A Mixture of Frailties
| Industry | Publishing |
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| Products | Books |
A Mixture of Frailties, released by Macmillan in 1958, represents the third installment in The Salterton Trilogy authored by Canadian writer Robertson Davies. The preceding novels in the trilogy are Tempest-Tost (1951) and Leaven of Malice (1954). In 1986, the three books were collectively issued as a single volume titled The Salterton Trilogy.
This trilogy revolves around inhabitants of Salterton, a fictional Ontario town modeled on Kingston, where Davies attended Queen's University. Each novel features distinct main characters while sharing several recurring figures.
Plot
Monica Gall, a young woman from a working-class background possessing a lovely yet undeveloped singing voice, serves as the central character. The story unfolds shortly after the events of Leaven of Malice, initially concentrating on Pearl Veronica Vambrace and her husband Solly Bridgetower, whose marriage is under strain. Following the death of Solly’s affluent and overbearing mother, Louisa Bridgetower—who left an estate exceeding $1 million (equivalent to more than $9 million today)—her will creates a trust dedicated to financing the European arts education of a young woman until Solly produces a male heir. Until that time, Solly’s access to the inheritance is limited to $100, compelling him and Veronica to manage Louisa’s estate with minimal resources. This trust acts as Louisa’s posthumous form of retribution against their marriage, which she disapproved of.
Monica is named as the trust’s recipient and travels to England to study under instructors appointed by Sir Benedict Domdaniel, a knighted conductor with theatrical flair. The narrative primarily follows Monica’s artistic growth. Meanwhile, in Salterton, Solly endeavors to maintain the estate and father an heir to unlock his inheritance.
Monica’s family adheres to Christian fundamentalism and exploit her talent for local radio religious broadcasts while simultaneously undermining her abilities. In England, she trains with several mentors, including Giles Revelstoke—a frustrated composer and publisher of an underground newspaper inspired by composer Peter Warlock. Monica and Revelstoke enter into a romantic relationship, with Monica supporting his creative pursuits.
After the death of Monica’s mother, she returns home briefly but experiences alienation from both her family and hometown. Revelstoke attains acclaim for an opera he composes but embarrasses himself during its conducting debut. Following a heated argument during which he verbally attacks Monica, she ends their relationship via letter. Upon visiting him later, she finds he has died by gas inhalation while clutching her letter. Concerned about scandal, Monica departs without seeking help; she later learns from the coroner that he might have survived if aid had been summoned—an incident that deeply troubles her.
Upon returning to Canada, Monica discovers that Pearl has given birth to a son and that the trust will be terminated, releasing Solly’s inheritance and ending Monica’s financial support. Facing uncertainty, Monica receives a marriage proposal from the much older Sir Domdaniel. The novel closes with her sending a cable reply, leaving her ultimate choice ambiguous.
Themes
The novel juxtaposes mundane hardships—such as filthy floors and unwashed feet in chilly apartments—with elevated experiences like soaring music and exquisite poetry. The omniscient narrator’s commentary serves to emphasize the story’s central themes rather than act as mere digressions.
Reception
Upon its release, the novel received acclaim, with The New York Times commending Davies for his "rich character development and humor, insightful and thoughtful regarding both life and art." The review emphasized his skillful blending of comedic elements with moments of poignancy. The characters are portrayed with vivid detail, revealing human weaknesses met with empathy, while arrogance is sharply criticized. The story intertwines wit with themes of harshness, avarice, and sorrow, all tempered by insight and eventual victory.