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MISS CARTER AND THE IFRIT
To look at Miss Georgina Carter you would never have suspected that a woman of her age and character would have allowed herself to be so wholeheartedly mixed up with an Ifrit.It's the final months of World War II and Georgina Carter, a single woman in her late forties with a drab job in the Censorship office, is convinced that nothing very shattering, nothing very devastating could happen to one after that age. But then she buys some wood blocks from a blitzed roadway, one of which, when burned in her fireplace, releases a long-imprisoned Ifrit (don't call him a genie) eager to do her bidding. Nicknamed Joe, he zaps in exotic foods and luxurious decor, and takes her on a dizzying hurtle through space to visit a beloved nephew in Canada. Then an old flame visits and Joe senses possibilities . . .This delightful 1945 novel, alongside its fantasy elements, depicts the mood of the later war years, with bombed out buildings, dirt, cravings for impossible-to-find foods, and the surliness and fatigue of many Londoners--but all are considerably enlivened by an energetic, well-meaning, but slightly overly-enthusiastic Ifrit.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1945
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August 5, 2019
I read this book slowly for the very best of reasons – I was so taken with two very different characters, with the relationship that grew between them and with the story that played out, that I just had to stop at the end of each chapter to think about what I had read, about what it might mean, and to smile.
The story opens in London, late in World War II.
Miss Georgina Carter is an intelligent single woman, closer to fifty than forty, who works in the censor’s office. She is looking forward to a pleasant evening in her own home, as has something that in wartime is a rare treat – a fresh egg that was a gift from her friend and colleague Miss Margaret Mackenzie. She also has a knitting project close to completion, she has a new biography of Lady Hester Stanhope that she was looking forward to reading, and she has procured some old wooden road blocks that she knew would produce a lovely, warm fire.
Abu Shiháb is an Ifrit; one of a race that once lay somewhere between angels and men, but was doomed after using its powers for evil ends many centuries earlier. This particular Ifrit had been trapped inside a tree for most of that time, until the tree was felled and made into road bricks, after which he was trapped in one of them.
When Miss Carter puts a match to her fire there is an explosion, and she thinks that a bomb has fallen. In fact she has released the Ifrit, who is delighted to be free and explains that he is now her devoted and grateful slave. At first she thinks that he is a housebreaker or an escaped lunatic, but a small demonstration of his powers, his explanations, the evidence of her senses – and maybe the books that she has read over the years – led her to accept this extraordinary situation.
Well, perhaps this was all a dream. Perhaps she was insane. Perhaps even she was dead and wandering in that strange limbo of those half-forgotten things that one had always desired and never achieved. But—and she made up her mind suddenly and firmly—but this present situation she would accept … and enjoy it, as far as possible. That was perhaps not sensible, but sense be hanged, it was at least interesting!
She decides that Abu Shiháb must have a new name, more appropriate to the age and the place, and so, after careful thought as to would suit him best, he becomes Joe Carter. He is delighted with his new name, especially with being granted that use of Miss Carter’s family name, which he considers the greatest of honours.
Joe’s conjuring up of banquets and home comforts, after years of war-time deprivation, is a delight for Georgina and though she feels she should share her bounty she soon realises that she can’t do that, or deploy Joe’s other talents, to help others or to help the war effort, without being dismissed as a mad spinster who has been on her own for much too long.
All of this might make an Ifrit sound rather like a Genie, but though they have things in common they are actually quite different, and to mistake one for the other is likely to cause offence. An Ifrit has much more substance, and though he has skills he is not all-knowing, but is willing to study and learn. Joe was captivated by many things in the world he was freed into, and his interest, his comments and his questions allowed Georgina to see the world differently.
She found him books to answer some of the questions that she couldn’t answer, and he loved that; but she realised that some of the questions that he had aired really were unanswerable.
His enthusiasm was unbounded, but that cause Miss Carter one or two problems and, wonderful though his skills were, they belonged to a different age and in need of some updating. But that enthusiasm, and Joe’s great determination to change Georgina’s life for the better would transform both of their lives ….
The characterisation of the pair was brilliant. They came to life on the page; and I loved watching their relationship develop, I loved their dialogues, I loved following their adventures together.
Susan Alice Kerby had the knack of using the fantastical to enhance and enrich a story set in the real world, rather than writing a fantasy, in the same was that Edith Olivier did in ‘The Love Child’ and Sylvia Townsend Warner did in ‘Lolly Willows’. This story might not be as deep as those, but it has other attributes that make it a joy to read.
This is a wonderful example of the art of the story-teller; and I could see that the teller of this tale had attended to every detail of plot, of character, of setting; that she loves all of that and she could make her readers feel that same love.
When I read these words ….
Georgina was recovered from her cold by the weekend, which with Joe’s assistance she spent in Penzance, where the weather was kind and really did her good.
…. I immediately thought that they probably stayed at the Queens Hotel, that they probably walked on the Promenade, and that maybe my mother – who would have been ten or eleven at the time – saw them when she was walking her dog or heading to the beach with her friends.
I wanted to keep turning the pages, I wanted to linger and think, and I appreciated a resolution that was a proper ending but also made me wonder what might happen next.
I had high hopes for this book, as I share a name with its heroine, as it has been likened to books by many authors I love, and as even without that I loved the sound of it. Books don’t always live up to expectations like that but this one did.
The story opens in London, late in World War II.
Miss Georgina Carter is an intelligent single woman, closer to fifty than forty, who works in the censor’s office. She is looking forward to a pleasant evening in her own home, as has something that in wartime is a rare treat – a fresh egg that was a gift from her friend and colleague Miss Margaret Mackenzie. She also has a knitting project close to completion, she has a new biography of Lady Hester Stanhope that she was looking forward to reading, and she has procured some old wooden road blocks that she knew would produce a lovely, warm fire.
Abu Shiháb is an Ifrit; one of a race that once lay somewhere between angels and men, but was doomed after using its powers for evil ends many centuries earlier. This particular Ifrit had been trapped inside a tree for most of that time, until the tree was felled and made into road bricks, after which he was trapped in one of them.
When Miss Carter puts a match to her fire there is an explosion, and she thinks that a bomb has fallen. In fact she has released the Ifrit, who is delighted to be free and explains that he is now her devoted and grateful slave. At first she thinks that he is a housebreaker or an escaped lunatic, but a small demonstration of his powers, his explanations, the evidence of her senses – and maybe the books that she has read over the years – led her to accept this extraordinary situation.
Well, perhaps this was all a dream. Perhaps she was insane. Perhaps even she was dead and wandering in that strange limbo of those half-forgotten things that one had always desired and never achieved. But—and she made up her mind suddenly and firmly—but this present situation she would accept … and enjoy it, as far as possible. That was perhaps not sensible, but sense be hanged, it was at least interesting!
She decides that Abu Shiháb must have a new name, more appropriate to the age and the place, and so, after careful thought as to would suit him best, he becomes Joe Carter. He is delighted with his new name, especially with being granted that use of Miss Carter’s family name, which he considers the greatest of honours.
Joe’s conjuring up of banquets and home comforts, after years of war-time deprivation, is a delight for Georgina and though she feels she should share her bounty she soon realises that she can’t do that, or deploy Joe’s other talents, to help others or to help the war effort, without being dismissed as a mad spinster who has been on her own for much too long.
All of this might make an Ifrit sound rather like a Genie, but though they have things in common they are actually quite different, and to mistake one for the other is likely to cause offence. An Ifrit has much more substance, and though he has skills he is not all-knowing, but is willing to study and learn. Joe was captivated by many things in the world he was freed into, and his interest, his comments and his questions allowed Georgina to see the world differently.
She found him books to answer some of the questions that she couldn’t answer, and he loved that; but she realised that some of the questions that he had aired really were unanswerable.
His enthusiasm was unbounded, but that cause Miss Carter one or two problems and, wonderful though his skills were, they belonged to a different age and in need of some updating. But that enthusiasm, and Joe’s great determination to change Georgina’s life for the better would transform both of their lives ….
The characterisation of the pair was brilliant. They came to life on the page; and I loved watching their relationship develop, I loved their dialogues, I loved following their adventures together.
Susan Alice Kerby had the knack of using the fantastical to enhance and enrich a story set in the real world, rather than writing a fantasy, in the same was that Edith Olivier did in ‘The Love Child’ and Sylvia Townsend Warner did in ‘Lolly Willows’. This story might not be as deep as those, but it has other attributes that make it a joy to read.
This is a wonderful example of the art of the story-teller; and I could see that the teller of this tale had attended to every detail of plot, of character, of setting; that she loves all of that and she could make her readers feel that same love.
When I read these words ….
Georgina was recovered from her cold by the weekend, which with Joe’s assistance she spent in Penzance, where the weather was kind and really did her good.
…. I immediately thought that they probably stayed at the Queens Hotel, that they probably walked on the Promenade, and that maybe my mother – who would have been ten or eleven at the time – saw them when she was walking her dog or heading to the beach with her friends.
I wanted to keep turning the pages, I wanted to linger and think, and I appreciated a resolution that was a proper ending but also made me wonder what might happen next.
I had high hopes for this book, as I share a name with its heroine, as it has been likened to books by many authors I love, and as even without that I loved the sound of it. Books don’t always live up to expectations like that but this one did.
September 26, 2021
A light and a lovely read which sometimes gets downright silly, but somehow manages to keep up its charm to the very end.
If you manage to get over the clichés at the beginning of how an Oriental Ifrit is perceived and presented, you are in for some good entertainment (nothing showy or in-your-face) and some insights as Miss Carter and the Ifrit are getting to know each other and how they are changing as their friendship is developing.
It's thanks to Louise's review I found this book and I am glad I did.
If you manage to get over the clichés at the beginning of how an Oriental Ifrit is perceived and presented, you are in for some good entertainment (nothing showy or in-your-face) and some insights as Miss Carter and the Ifrit are getting to know each other and how they are changing as their friendship is developing.
It's thanks to Louise's review I found this book and I am glad I did.
Read
September 27, 2019The premise of this rather lovely period piece (first published 1947) is that Miss Carter, a lonely single woman in her late 40s, accidentally finds herself mistress of an ifrit who has been trapped in a tree for several thousand years and who, once freed, declares himself her slave in full Arabian Nights style. There is obviously a gigantic orientalist trope thing happening here, especially in the opening part, with many salaams and much flowery language, but if you can deal with that at all, it plays out a lot more intelligently, involvingly and movingly than one might fear.
This is really a story about Miss Carter having to confront her own fears and unconsidered beliefs, about personal development and the importance of kindness, and how very wobbly and inconsistent people are. She starts off with an attitude of 'must teach this child-like foreigner British ways' but rapidly discovers the gaping holes in her knowledge and her principles as they interact and, more, the two come to an accepting mutual recognition. There's a conversation where the ifrit says he doesn't like British women's clothing and is reminded that Miss Carter is uncomfortable with indelicate talk, but it's couched entirely as a matter of his cultural preferences interacting with hers--not that one is right or wrong, not that either should change, just a point of difference that isn't an issue when treated with respect.
All of this may sound preachy but it isn't. It's a really lovely story about a woman breaking out of self- and cultural-imposed restrictions and small-mindedness to expand her life, and an ifrit escaping the cycle of greed and hate by learning and experiencing kindness (as well as confronting evil), and an acknowledgement that scared unimportant people can in fact make a difference in the world by being good to each other.
It's extremely funny, with a lot of genuinely laugh-out-loud lines, and absolutely spot on in its shrewd view of human nature, and the 47yo heroine gets a lovely realistic romance with a happy ending, and I enjoyed it gigantically. A dose of warmth and kindness and friendship that I really did need right now.
This is really a story about Miss Carter having to confront her own fears and unconsidered beliefs, about personal development and the importance of kindness, and how very wobbly and inconsistent people are. She starts off with an attitude of 'must teach this child-like foreigner British ways' but rapidly discovers the gaping holes in her knowledge and her principles as they interact and, more, the two come to an accepting mutual recognition. There's a conversation where the ifrit says he doesn't like British women's clothing and is reminded that Miss Carter is uncomfortable with indelicate talk, but it's couched entirely as a matter of his cultural preferences interacting with hers--not that one is right or wrong, not that either should change, just a point of difference that isn't an issue when treated with respect.
All of this may sound preachy but it isn't. It's a really lovely story about a woman breaking out of self- and cultural-imposed restrictions and small-mindedness to expand her life, and an ifrit escaping the cycle of greed and hate by learning and experiencing kindness (as well as confronting evil), and an acknowledgement that scared unimportant people can in fact make a difference in the world by being good to each other.
It's extremely funny, with a lot of genuinely laugh-out-loud lines, and absolutely spot on in its shrewd view of human nature, and the 47yo heroine gets a lovely realistic romance with a happy ending, and I enjoyed it gigantically. A dose of warmth and kindness and friendship that I really did need right now.
May 8, 2020
"To look at Miss Georgina Carter you would never have suspected that a woman of her age and character would have allowed herself to be so wholeheartedly mixed up with an Ifrit." pg. 1
Oh my goodness. I did not expect to enjoy this book so thoroughly. Susan Alice Kerby (born Elizabeth Burton) has crafted a modern day tale straight out of Arabian Nights. I was swept up into the fantastic story in which Georgina Carter's life is utterly changed when she burns a tar soaked wood brick on a dismal day during WW2.
"To be truthful, on this winter Monday morning, Miss Carter found the censorship just downright dull! She realized as she slashed out a gossipy reference to a bomb- that her job was no longer a major part of her life." pg. 38
Miss Carter is a self professed practical spinster working for the Censorship Office. Which that alone shocked me to read how letters were reviewed and portions deemed questionable "snipped" out of the letter. Can you imagine how that would translate to today?
Abu Shihab, the Ifrit she frees trapped in the wood block, has begun to change her life. Giving him the name Joe Carter and teaching him to read has also begun a journey of learning for Miss Carter. She is stretched beyond her comfort zone yet all the while remains true to herself and her "screw-pless" (scruples per Joe). During the dreary winter of the war, Miss Carter finds herself receiving luxuries of cakes and fruits through the magic of Joe. In a time of rationing it is a most welcome respite, however, the true value of Joe lies in his companionship. Miss Carter begins to realize that what she thought she was content with is not at all what her heart yearns for in life.
"I'm sure it's not really," the Major said gallantly. "You're just being modest as usual, or terribly English. Georgina, forgive the rude and curiosity of an old friend-why didn't you marry?" pg 53
As Georgina is experiencing her personal awakening. She is startled to run into a very old and dear friend of her brother's, which she had long held deep affection that remained unconfessed. Major Richard Taylor unexpectedly returns to her life and buried emotions come to the surface. We then begin to see the deeper nature of the Ifrit's journey into Georgina's life. Hints that perhaps this wasn't a circumstantial meeting between a human and an Ifrit. So begins the rekindling of a friendship that hints at becoming more.
"He held her in the hollow of his hand. Who was Joe? What was he? Abu Shihab-father of the shooting star..." pg 186
Miss Carter, feeling personally awakened, comes to the realization her friend, Joe, has a bigger purpose. It becomes an unspoken subject that must be put into words. And even when the time comes, words are not enough. Their minds and the beautiful connection between them allow for some things to remain unspoken. Both souls learning from each other.
I have glossed over some parts of this book in giving a general idea of the story. There is also humor to it! Joe's first attempts at adopting Western dress, Miss Carter's long time friend assuming she has become a closet then public drinker and even worse, a mistress!, Miss Carter finding her bravery when almost being kidnapped at gunpoint in North Africa, and so many other small anecdotes that make this entire story charming. At two points, Joe tells Miss Carter some of the most beautiful tales. The words and imagery are very reminiscent of how I've pictured Scheherazade telling a story. It was quite lovely to read. Kerby also deepens the story when Joe ponders the theme of predestination and free will. He applies this to his own situation and the reader wonders at the implication of this for Georgina and Joe's relationship. Another twist in the tale involves Hitler having his own Ifrit that Joe recognizes when Georgina sends him on a "test" spy mission. This launches into the supposition of whether the Ifrit is evil or forced to do evil and we learn more about what brings Joe to Georgina.
"For it was your hatred which made you a slave. And only by hatred can you be enslaved again." pg 210.
This was such a beautiful story to read. I was completely absorbed in the tale. Kerby has given a novel story about transformation, the perils of hatred, the redemption that can be found in love and friendship, and that a little magic makes all the difference.
Oh my goodness. I did not expect to enjoy this book so thoroughly. Susan Alice Kerby (born Elizabeth Burton) has crafted a modern day tale straight out of Arabian Nights. I was swept up into the fantastic story in which Georgina Carter's life is utterly changed when she burns a tar soaked wood brick on a dismal day during WW2.
"To be truthful, on this winter Monday morning, Miss Carter found the censorship just downright dull! She realized as she slashed out a gossipy reference to a bomb- that her job was no longer a major part of her life." pg. 38
Miss Carter is a self professed practical spinster working for the Censorship Office. Which that alone shocked me to read how letters were reviewed and portions deemed questionable "snipped" out of the letter. Can you imagine how that would translate to today?
