After reading very little but trashy novels for the past week or so, The Keeper of the House was a refreshing change. In a way, the book is one’s typical Southern novel: meandering, infused with past generations and their ghosts, conversational. Where the novel differs is in its treatment of race; no one, black or white, escapes Grau’s keen eye.
The Howlands have been the pillar of their community for the past seven generations, ever since the first William Howland found the land and built a house following the American Revolutionary War. Currently–well, currently when the novel was written in 1964–Abigail Howland lives in the house, though we don’t know anything about her until the last third of the book. Instead, the narrative focuses on her grandfather, whose first wife died following the birth of her second child. He lives alone for many years–until he happens upon Margaret, a Freejack descendent, and she comes to live with him and bears him 3 children, all of whom Margaret sends North for their education and who subsequently move far away.
After William and Margaret’s deaths, it becomes known that he married her when the son appears to confront Abigail about the past. This occurs at the same time her husband is running for political office. He loses. He leaves. And the town, which relies on the Howlands, vents its rage against Abigail. Abigail’s anger is all-encompassing; no one is spared her rage–and her revenge comes at a cost.
The Keeper of the House won the Pulitzer when it came out, and I am surprised I have never heard of it before. More than an indictment on race, it’s a portrait of the South that surprises. Recommend highly.