The Mansfield-murry Letters (Press, 10 December 1988)

The review by Elaine Whelen discusses the book "Letters Between Katherine Mansfield and John Middleton Murry," edited by Cherry A. Hankin, published in 1988 by Virago Press. This collection comprises 300 letters exchanged over 11 years between the prominent modernist writer Katherine Mansfield and her partner John Middleton Murry. Although Mansfield's letters were initially published in 1923 and Murry’s have been selected from a previously published collection, this offering presents both sets of correspondence together for the first time. The review notes that only two letters are entirely new, while previously unpublished passages include criticisms directed at notable figures like Virginia Woolf. Whelen argues that Hankin's editorial stance seems favourable towards Murry, asserting that while his expressions of love may not be as lyrically composed as Mansfield's, they are genuine. Nonetheless, the review critiques Murry's tendency towards shallowness compared to Mansfield's depth and honesty. The collection begins in 1912 shortly after the couple's first meeting, offering insights into their tumultuous relationship. Early on, Mansfield confronts Murry about her dissatisfaction with traditional gender roles, expressing resentment about domestic tasks that she feels should not be solely her responsibility. Throughout their relationship, which was marked by instability and frequent separations, Mansfield's letters also reveal her emotional struggles regarding Murry's lack of support. As health issues led Mansfield to seek warmer climates, the distance further complicated their connection. In several letters, Mansfield articulates her frustration with Murry’s inability to respond to her needs adequately, leading her to question the viability of their relationship. As Mansfield's health deteriorated, her letters depict a profound sense of isolation and the existential reflections that come with illness. Despite these hardships, she maintains a persistent creative output, indicating her determination to transform personal suffering into artistic affirmation. The review highlights the modernist themes Mansfield engaged with, notably the fluid perceptions of time and reality, reflecting her contemplations on life's complexities. However, Whelen criticises Hankin's editorial bias, suggesting it detracts from the powerful voice of Mansfield herself. The review concludes by noting the conflict between the editor's interpretations and Mansfield's authentic plea for an unembellished portrayal of her experiences and feelings. Overall, the collection is seen as valuable for understanding Mansfield’s inner life, despite the challenges posed by the editor’s commentary.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand