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An Invisible Friendship
In 1957 Katharine Moore wrote to defend a poem that Joyce Grenfell had criticised on the radio. The two soon became pen-friends and were to share their experiences of life until Joyce's death. This is a complete record of their correspondence.
- GenresNonfiction
Paperback
First published October 21, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 20, 2022
An exchange of letters over twenty years that at times leads to exchanges about thoughts on the spiritual, as well as on art,music, literature and theatre. Both women had a love for the natural world - Joyce Grenfall developed a love of bird-watching. They also had in common a stoicism in the face of adversity caused by physical illness, or bereavement.
A gentle sense of humour pervades some of Grenfall's letters - "...we're playing tennis....We aren't good, but we're eager..." But her serious side is shown too: "I am beginning to feel eternity more as I get older, and I know it is always Now as well as Then and When - and is real. Time isn't."
A gentle sense of humour pervades some of Grenfall's letters - "...we're playing tennis....We aren't good, but we're eager..." But her serious side is shown too: "I am beginning to feel eternity more as I get older, and I know it is always Now as well as Then and When - and is real. Time isn't."
January 10, 2009
I don't have a "grenfell" obsession, but this bok shows what friendship can be!
September 30, 2024
The book "An Invisible Friendship" chronicles a 22-year exchange of letters that started in 1957 between teacher Katharine Moore and raconteur & actor Joyce Grenfell. Their friendship began when Moore defended a poem Grenfell criticised on a radio broadcast. Over the years, they shared their life experiences, love of the arts, project ideas, and reflections on their faiths - Grenfell being a Christian Scientist and Moore a Quaker. Their correspondence came to an end with Grenfell's passing at the age of 69 in November 1979.
I am pleased that Moore, who would later become an award-winning novelist at the age of 85, was encouraged by publishers to include her own letters to Grenfell in the book. Although not all letters survived, the ones that do maintain a genuine and engaging tone that captivates as we follow the progression of their correspondence.
The letters offer valuable insights into the bustling lives of the two women. Moore, happily married, continues to teach as she nears her 70s discovers a passion for writing and faces challenges in capturing publishers' attention. Meanwhile, Grenfell travels tirelessly around the world with her solo performances, making time for birdwatching with her husband and securing regular spots on radio and television.
Despite the lively atmosphere of the 1960s, their interests are more focused on professional and amateur theatre rather than a new boom in popular culture. Their astute observations and critiques of various productions provide enlightening reading material.
Moore often demonstrates admiration for Grenfell (a regard that is beautifully reciprocated), making sure to catch her radio appearances whenever possible. In December 1968, Moore expresses her distaste for a recent episode of "Woman's Hour" but finds solace in Grenfell's presence at the end. In response, Grenfell laments that "Woman's Hour" has lost its appeal and open-mindedness. These charming exchanges between the two women contribute to the book's fluidity and offer a glimpse into the era.
Occasionally, their correspondence touches upon historical events and figures. In 1969, Moore shared her excitement about the moon landing and expressed a wish for American and Russian astronauts to land on the moon together in a spirit of unity. Grenfell earlier expresses her decision to skip a literary lunch in honour of Lady Aberconway after finding her autobiography poorly written and conceited, deeming it "contaminated."
Grenfell and Moore’s bond is strengthened by mutual respect spiritual beliefs and shared faith in one God. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the lost art of letter writing. It makes one ponder how Grenfell and Moore, who vowed never to meet in person, would have navigated today's digital communication landscape.
I am pleased that Moore, who would later become an award-winning novelist at the age of 85, was encouraged by publishers to include her own letters to Grenfell in the book. Although not all letters survived, the ones that do maintain a genuine and engaging tone that captivates as we follow the progression of their correspondence.
The letters offer valuable insights into the bustling lives of the two women. Moore, happily married, continues to teach as she nears her 70s discovers a passion for writing and faces challenges in capturing publishers' attention. Meanwhile, Grenfell travels tirelessly around the world with her solo performances, making time for birdwatching with her husband and securing regular spots on radio and television.
Despite the lively atmosphere of the 1960s, their interests are more focused on professional and amateur theatre rather than a new boom in popular culture. Their astute observations and critiques of various productions provide enlightening reading material.
Moore often demonstrates admiration for Grenfell (a regard that is beautifully reciprocated), making sure to catch her radio appearances whenever possible. In December 1968, Moore expresses her distaste for a recent episode of "Woman's Hour" but finds solace in Grenfell's presence at the end. In response, Grenfell laments that "Woman's Hour" has lost its appeal and open-mindedness. These charming exchanges between the two women contribute to the book's fluidity and offer a glimpse into the era.
Occasionally, their correspondence touches upon historical events and figures. In 1969, Moore shared her excitement about the moon landing and expressed a wish for American and Russian astronauts to land on the moon together in a spirit of unity. Grenfell earlier expresses her decision to skip a literary lunch in honour of Lady Aberconway after finding her autobiography poorly written and conceited, deeming it "contaminated."
Grenfell and Moore’s bond is strengthened by mutual respect spiritual beliefs and shared faith in one God. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the lost art of letter writing. It makes one ponder how Grenfell and Moore, who vowed never to meet in person, would have navigated today's digital communication landscape.
May 2, 2024
Gentle
May 11, 2010
An unexpectedly good read...very moving at times
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews