A Perfect Explanation
A Perfect Explanation by Eleanor Anstruther, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2020, is a novel that delves into the life of Enid Campbell, an aristocratic woman grappling with the constraints of her privileged upbringing. Spanning 320 pages, the narrative is rooted in the historical context of the 20th century, particularly during the tumultuous periods of World War I and World War II. The story follows Enid as she navigates the challenges of a troubled marriage and motherhood, ultimately making the drastic choice to abandon her family in search of autonomy.
Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as family dynamics and the impact of societal expectations on personal happiness. The novel interweaves a pivotal day in 1964 with events from the interwar period, highlighting the complexities of inheritance and the emotional toll of aristocratic privilege. A Perfect Explanation presents a nuanced portrayal of Enid’s journey, marked by significant events that resonate through generations, including a court case and a controversial decision involving her son. This edition offers a compelling look at the struggles faced by women in a historical context, making it a thought-provoking read.
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Finalist for the Desmond Elliott Prize
A “superb debut”* novel–based on the story of the author’s grandmother–following an aristocratic woman who abandons her family and her money in search of a life she can claim as her own. (*The Guardian)
Enid Campbell, granddaughter of a duke, grew up surrounded by servants, wanting for nothing except love. But when her brother died in the First World War, a new heir was needed, and it was up to Enid to provide it.
A troubled marriage and three children soon followed. Broken by postpartum depression, overwhelmed by motherhood and a loveless marriage, Enid made the shocking decision to abandon her family, thereby starting a chain of events–a kidnap, a court case, and selling her son to her sister for 500–that reverberated through the generations.
Interweaving one significant day in 1964, when it seems the family will reunite for one last time, with a decade during the interwar period, A Perfect Explanation explores the perils of aristocratic privilege, where inheritance is everything and happiness is hard won.
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