"The Heel of Achilles" by E.M. Delafield is a novel that explores the life and inner thoughts of Lydia Raymond, a young girl who becomes an orphan at the age of twelve. The story begins with Lydia reflecting on her status as an orphan with a sense of satisfaction, as it brings her a newfound attention and independence. Lydia is portrayed as an intelligent and introspective child, who feels overshadowed by the adults around her, particularly her mother, who is seen as the center of attention after her father's death. Lydia's journey is marked by her struggle for individuality and recognition in a world that often dismisses her as a mere extension of her parents. She is acutely aware of the expectations placed upon her to be a source of comfort to her grieving mother, and she resents the lack of acknowledgment of her own identity and feelings. Her father's letters, which her mother reads to her, express a desire for Lydia to be a continuation of their lives, a notion that Lydia rejects, insisting that her life is her own. As Lydia grows, she becomes increasingly aware of the dynamics within her family, particularly the lack of genuine affection from her grandfather and the conditional love from her aunts. Her mother's sentimentality and vacillation frustrate Lydia, who yearns for a more straightforward and sincere connection. The novel delves into Lydia's internal conflicts and her desire to assert her independence and carve out her own path, separate from the expectations and identities imposed upon her by her family. Throughout the narrative, Lydia's character is developed through her interactions with her family and her observations of the world around her. Her journey is one of self-discovery and the pursuit of autonomy, as she navigates the complexities of family relationships and societal expectations. "The Heel of Achilles" is a poignant exploration of a young girl's quest for identity and the challenges she faces in asserting her individuality in a world that seeks to define her by her familial ties.
By E.M. Delafield · First published 1944 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Literary Fiction · 13 chapters