Abu Shihab, the Ifrit she frees trapped in the wood block, has begun to change her life. Giving him the name Joe Carter and teaching him to read has also begun a journey of learning for Miss Carter. She is stretched beyond her comfort zone yet all the while remains true to herself and her "screw-pless" (scruples per Joe). During the dreary winter of the war, Miss Carter finds herself receiving luxuries of cakes and fruits through the magic of Joe. In a time of rationing it is a most welcome respite, however, the true value of Joe lies in his companionship. Miss Carter begins to realize that what she thought she was content with is not at all what her heart yearns for in life.
"I'm sure it's not really," the Major said gallantly. "You're just being modest as usual, or terribly English. Georgina, forgive the rude and curiosity of an old friend-why didn't you marry?" pg 53
As Georgina is experiencing her personal awakening. She is startled to run into a very old and dear friend of her brother's, which she had long held deep affection that remained unconfessed. Major Richard Taylor unexpectedly returns to her life and buried emotions come to the surface. We then begin to see the deeper nature of the Ifrit's journey into Georgina's life. Hints that perhaps this wasn't a circumstantial meeting between a human and an Ifrit. So begins the rekindling of a friendship that hints at becoming more.
"He held her in the hollow of his hand. Who was Joe? What was he? Abu Shihab-father of the shooting star..." pg 186
Miss Carter, feeling personally awakened, comes to the realization her friend, Joe, has a bigger purpose. It becomes an unspoken subject that must be put into words. And even when the time comes, words are not enough. Their minds and the beautiful connection between them allow for some things to remain unspoken. Both souls learning from each other.
I have glossed over some parts of this book in giving a general idea of the story. There is also humor to it! Joe's first attempts at adopting Western dress, Miss Carter's long time friend assuming she has become a closet then public drinker and even worse, a mistress!, Miss Carter finding her bravery when almost being kidnapped at gunpoint in North Africa, and so many other small anecdotes that make this entire story charming. At two points, Joe tells Miss Carter some of the most beautiful tales. The words and imagery are very reminiscent of how I've pictured Scheherazade telling a story. It was quite lovely to read. Kerby also deepens the story when Joe ponders the theme of predestination and free will. He applies this to his own situation and the reader wonders at the implication of this for Georgina and Joe's relationship. Another twist in the tale involves Hitler having his own Ifrit that Joe recognizes when Georgina sends him on a "test" spy mission. This launches into the supposition of whether the Ifrit is evil or forced to do evil and we learn more about what brings Joe to Georgina.
"For it was your hatred which made you a slave. And only by hatred can you be enslaved again." pg 210.
This was such a beautiful story to read. I was completely absorbed in the tale. Kerby has given a novel story about transformation, the perils of hatred, the redemption that can be found in love and friendship, and that a little magic makes all the difference.
February 18, 2024
This was a fantastic book! I don’t know where I first head about this book but last year I stumbled upon Hevenali’s blog post about her top ten Furrowed Middlebrow novels. Her descriptions of the books and the feelings they inspired in her made me pick this book up.
On the surface, it is a book about a middle-aged spinster named Georgina Carter who is no longer in the bloom of her youth and is plodding forward with a humdrum existence. Her life gets turned upside down by the appearance of an ancient Persian Ifrit (don’t call him a genie). Her Ifrit, whom she names Joe, lives only to serve her, and, at first, his attempts to please her embarrass and annoy her. Joe ends up expanding Georgina’s experiences and outlooks on life. Joe ends up having as much of an impact on Georgina as she has on him.
This novel brushes on the impacts of life in wartime London, with the blackout curtains, the impact of rationing, and jobs for women during the wartime. Kerby also spent quite a bit of time touching on what life was like for a spinster during these times in a way that was touching yet humane. Georgina’s hopes and dreams might have been unrealized – as yet, but she wasn’t a pitiable creature as women who have aged out of hopes of marriage at this time were so often portrayed.
This book was sparkling with a humor that I had not expected and I found myself laughing out loud at times.
On the surface, it is a book about a middle-aged spinster named Georgina Carter who is no longer in the bloom of her youth and is plodding forward with a humdrum existence. Her life gets turned upside down by the appearance of an ancient Persian Ifrit (don’t call him a genie). Her Ifrit, whom she names Joe, lives only to serve her, and, at first, his attempts to please her embarrass and annoy her. Joe ends up expanding Georgina’s experiences and outlooks on life. Joe ends up having as much of an impact on Georgina as she has on him.
