The Millstone by Margaret Drabble. Summary of the book.

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The Millstone by Margaret Drabble

The Millstone is a 1965 novel by English novelist and playwright Margaret Drabble. The novel follows the life of Rosamund Stacey, a young woman who faces difficult moral choices in her life. It delves into the complexities of motherhood, marriage, and womanhood in 1960s England, and offers an insight into the societal conflicts and expectations of that time.

The novel focuses on Rosamund Stacey, an intelligent and independent woman who is a student at Cambridge and is seeking her own identity. When Rosamund becomes pregnant, she faces a difficult decision between keeping the baby and giving it up for adoption. The novel follows her struggle to come to terms with her decision and its consequences.

Plot Summary

Rosamund Stacey is a student at Cambridge University in 1960s England. She is in a relationship with her boyfriend, Marcus, who is a doctor. When she discovers she is pregnant, she faces a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, she wants to keep the baby and marry Marcus, but on the other hand, she is aware of the difficulties of raising a child as a single mother. In the end, she decides to give the baby up for adoption and continues with her studies.

The novel follows Rosamund’s journey as she struggles to come to terms with her decision. She must confront both the joys and the sorrows of motherhood, as well as the expectations of society. The novel also deals with broader themes, such as the role of women in society and the importance of education and independence.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was adapted into a film in 1966. The film was directed by Jack Clayton and starred Vanessa Redgrave and Sarah Miles.
  • The novel has received both critical and commercial success. It was nominated for the Booker Prize in 1966 and was a bestseller for several months.
  • The novel was inspired by Drabble’s own experience. Drabble had an abortion in the 1960s, and the novel is partly based on her experience.

FAQs

  • What is The Millstone about?
    The Millstone is a novel by Margaret Drabble about Rosamund Stacey, a young woman who faces difficult moral choices in her life. The novel explores the complexities of womanhood, motherhood, marriage, and expectations of society in 1960s England.
  • Who wrote The Millstone?
    The Millstone was written by English novelist and playwright Margaret Drabble.
  • Has The Millstone been made into a film?
    Yes. The Millstone was adapted into a film in 1966, directed by Jack Clayton and starring Vanessa Redgrave and Sarah Miles.
  • What themes does The Millstone explore?
    The Millstone explores themes such as the role of women in society, motherhood, the importance of education and independence, and the difficulties of making difficult moral choices.
  • Did Margaret Drabble draw on her own experiences for The Millstone?
    Yes. The Millstone was partly inspired by Drabble’s own experience of having an abortion in the 1960s.

The Millstone is an important and thought-provoking novel about the complexities of womanhood and motherhood. It offers an insight into the expectations of women in 1960s England, and is an important reminder of the struggles that women have faced in the past. The novel also deals with broader themes, such as the importance of education and independence, and is a powerful exploration of the moral choices that we all face.

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