Brittany's Reviews > Love Among the Haystacks

In Love Among the Haystacks, D.H. Lawrence explores sibling rivalry, sexual awakening, and the unraveling of oedipal bonds, all set during a rural English hay harvest. The story follows the brothers Maurice and Geoffrey Wookey as they each experience sexual initiation, loosening their complex ties to their mother. Lawrence’s metaphorical treatment of these intimate moments is subtle and evocative, capturing the tension between desire and societal constraints. I find the themes of repressed sexuality and the marginalization of outsiders, like Maurice’s fiancée Paula, a Polish refugee, especially compelling. These themes feel like a precursor to what would become central in The Rainbow.

That said, I do feel that the story is somewhat uneven. The plot shifts between the brothers' psychological development and their sexual experiences, which can make the narrative feel disjointed at times. While the rural setting and symbolism are vivid, the characters themselves don't always have the depth I expected, making it harder for me to fully connect with them. The story’s exploration of sexual repression and societal taboos is fascinating, but it feels underdeveloped within the short format. If given the opportunity to expand towards a full length novel, I believe that Love Among the Haystacks would have been highly regarded in literary spheres. Ultimately, Love Among the Haystacks is an important early work, offering insight into Lawrence’s themes, but it’s not as fully realized as some of his later stories, so I’d give it a 3.5-star rating.

A song that resonates with Love Among the Haystacks is Reba McEntire, Vince Gill - The Heart Won't Lie