In this article we will review The Rainbow by David Lawrence.
Book Plot
“The Rainbow” by D. H. Lawrence follows three generations of the Brangwen family in Nottinghamshire, England, during the Second Industrial Revolution. The novel covers approximately 65 years in the Brangwens’ agricultural dynasty and explores how each generation changes in the face of modernity and industrial progress. The story revolves around Tom Brangwen’s young adulthood and his marriage to Lydia Lensky, a Polish refugee who has already buried two children and a husband. Their cultural differences and Tom’s insecurities make their marriage difficult at times, and the distance between them leads Tom to develop a close bond with his stepdaughter, Anna. The novel delves into themes of sexual desire, relationships, and spiritual lives, and it was the center of an obscenity trial shortly after its publication.
The Rainbow Rating : 3,7
Also book has 528 pages
The Rainbow Review
The Rainbow, published in 1915 before Women in Love in 1920, is set in rural England during the early 20th century and follows three generations of the Brangwen family. The novel explores themes such as love, relationships, family dynamics, homosexuality, societal norms, religious defiance, and more. It faced censorship in England due to its explicit depiction of sex in unconventional ways, a recurring theme in Lawrence’s career.
I initially read Women in Love and was captivated by the character Ursula, which heightened my enjoyment of The Rainbow. The novel begins in the mid-19th century with Tom Brangwen, who marries a Polish immigrant named Lydia with a daughter named Anna. As the story unfolds, it follows Anna’s growth and her eventual marriage to Tom’s nephew, Will Brangwen. The birth of their daughter, Ursula, breathes life into the narrative with her dynamic personality and unconventional perspectives on love, sexuality, and religion, making her a fascinating literary figure.
While some readers find The Rainbow challenging, critics often praise it as a work of brilliance. Lawrence’s writing is undeniably of high quality, with its distinctiveness placing it in a league of its own and potentially garnering more appreciation in modern times compared to a century ago.
Check Suggested Books
Our Mission
At our book reviews website, our mission is to ignite and nurture a love for reading by providing insightful, honest, and diverse reviews that empower readers to discover new literary gems and make informed choices about their next read. We believe that books have the power to inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life, and our goal is to cultivate a vibrant community of bibliophiles who share their passion for literature and engage in meaningful discussions about the books that enrich their lives. Through our commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity, we strive to be a trusted source of literary criticism and a valuable resource for readers seeking to explore the vast and captivating world of books.