I want more books by this author as this one was delightful: darkly humorous, festive and a collection of disasters.
A lot of humour, excellent storytellling
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

My first Farrell, I enjoyed this bleak yet witty alternative to a jolly Christmas. I was instantly transported to a dysfunctional family tackling friction and boredom.

A quick and easy read that revolves around family and Christmas, disfunction and disquiet within the family. It hand the feel of Christmas Grinchness, family dynamics and drama. It is quite interesting but is not at all your cosy Christmas read.

Very entertaining and a bit quirky which made it all the more readable. I enjoyed it and found it was the perfect length for this type of book. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Not a cosy Christmas read, and all the better for it. Farrell’s sparkling wit leaps off the page and it saddens me to think that she did not find a readership in her lifetime. Hopefully we can make up for it now.

What a book to bring back after seventy years! This is the tale of a dysfunctional family at Christmas, proving that years may go by, but some things will never change.

A new edition of a novel by queer author and literary agent Kathleen Farrell who was close friends with novelists Olivia Manning and Ivy Compton-Burnett and part of queer circles that included Quentin Crisp, and her lover Kay Dick – whose novel <i>They</i> was also recently republished by Faber. Farrell’s seasonal offering from 1951 is a marvellously acid, distinctly un-festive tale that brilliantly chronicles the miseries and creeping dread that can accompany Christmas family gatherings. This gathering is presided over by widow Rachel in her isolated house in what should be an idyllic setting, close to a picturesque, seaside village. Rachel lives with her diffident, unmarried niece Bess, joining them are daughter Marion, son-in-law Thomas, niece Kate, nephew Piers and the fly-in-the-ointment, long-estranged son Adrian. Rachel prides herself on being a 'monster among rabbits’ and looks forward to manipulating her numerous guests but it seems this year Adrian, alcoholic, possibly queer, may upstage her.

It’s immediately obvious that this is going to be a tense experience for all, as Rachel’s assembled guests find themselves no longer individuals but forced back into their assigned roles within the family - a process that’s likely familiar to many of us. Rachel excels in making her relatives squirm, as she positively oozes barbed comments and dishes out judgement. There’s a wonderful atmosphere of looming menace and a sense of people caught up in a broader, post-WW2 malaise. This is particularly the case for the single women Bess and Kate who seem to be struggling to find a footing in a society where prospects are limited by gendered conventions and expectations. Farrell’s narrative could be a little pacier, and it can be slightly mannered and stagey at times but Farrell includes a number of fascinating, astute observations, and it’s a great alternative to more usual, syrupy Christmas offerings.

Mistletoe Malice takes place in the 1950s, over 4 days during the festive period.
Rachel, now a widow, lives with her niece Bess in a small cottage in an English seaside village.
Like every year, they are spending Christmas with Rachel’s children as well as her nieces and nephews.

“The House will not be itself, thought Bess. People bring their own lives. Rachel had only brought old age, but this house has had not only my youth, but each succeeding years.”

Thrown in the midst of this cast of characters, we come to quickly understand that no love is lost in this tense huis-clos.
The bickering is relentless as each of them bring their fears and frustrations to the festive table. Aging, spinsterhood, wasting one’s life, middle-age lethargy or constrictive gender role expectations are worries that plague this gathering.
Added to the mix is the general malaise of that time. It is the 1950s and the growing fear of the atomic bomb is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Kathleen Farrell stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor when it comes to developing the interiority of her characters, with the added crackling snark of a Muriel Spark.
But she also heavily borrows from the theatre tradition with character occupying the space in a stage-like manner, a punchy dialogue that is scene-ready and a storyline that reaches a vaudevillesque climax.

Mistletoe Malice will speak to the Christmas grinches amongst us, especially those who get hives at the thought of attending any festive gathering and who have their exit planned before entering the family home. This is the snarky festive read we’ve all been waiting for.

A huge thanks to @faberbooks and @netgalley for the advanced digital review copy. And specifically to @faberbooks for unearthing this forgotten gem and bringing it back to us.

Written in 1951, Faber Books have recently republished this forgotten Christmas tale. Set over four days, starting from Christmas Eve, we witness Rachel host a very dysfunctional family Christmas. The use of ‘malice’ in the title is very apt, the characters are horrible to each other and on occasion are quite brutal in their remarks which surprised me given when it was written.

Set just after the war, it portrays the worries and anxieties faced by post war Britain. Rachel, the head of the family yearns for her youth and a way of life which will never return. Her nieces Bess and Kate, who are very different in their natures are both facing the prospect of spinsterhood. Bess is trying to decide which fate is better - remaining as companion to her overbearing aunt or contemplating a loveless but convenient marriage.

The majority of the story takes place in Rachel’s seaside cottage and you can feel the tensions rising as the claustrophobia of the family being confined together starts to take it’s toll. The wintry cliff top setting adds to the brooding atmosphere which is brewing amongst characters inside the house.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas read then this is not the book for you. It’s a snapshot of human nature and family dynamics in post war Britain and certainly doesn’t promote the season of goodwill! If the idea of festive family gatherings fills you with dread then you will probably take comfort from this one. A great festive read if you’re looking for something different to magical times and happy ever afters.

Book Review: Mistletoe Malice by Kathleen Farrell

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆

Set in a seaside cottage perched on a cliff, Mistletoe Malice unfolds as snow gracefully falls outside. The story revolves around a widowed matriarch who rules over her unruly brood with an iron fist. As her niece caters to her every whim, she secretly dreams of eloping. As more guests arrive, each carrying their own secrets and aspirations, the tension rises. The Christmas tree explodes, a brawl breaks out, and an unexpected escape occurs, leading to a climax of "midwinter madness."

First off, I must mention that I absolutely adore the cover of Mistletoe Malice. It perfectly captures the whimsical and mysterious atmosphere that awaits readers within its pages. However, as much as I wanted to fall head over heels for this book, I couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

For starters, it wasn't until after I finished reading that I discovered Mistletoe Malice was originally written in the 1950s. This revelation explained the slightly outdated writing style and slower pace of the narrative. While the writing itself was well-crafted, the story seemed to drag at times, making it difficult to fully engage with the plot.

Additionally, none of the characters in this tale were particularly likable. They all possessed their own flaws and idiosyncrasies, which added to the dysfunction of the family dynamic but made it challenging to connect with any of them on a deeper level. However, it's worth noting that if you appreciate stories with complex and flawed characters, this aspect may actually enhance your reading experience.

Despite these shortcomings, Mistletoe Malice does offer moments of dark humor and unexpected twists that keep readers entertained. The author's ability to create an atmosphere filled with tension and anticipation adds depth to the narrative and keeps you curious about what will happen next.

In conclusion, Mistletoe Malice is a book that evokes mixed feelings. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, fans of classic literature and those who enjoy exploring dysfunctional family dynamics will find elements to appreciate. For me, it was a "meh" reading experience, neither terrible nor extraordinary. However, if you're seeking a quirky Christmas read that deviates from conventional holiday tales, this rediscovered gem might just be worth a try.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Mistletoe Malice by Kathleen Farrell is a book lost to time. Farrell’s 1951 Christmas tale has been reprinted and by @faberbooks which is something I always look out for and the reason that I requested this book. A dysfunctional family drama taking place over the 3 main days of Christmas, Farrell’s dialogue heavy book does drag particularly in the middle. However, I did appreciate the character portraits that were built over the course of the novel. It’s a slow read but a good alternative to the romance heavy books this season lends itself too.

Get ready for a dysfunctional family gathering in the late 1940s, expect insults, manipulative narcissists, catfights, drunks and a lot of nastiness. The characters were not particularly likable and I can't say I cared much for what happened to them, or if such-and-such a conversation hurt their feelings, or if they left the book happier.
I had expected humour and quirkiness as the title and back cover reference to Cold Comfort Farm suggested... but it wasn't really fun nor that light hearted.
The writing style was interesting though, very quick with no breathers. Not quite what you expect from the 1950. the language is casual, but is very much from the time when it was written. I enjoyed that pace, but the characters didn't really grow on me.
I dropped the book a few times and took longer to get back to it. I usually like family dramedy, but this one didn't really work for me.

Well, this is certainly an antidote to saccharine-sweet family Christmas tableaux! This book is dark, biting and, yes, deliciously malicious. Every single character is unlikeable in some way, and for that reason, they are all the more relatable (discomfortingly so). The writing has been compared to Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet chronicles, but I think this is much more cynical, and more brutally revealing of the human condition and all the foibles that entails. One to read when you want to escape from mingling with guests this festive season!

Farrell’s gloriously acerbic novel – originally published in 1951 and now reissued by Faber – takes a scalpel to the traditional family Christmas family. Elderly, tyrannical Rachel hosts a beautifully drawn cast of ensemble characters, including wayward son Adrian and repressed daughter Marion. Over the course of four days, their resentments, desires, frustrations and foibles are brought to light in razor-sharp dialogue and astute observations.

I did not finish this book. The characters are all incredibly unlikeable and one dimensional. The author seemingly introduces subversive storylines that I am sure further into the book they would be addressed. There just was not enough movement in the plot line to keep me interested and wanting to read more. I had been very excited to receive approval for this book but at 60 pages in I just could not continue to be frustrated by this book.

3.5 rounded up.

I nearly passed this one over. When I saw the cover I thought it was going to be a cost mystery and wasn't especially interested, but something made me check the description, that looked far more promising - for fans of Barbara Pym and Elizabeth Taylor - two of my favourite authors.

