beaumont's grief, but if he loves his daughter, he
must have tried harder to step up from his cocoon and provide her more guidance.
💙 The other Willows,
Emmeline, is falling in love with Barnabas Trewyn, which he reciprocates.
However, unlike Una, he notices Emmeline’s eccentricities, her bohemian way of
life, and her circle of friends. Emmeline herself is trying to break free from
her brother, and to get more respectable life as young Mrs. Trewyns. But she's
just a woman. Everything depends on Barnabas. If he proposes to her, her dream
will come true. Her only chance is Barnabas. And Barnabas has doubts.
💙 This book might seem
like an ordinary romance story, but it's much more than that. First and
foremost, there's the helplessness of our female characters to pursue their
dreams. As women, both Emmeline and Una, are depended on their relatives. Other
people direct their fates, their lives. They can't choose for themselves. The
only way to freedom is by marriage. But apparently, love, hardwork, and talent
only aren't enough to secure a woman's happiness. Dozens external influences
play the biggest part. And in this sense, 1960s wasn't much different than in the
19th century.
💙 What I loved most about
this book is Tregulla itself. I am no fan of seaside town, but Gibbons
portrayed Tregulla vividly and charmingly, that I really wanted to, at least,
visit it. The numerous different events that lead to our heroines' fates are
intricately woven amidst the changing landscape or weather of Tregulla. Una
might feel Tregulla lifeless, but I think it's just because she has never experience
living outside it, and so, cannot fully appreciate its beauty.
💙 All in all, it's a
wonderful book, beautifully written by Stella Gibbons. Another satisfying read,
made available again, thanks to Dean Street Press. And who wouldn't want to read the inside of that gorgeous cover?!
Rating: 4,5 / 5
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