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Sunday, April 22, 2012

E M Delafield's DIARY OF A PROVINCIAL LADY


This was a book I have been looking for - for years and one I never thought I'd get to. It was not available in the Melbourne library and at the book shop it was 32 Aussie dollars which was huge and
then I discover it in a second hand book sale - a cloth cover which is glorious!

So much has been written about this book that there is very little for me to add. I enjoyed the trivial details, the domestic ups and downs of running a household and there were lots of things to contend with. The keeping up with the Joneses was so apparent and it seemed so necessary at the time that it was not even considered not do so. It seemed to add so much stress to the life of our lady who had to maintain and keep up appearances at any cost. To also have to kowtow to the aristocrats of her own particular little part of the world was awful. I was hoping that she would find a way of dealing with the overpowering Lady B but it was not to be.

I was impressed with the review of Thomas and I do agree that it is a 21st century thing that we need to find a solution to the problem and solve it! I also realized that you cannot do that and certainly not for our lady who is quite willing to go along with everyone

7 comments:

  1. You've captured my interest with your review. I wasn't familiar with the book but I'll add it to my list :)

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  2. I had not heard about this one before. You always find the most interesting books

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  3. What a beautiful edition! It sounds like a nice cosy read for a Sunday.

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  4. Sadly, I think lots of modern folks are still trying to keep up with the Joneses.

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  5. Ah - now I learn the title. Your right, I'm not sure you can stop people from trying to keep up with the Jones. So much nicer when you choose not to though. :-)
    I think you might enjoy CiJi Ware's writing - a rich mix of historical detail with contemporary story.
    Have a great week.

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  6. Oh I love this book, so glad you enjoyed it!

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