Rachel, a marvellous malevolent hostess has gathered her family about her for the Christmas holidays. Bess, her niece lives with her as a sort of companion and is completely under her thumb. Marion - her daughter, and her husband Thomas, Kate, another niece; piers, the doted upon nephew, and last but not leadt, the errant son Adrian, who had disappeared to the continent after losing them all a lot of money in some dubious investment scheme. Well, we can imagine how that gathering might go, and it is a bit of a Christmas from hell.

The characters rather lack the sparkle of Pyms characters, there are no Excellent Women to be found in this novel, and while some of Elizabeth Taylor's characters are equally unpleasant, the are fascinating, and I 'm always intrigued by, and happy to spend time with them. This lot were entertaining, but did become a bit tiresome at times, and I would have to put the book down for a bit, so certainly less compelling than Taylor. That said, I did appreciate having the opportunity to read it, and I'm glad it has been re-issued; it is one that I will re-read at some point, and I'll be looking out for more by this author.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and Faber for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

"The term 'delicious' is a perfect descriptor for this book! There's something about dysfunctional families and Christmas that spawns some of the greatest stories. This is a book to savor and enjoy. We also have to celebrate the fact that the publisher has brought it back into print after such a long absence.

Originally published in 1951, Kathleen Farrell’s novel Mistletoe Malice has been republished in paperback by Faber Books.

A dysfunctional family congregates over Christmas at the matriarchal home on the high cliffs by the sea. Like the turbulent waters that can be heard from the house, tempers inside are similarly volatile. Starting the day before Christmas and set over four days, tensions rise even as the festivities reach their climax.

All of the characters in this book are equally culpable in their own disappointments, but that doesn’t stop them from taking their unhappiness out on each other. Everyone is trying to score points, but no one (besides the reader) is having much fun.

Kathleen Farrell’s acerbic wit shines in this story of a family taking tit for tat over the holiday season.

I enjoyed this one so much that I ordered a copy for myself before I was halfway through reading this ARC that was kindly provided to me by Faber Books through NetGalley.

Thank you Faber Books for republishing Mistletoe Malice and making it readily available to modern readers. Here’s hoping there are plans to republish more of Kathleen Farrell’s books in the future!

If you are interested in reading my full review you can find it on Goodreads.

Delicious…
A rather joyous tale - despite the fact that it concerns a very dysfunctional family gathering for an equally dysfunctional family Yuletide - in this delicious comedy of appalling manners. Relayed effectively over several days of Yuletide, this darkly humorous tale is easily devoured in one sitting as the reader is unable to tear their eyes away as the vinegar wit and the wry social commentary spills from the pages.

Mistletoe Malice was originally published in 1951 and as with many women authors from that time period such as Barbara Pym and Elizabeth Taylor, it has been republished and has found a new audience.

In this Christmas story, a dysfunctional family gathers but as often happens at this time of year, the pressure of the season and old family grievances make for a not very nice yuletide.

I had been looking forward to reading this book, however, it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. My preference for Christmas books are more of the “Hallmark” cozy type but if you like a bit of upheaval and difficult families in your Christmas reads, it may fit the bill for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Faber and Faber for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this fabulous, darkly funny book, members of an extended family who really don't care for one another very much are getting together for Christmas at the behest of the needy, controlling matriarch. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty. Let's just say that things take an unfestive turn and tidings of comfort and joy are not exactly there in abundance. As an example of the feelings people have towards one another, one character says to another, " The very essence of the stupidity of countless generations has solidified into one person. And that person is you..." Yes, one big happy family group together for the festive season.

Rachel, the matriarch, and her niece by marriage, Bess live in the house. Arriving for Christmas this year as they do every year are Rachel's daughter and son-in-law, a niece, and a nephew. New this year is Rachel's ne'er do well son who left under a cloud a long time ago and hasn't been seen since. There is also a cook/housekeeper who is a snoop and a bit nasty. Already complicated relationships are stressed and no one is having a particularly good time.

The book takes place over the course of 3 1/2 days. Each section of the book describes one of those days--The Day Before Christmas, Christmas Day, The Day After Christmas, and The Return. There is an afterword at the end, which describes the way in which the book came to be republished and a bit about the author herself.

I loved this book. The family is quite dysfunctional, each member in their own way. People are stuck in various ways, which is bad enough individually, but creates new issues when the dysfunction is all enclosed in the space of one house at a time of year when the pressures of the season cause problems of their own. Then the return of the son--a surprise to all of the visitors--adds another layer of tension. All that said, the book is quite funny, in a dark sort of way. I'm thrilled that the book is being republished--the time is definitely right for it--and delighted that I've had the chance to read it! I hope to read more by this author in future. Highly recommend.