And So Did I

by Malachi Whitaker

On the eve of World War II, the author, a sensitive young woman struggles to keep her love and imagination alive

Genres: Nonfiction

148 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 1987

About the author

Malachi Whitaker was the pseudonym of Marjorie Olive Whitaker née Taylor, (1895–1976). She was a Yorkshire-born writer, noted for her short stories (she was known at one stage as ‘the Bradford Chekhov’) and an autobiography. She wrote nearly 100 stories published in four collections by Jonathan Cape in the 1920s and 1930s. Her talent was recognized by contemporaries: Vita Sackville-West compared her to Katherine Mansfield. Following the publication of her memoir ‘And so did I’ in 1939, she retired from writing. This memoir, and a story collection,’The Fountain & Other Stories’, were made available again in the late 1980s –and they are well worth seeking. Marjorie Olive Taylor was born in Bradford in 1895. The eighth of a local council bookbinder’s family of 11, she lived in Bolton Villas. After her education at Belle Vue Girls’ Grammar School, she worked for her father until 1917 when she married textile businessman Leonard Whitaker. They later adopted a daughter, Valerie, and a son, Michael. For a short while they lived in America. She also adopted the writing name of Malachi from the Bible. Her reputation as a writer of short stories spanned the years from 1929 to 1949; and 26 years passed until her next book in 1975 when she was 79. Sadly, she died soon afterwards.

Reviews

[McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very comforting, philosophical book about life’s simple pleasures, the search for God, and war trauma.

I find this book fascinating because it was written in 1938, and while it briefly discusses the horror of living through World War 1, it also seems to anticipate World War 2. Whitaker talks about Communism and Fascism, and how she is one of millions who want no part in either.

Whitaker’s meandering thoughts about life and gratitude are lovely and poignant, yet I found the undercurrent of war and uncertainty to be unsettling, especially given our political climate now.

I enjoyed this book but I think the history around it is even more interesting to read about.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review of this remarkable memoir by Malachi Whitaker. Read it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/tosh/p/...

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really strange collection of writings - some incredibly modern insights however most of it I was left wondering why I was reading it. Shall persevere with her short stories they may make more sense.