Bryan Guinness (1) (1905–1992)

I think we can assume that this novel about the courtship, brief marriage, and divorce of “Arthur and Agnes Trigby” is largely autobiographical. Taylor’s discussion of the novel in Bright Young People mentions two incidents in it which correspond to personal anecdotes Guinness shared in other contexts. In any event, if “every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” then a tale of marriage breakdown probably requires first-hand experience to have any credibility. Having said that, I am very surprised at the degree of self-exposure this novel represents, especially on the part of a semi-public figure. Arthur is not without his character flaws and displays of poor judgement; Agnes is shallow and self-absorbed but not deliberately cruel. But ultimately Arthur is the victim here, expecting only what any man would want from a wife, while Agnes throws away his love for the sake of an empty round of parties and unworthy companions. The next-to-last straw is coming home to find her and a new male friend sitting on the floor drinking gin out of a tea-cup. This has the feel of a real incident in the Guinness-Mitford marriage. Presumably Guinness got the whole sad experience out of his system in this first novel. It is not first-rate by any means, but entertaining enough, and certainly a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the Bright Young People, Britain Between the Wars, and such topics. I was very surprised to discover how difficult it was to find a copy. I gather it sold well at the time. Maybe Guinness’ descendants later bought them all up and made a bonfire.… (meer)