This novel brushes on the impacts of life in wartime London, with the blackout curtains, the impact of rationing, and jobs for women during the wartime. Kerby also spent quite a bit of time touching on what life was like for a spinster during these times in a way that was touching yet humane. Georgina’s hopes and dreams might have been unrealized – as yet, but she wasn’t a pitiable creature as women who have aged out of hopes of marriage at this time were so often portrayed.
This book was sparkling with a humor that I had not expected and I found myself laughing out loud at times.
April 20, 2021
What a treat! I absolutely loved this funny little gem, in which a lonely 47-year-old spinster living in late WWII London comes into possession of an ancient Ifrit (basically a genie) who declares himself her slave with life-changing results. Both Georgina Carter and the Ifrit (whom she nicknames Joe) are so well-written and endearing and the story is at times hysterically funny and at others quite touching. I don't really want to get into the details, since if you read it you should go in blind like I did and be carried along on the ride. It's so much fun.
I'm glad Dean Street Press republished this long-lost treasure from 1945. (Even if they didn't do the best job of proofreading. There are quite a few annoying typos in the paperback.) It's very deserving of a new audience. If you like stories like Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and Miss Buncle's Book, I think you'll also enjoy Miss Carter and the Ifrit.
I'm glad Dean Street Press republished this long-lost treasure from 1945. (Even if they didn't do the best job of proofreading. There are quite a few annoying typos in the paperback.) It's very deserving of a new audience. If you like stories like Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and Miss Buncle's Book, I think you'll also enjoy Miss Carter and the Ifrit.
August 5, 2020
This was so much fun.
The story opens towards the end of WW2. Georgina Carter is a middle-aged, conservative, and somewhat lonely spinster who one night, quite by accident, releases an ifrit from his centuries old imprisonment. He vows to become her slave, despite her protestations that we no longer have slaves. He is able to summon up feasts of fresh fruit and delicate cakes, which after years of rationing, she would like to share out, the one time she does share with her friend, she's accused of using the black market.
A lovely relationship develops between the two, Miss Carter enjoys the company after all these years living alone.
The story opens towards the end of WW2. Georgina Carter is a middle-aged, conservative, and somewhat lonely spinster who one night, quite by accident, releases an ifrit from his centuries old imprisonment. He vows to become her slave, despite her protestations that we no longer have slaves. He is able to summon up feasts of fresh fruit and delicate cakes, which after years of rationing, she would like to share out, the one time she does share with her friend, she's accused of using the black market.
A lovely relationship develops between the two, Miss Carter enjoys the company after all these years living alone.
July 1, 2023
So much possibility, but it couldn’t decide if it wanted to moralize or have fun and ended up doing neither. Tedious plotting and writing.
March 28, 2021
A charming story set during WW2. A respectable middle aged single lady unexpectedly finds herself the owner of a powerful Ifrit who can give her anything she wants, but she isn’t sure what she does want, and the Ifrit (whom she names Joe) is confused by the complications of modern life. Miss Carter and Joe are both delightful characters, and their story is a joy to read.
October 7, 2022
The question of how many stars to give this book left me conflicted. While full of delightful moments and an intriguing unique flavor, it also had strange and disconnected episodes and a rambling style of dialogue. The main character is in a perpetual state of tortured conscience mixed with flashes of insight and my feeling toward her alternated between sympathy and irritation. Ultimately, the unusual context of the story and the juxtaposition of a British spinster befriending an ancient Ifrit from the Middle East was simply too creative for a mediocre rating.
March 2, 2024
I was hoping to like this lots and lots, but instead I just liked it. The premise, a middle aged spinster in WW II London becoming the master of an ifrit, was great, but unfortunately Miss Carter doesn't have a particularly interesting personality. Almost she does, but not quite. As expected, Orientalist cliches abound, but on the other hand I was taken aback by the Ifrit's respect for the manitou (he uses that word) of pre-European Canada....
January 22, 2022
A delightful and unique story with charming characters especially Joe and Miss Carter. This short, little book was perfect to snuggle up to on the couch with a blanket during a couple of cold wintry days and a few cups of tea. I only wish that I had an Ifrit to whip up some scrumptious treats, make my tea and take care of the house chores while I sit and read.
