Ruth Rendell, Unkindness of Ravens

This 1985 literary detective novel was written at lye height of radical feminism, except here we encounter a schoolgirl interpretation of this tendency in feminism. It first seems to be the backdrop to Chief Inspector and Inspector Burden investigate a murder, only to find themselves threatened by the multiple styles of womanhood, from conventional eye-blinking feminine (Wendy Williams), to the liberal feminism of Sheila Wexford, to the radical approach of the young women's empowerment group ARRIA. What induces two young daughters of the same man to murder him? That matter is what still the novel horribly unputdownable. It's theme is one Rendell tackled in an early novel, A Guilty Thing Surprised, but tackles it here with the horror and force of the poet Shelley's play, The Cenci.

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting plot, well narrated

An interesting murder mystery, with excellent narration.

It is a slow reveal plot with some fairly challenging plot lines too, as they reflect the thinking and attitudes of the times they are set in… maybe late 1970’s or early 1980’s? Just grit your teeth and enjoy?

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Aged badly

Unfortunately this has not stood the test of time. It is very misogynistic, it's views on and attitudes towards women are unpleasant and judgemental. Some very uncomfortable views on child abuse are expressed by some characters which seem to be accepted by others as not completely unreasonable.

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Rambling at the end

Interesting story, though somewhat implausible in places. Poorly read: little differentiation between main male characters, abrupt changes of scene with no pauses.

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Complicated web , factually presented.

A complicated tale is gradually and systematically told through the eyes of Inspector Wexford. The presentation is very monotone, but after you get used to it, delivering details of scenes and opinions of Wexford, it suits this crime novel. As others have commented, the opinions of Wexford are definitely misogynistic and dated which grates on my overall enjoyment of such a complex tale.

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Could be upsetting to some.

Unfortunately this book contains outdated descriptions and attitudes towards child sexual abuse that could be upsetting to some. Describing child sexual abuse as "parental seduction" is a horrible sign of the time the book was written. Obviously won't be an issue for everyone.

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Very long winded

The narrator has slowed his delivery from previous readings; therefore much improved. However, Wexford still isn't portrayed appropriately - too posh. Not always clear if it is Wexford or Burden who is speaking. The plot is ok with several good twists and a sense of tension. But it could have been condensed to maintain interest.

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Great listen

Beautifully read by Michael Bryant and as usual another good Wexford story from Ruth Rendell.

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Perfect summary of feminism.

I don’t know why so many people have given bad reviews. Ruth Rendell has captured the misandric of the various narcissistic facets of women’s lib.

She is to be admired for her courage in exploring this subject matter and as a woman herself is in the perfect place to do so.

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Oh dear not exactly gripping

Not sure whether it was the narrator or the plot such as it was but I actually fell asleep at one point. Narrator sounded bored.

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