The Millstone (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Margaret Drabble |
The Millstone is a novel authored by Margaret Drabble, initially released in 1965. It narrates the story of a young, unmarried academic who becomes pregnant following a one-night stand and decides to raise the child independently.
Title
The title originates from a biblical passage spoken by Christ: "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones who believe in me, it were better that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This theme is reflected in the novel through Octavia, an illegitimate infant with a congenital heart defect, and her devoted mother, Rosamund. Drabble characterized The Millstone as an exploration of how motherhood transforms a woman into someone more fiercely protective than before.
Among Drabble’s early works, three novels bear Biblical titles, influenced by her Quaker upbringing: The Millstone (1965), Jerusalem the Golden (1967), and The Needle's Eye (1972).
Plot summary
Set against the backdrop of London prior to the Swinging Sixties, The Millstone follows Rosamund Stacey, a Cambridge graduate engaged in writing her thesis on early English poetry. She resides alone in her parents' apartment while they are away on a year-long charitable mission to Africa. A Socialist committed to Fabian principles, Rosamund approaches sex with hesitation yet maintains an appearance of having two lovers, despite being a virgin.
She encounters George Matthews, a BBC Radio newsreader whom she suspects might be homosexual. After a single sexual encounter, Rosamund develops feelings for him but allows their relationship to fade, assuming he is bisexual. Upon learning of her pregnancy, she opts not to disclose this to George or her family to avoid causing distress. Her sister Beatrice suggests abortion or adoption to safeguard Rosamund’s academic pursuits; however, after an unsuccessful attempt at miscarriage, Rosamund resolves to raise the child on her own.
Her circle of friends accepts her pregnancy without pressing for information about the father. She severs contact with her two male acquaintances and dedicates herself to her studies and impending motherhood. Rosamund builds a supportive relationship with novelist Lydia Reynolds, who moves in to assist following the birth. As she prepares for motherhood, Rosamund confronts the challenges posed by the National Health Service.
Octavia is born with a critical pulmonary artery defect necessitating surgery. Following successful treatment and several weeks of anxiety, mother and daughter return home. Rosamund’s parents learn about their granddaughter through Octavia’s surgeon but choose to remain abroad out of respect for Rosamund’s new circumstances.
On Christmas Eve, Rosamund meets George at a pharmacy and invites him upstairs. She conceals Octavia’s true age to prevent him from suspecting he might be the father. George admires Octavia before departing once more.
Film adaptation
In 1969, the novel was transformed into the movie A Touch of Love, which was released under the title Thank You All Very Much in the United States. The cinematic version remains faithful to the storyline presented in the book.