Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.” In her novella, A Dream Life, Claire Messud explores how not only our physical environment but also social constructs influence and mold us.
Set in 1971, the story follows Alice Armstrong and her family as they move to Sydney, leaving their small New York apartment for a grand manor near Sydney Harbor. The house, lovingly named “Chateau Deeds” by the father, becomes a significant part of their lives, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings for Alice.
As the narrative unfolds, echoes of Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party” resonate. The green baize door, separating different parts of the house, serves as a metaphor for divisions and expectations that foreshadow future events.
Alice’s journey in the house mirrors a woman’s gradual loss of identity as she conforms to societal roles. Messud brilliantly captures Alice’s evolution from an independent New Yorker to the lady of the house in Sydney, navigating the challenges of managing a grand household.
Through Alice’s quest for household help, the novel delves into themes of intimacy, dependency, and societal expectations. Messud subtly examines the complexities of relationships and power dynamics, revealing nuances in each character’s behavior and interactions.
Drawing from personal experiences, Messud infuses the narrative with humor and depth. The novel delves into the intricate relationships between employers and housekeepers, shedding light on the emotional bonds and transactions that define such unions.
Despite its grand setting, A Dream Life is a compact yet engaging book, offering readers a blend of entertainment and profound insights. It serves as a reminder of how our lives are shaped by both visible structures and unseen influences, inviting contemplation on the dreams we pursue.
