I've just re-read The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This is one of my favourite Persephone titles. I particularly like Part 1 with its Mitford-esque humour and cast of eccentric characters. Part 2 is a little more melodramatic and certainly darker but keeps you guessing until the end.I wanted a substantial novel to read for August so I've bought Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple, an author new to me. At over 400 pages, this should do nicely. I'm two chapters in and I like her writing very much.
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I also bought Someone at a Distance recently. I must say none of the Dorothy Whipple titles really appeal to me, even though she seems to be Persephone's star author, but the gorgeous cover for the Classics edition finally won me over (plus all the reviews I read were favourable).
Lethe, I became interested in Dorothy Whipple after hearing some of her short stories on Radio 4 a while back. Let me know what you think of Someone at a Distance. I like it very much so far ... and yes, the cover is so nice.
Will do, but I'm saving the book for autumn or maybe even winter, so don't hold your breath.
I'm looking forward to reading your review!
I really must buy The Making of a Marchioness as I know I would love it. The trouble is... there are too many Persephones that I *know* I would love. Perhaps I could sell the house...
Cath, I know I have to curb myself - and Persephone's aren't cheap, either! Nicola
I am very proud to be able to say that it was at my instigation that Marchioness was published. I discovered an old copy of it, loved it and lobbied Nicola Beaumann until she consulted with another (somebody more literary than me so I cannot take full credit) and asked me to do a 'pitch' why this should be reprinted, which I duly did, and lo and behold a year later I received a copy in the post with a thankyou note. I was thrilled to bits and also did not let up until The Shuttle was also printed. I lvoe FHN and her adult books are excellent reading
Elaine, thank you so much for leaving a comment on my blog. I've been reading your blog for a while but I had no idea you were influential in getting Marchioness back in print! I first became aware of it when a character in a Nancy Mitford novel reads it. Can't remember which one, probably The Blessing. Nicola
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