The Fiction of Ruth Rendell - Softcover

In The Fiction of Ruth Rendell: Ancient Tragedy and the Modern Family, Barbara Fass Leavy interprets the multi-layered themes treated by Rendell, who also writes as Barbara Vine. Mysteries as popular entertainment are distinguished from mysteries as literary art, establishing that Rendell's books are capable of meaningful and pleasurable rereading even when "whodunit" is remembered. Leavy argues that Rendell draws on Greek tragedy and the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. By employing the Oedipus and Electra complexes, Leavy explores the ways in which Rendell's characters are enmeshed in disturbed family relationships. Complex and illuminating, this book will appeal to Rendell fans, mystery lovers, and students of crime fiction. It will also supply valuable insights to sociologists, psychologists, and family therapists. The Fiction of Ruth Rendell: Ancient Tragedy and the Modern Family probes deeply the subjects treated by a brilliant and original writer.