Book: Good Behaviour

"Good Behaviour" by Molly Keane is a sharply observed novel set in the decaying grandeur of an Anglo-Irish estate in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Aroon St. Charles, readers are drawn into a world governed by rigid social mores and the desperate maintenance of appearances. Aroon is a deeply unreliable narrator—naïve yet astutely observant—whose recollections reveal the intricacies and hypocrisies of her aristocratic family. As she navigates the complexities of love, family loyalty, and social expectations, Aroon's inner life contrasts starkly with her outwardly "good behavior." Keane masterfully captures the subtle nuances of family dynamics and the often stifling nature of societal norms with biting wit and irony. The novel delves into themes of isolation and misunderstanding, illustrating how the veneer of civility can mask profound personal and familial dysfunction. With its rich detail and penetrating character studies, "Good Behaviour" is both a poignant and darkly humorous exploration of a bygone era.