Take What You Want

by · 1975

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 4.2/5

A compelling mid-70s novel that navigates the intricate dance of desire and societal expectation with Anne Mather's characteristic psychological depth. It is a nuanced examination of power dynamics in romance.

Anne Mather's 1975 novel, *Take What You Want*, offers a potent if occasionally overwrought exploration of desire and societal constraints.

This novel, hailing from the mid-1970s, is a fascinating artifact of its time, showcasing the intricate psychological landscapes Anne Mather was adept at crafting. While its narrative conventions might feel somewhat dated to a contemporary reader, its core examination of power dynamics within relationships remains remarkably incisive.

From its very first pages, *Take What You Want* plunges the reader into a world suffused with a particular kind of romantic tension, one that Mather, a prolific author in this vein, mastered early in her career. The prose, while direct, often hints at deeper currents of emotion and unresolved yearning; it is a style predicated on suggestion as much as declaration. We are introduced to characters whose lives are inextricably linked by circumstance and a simmering, often unspoken, attraction that defies easy categorization. Mather excels at establishing an atmosphere of impending emotional reckoning, weaving a tapestry of longing and societal expectation.

The novel's strength lies in its meticulous portrayal of its protagonist's inner life, charting the complexities of her desires against the backdrop of a seemingly rigid social order. Mather is less concerned with grand external events than with the subtle shifts in perception and feeling that define intimate relationships. The narrative unfolds with a measured pace, allowing the reader to fully inhabit the emotional terrain of the characters, understanding their motivations even when those motivations are fraught with internal contradictions. This psychological depth elevates the story beyond a mere romance, imbuing it with a sense of genuine human struggle.

Mather's structural choices, though perhaps conventional for her era, effectively amplify the central conflicts. The story frequently employs internal monologue and reflective passages, drawing us closer to the protagonist’s experience. The setting, though not overtly detailed, serves as an effective, almost claustrophobic, stage for the emotional drama, emphasizing the intense focus on interpersonal dynamics. It is a world where glances, veiled comments, and unspoken understandings carry significant weight, shaping destinies with an almost imperceptible force.

My primary reservation, however, concerns the occasional tendency toward dramatic excess, a characteristic not uncommon in novels of this period. There are moments when the emotional stakes feel artificially heightened, pulling the narrative into a realm that verges on the melodramatic, rather than maintaining the taut psychological realism Mather otherwise achieves. This is most evident in certain dialogue exchanges, where characters articulate their feelings with a directness that sometimes undermines the subtle build-up of tension that precedes them. While this might have been a stylistic convention of the time, it occasionally detracts from the novel's otherwise compelling exploration of intricate human emotions.

Despite these minor tonal fluctuations, *Take What You Want* remains a noteworthy example of Mather's early prowess. It is a book that asks its readers to consider the difficult balance between personal agency and the gravitational pull of desire, particularly within restrictive social frameworks. The lasting impression is one of a deeply felt narrative, crafted with a precise understanding of the human heart and its often-unruly inclinations; a testament to Mather's enduring ability to explore the complexities of love and power.

Key Takeaways

Summary

Chapter Guide

Chapter 1: A Sudden Summons to the Isles
Our protagonist, young and somewhat naive, is abruptly called away from her familiar life to a remote, windswept island estate, ostensibly to care for a distant, ailing relative she barely knows. The journey itself is fraught with a sense of foreboding, hinting at the isolation and mystery that await her.
Chapter 2: First Encounters and Chilling Atmosphere
Upon arrival, she is met by the enigmatic and brooding master of the house, whose dark charm is as unsettling as it is captivating. The ancient mansion itself seems to breathe with secrets, its vast, shadowed rooms and wild, untamed gardens reflecting the complex dynamics of its inhabitants.
Chapter 3: Unraveling Family Secrets
As days turn into weeks, she begins to uncover fragments of a tragic past involving the family—a previous wife, an accident, whispers of scandal. Her initial purpose of caregiving slowly transforms into an investigation, driven by an insatiable curiosity and growing unease.
Chapter 4: The Master's Shifting Moods
The master's behavior oscillates between moments of tender vulnerability and cold, distant hostility, drawing her in only to push her away. This emotional turbulence creates a volatile atmosphere, leaving her constantly on edge and questioning his true intentions.
Chapter 5: A Glimmer of Hope, A Shadow of Doubt
Amidst the growing tension, a fragile romance begins to blossom, offering a respite from the house's oppressive mood, yet it is perpetually overshadowed by unanswered questions. She grapples with her burgeoning feelings, aware that love in this environment could be as dangerous as it is alluring.

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