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The Kehls by May Sarton: An Exploration of Love, Family, and the Meaning of Home

Jorge Luis Borges

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The Book of Kehls

by May Sarton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	286 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

May Sarton's The Kehls is a compelling and lyrical novel that explores the complexities of love, family, and the meaning of home. Published in 1978, the novel follows the lives of the Kehls, a family of artists and intellectuals, as they navigate the challenges and joys of life in mid-century America. Through its rich and evocative prose, The Kehls offers a poignant meditation on the human condition and the enduring power of love.

The novel opens with the Kehls gathered at their summer home in Maine. The family is composed of patriarch George Kehl, a renowned painter; his wife, Eleanor, a talented pianist; and their three children: Peter, a writer; Jessica, a sculptor; and Nancy, a dancer. The Kehls are a close-knit family, but they are also struggling to come to terms with the changing world around them. The Vietnam War is raging, the civil rights movement is gaining momentum, and the traditional values of the past are being challenged. The Kehls must find a way to navigate these turbulent times while also staying true to themselves and their family.

One of the central themes of The Kehls is the importance of love. The Kehls are a family who deeply loves and supports one another. They are always there for each other, through good times and bad. This love is a source of strength and comfort for the Kehls, and it helps them to overcome the challenges they face. The novel also explores the different types of love that exist between family members, friends, and lovers. Sarton shows that love is a complex and multifaceted emotion, and that it can take many different forms.

Another important theme in The Kehls is the meaning of home. The Kehls' summer home in Maine is a place where they can escape the pressures of the outside world and find peace and solace. It is a place where they can be themselves and where they can connect with nature and with one another. The Kehls' home is a symbol of their family and their love for one another. It is a place where they can always find a sense of belonging and acceptance.

The Kehls is a beautifully written and moving novel that explores the complexities of love, family, and the meaning of home. Sarton's prose is rich and evocative, and her characters are complex and well-developed. The novel is a must-read for anyone who is interested in these timeless themes.

Characters

George Kehl: A renowned painter who is struggling to come to terms with the changing art world. He is a complex character who is both brilliant and flawed.
Eleanor Kehl: A talented pianist who is devoted to her family. She is the emotional center of the Kehls and provides stability and support for her husband and children.
Peter Kehl: A writer who is struggling to find his voice. He is a sensitive and thoughtful young man who is trying to find his place in the world.
Jessica Kehl: A sculptor who is coming to terms with her own sexuality. She is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to be herself.
Nancy Kehl: A dancer who is struggling to find her own identity. She is a talented and ambitious young woman who is trying to find her place in the world.

Themes

* Love: The Kehls is a novel about love in all its forms. Sarton explores the love between family members, friends, and lovers. She shows that love is a complex and multifaceted emotion, and that it can take many different forms. * Family: The Kehls are a close-knit family, but they are also struggling to come to terms with the changing world around them. The novel explores the challenges and joys of family life, and it shows how family can be a source of strength and support. * Home: The Kehls' summer home in Maine is a place where they can escape the pressures of the outside world and find peace and solace. It is a place where they can be themselves and where they can connect with nature and with one another. The Kehls' home is a symbol of their family and their love for one another. It is a place where they can always find a sense of belonging and acceptance.

The Book of Kehls

by May Sarton

4.5 out of 5