August 28, 2019
Another enjoyable novel by Susan Alice Kerby, to whose works I was alerted by the Furrowed Middlebrow blog. (I am forever grateful!) "Miss Carter" is one of nine recent FM-Dean Street Press reissues of WWII-era books. This 1945 novel is a fantasy about a middle-aged woman in London during the war, who accidentally releases an Ifrit (genie), who insists on becoming her servant (he says "slave," but she sternly objects). She has mixed feelings about the whole situation. She teaches him modern history and mores, and he enthusiastically tries to perk up her life with luxury, travel, and romance. Upheaval and delight ensue!
The story is amusing and sweet without being saccharine; perhaps because it was written in wartime, it has a little bit of an edge to it.
WARNING: DO NOT read the introduction before you read the book. It gives away all the major plot points. I was enraged!! But I still really liked the book.
The story is amusing and sweet without being saccharine; perhaps because it was written in wartime, it has a little bit of an edge to it.
WARNING: DO NOT read the introduction before you read the book. It gives away all the major plot points. I was enraged!! But I still really liked the book.
October 10, 2022
Five stars for such a winning premise. The sumptuous feasts the Ifrit conjures up dazzle against the backdrop of war rationing.
But then it was as if the author couldn't help but cram in too many ideas, too many plot trails, and too much inner dialogue. It's a good story that needed to be trimmed and tightened quite a bit.
But then it was as if the author couldn't help but cram in too many ideas, too many plot trails, and too much inner dialogue. It's a good story that needed to be trimmed and tightened quite a bit.
December 21, 2024
This WW2 reprint is far more interesting as a period piece than a story, but I love the idea of a genie appearing during rationing and chaos to bring the small joys.
January 25, 2022
“Miss Carter felt that all human relationships would be far happier—would, in all probability, endure for ever—if you could conjure people up only when you wanted them and dissolve them at the first sign of weariness and strain.”
Miss Carter and the Ifrit by Susan Alice Kerby (1945) is the January selection for our Book Bus Book Club. What a delightful and magical diversion! As I was reading, I kept comparing it to I Dream of Jeanie. It was fun having the male/female roles reversed. The dialog was witty and entertaining, and I enjoyed seeing the cultural and language differences as "Joe" adapted to the present. If you are looking for a fun period piece with a touch of fantasy, check out this marvelous book!
Miss Carter and the Ifrit by Susan Alice Kerby (1945) is the January selection for our Book Bus Book Club. What a delightful and magical diversion! As I was reading, I kept comparing it to I Dream of Jeanie. It was fun having the male/female roles reversed. The dialog was witty and entertaining, and I enjoyed seeing the cultural and language differences as "Joe" adapted to the present. If you are looking for a fun period piece with a touch of fantasy, check out this marvelous book!
August 22, 2023
I was thinking for sure that this fantasy war related read would not really interest me, especially with a so called Ifrit, but I was happily enjoying myself reading Susan Alice Kerby's "Miss Carter and the Ifrit". I suppose the middle age thing had also prejudiced me too, though I am over ten years old than Miss Carter. How Miss Carter felt in regard to being lonely and wanting to be needed interested me. The war is raging on and even the need to stop evil Hitler is on her mind, especially if she had an invisible friend. What makes her name choice for her male Ifrit to be called "Joe" because at this point in the war and time of publication, Joseph Stalin is seen as a "good guy"! What he has done to his population is swept under the rug and the need to win the war against Germany, the allied forces followed that narrative. That is why I enjoy reading books for long ago, you get an idea of the general thoughts of past times. Miss Carter and Joe win hearts for their goodness and how friendship helps mold individuals.
Story in short- An Ifrit has been released to a bewildered but calm Miss Carter, and her life will never be the same.
Modern society of today makes people question things that are not conscience but are scientific black and white, confusing people.
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“How will it all end?” she asked him, feeling suddenly very tired. “Do you know, Joe? Can you tell me?” “No,” Joe answered, “I don’t know and I can’t tell you. I only know how it ended in Sulayman’s time. But things are so different nowadays. Nothing seems to
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be sharp and defined. Colours are less clear . . . so are consciences. . . . It is difficult for mortals to say to-day . . . ‘this is white’ . . . ‘that is black.’ . . . People aren’t sure any more.
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But as for that Hitler,” his voice rose, “and his Ifrit, I can tell you this. In the end, although Hitler
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still thinks he is the master, his slave will destroy him. For there is only one thing of which I am sure in myself, and that is that evil and hatred destroy not only those against whom they are directed, but him who directs them as well. That is the law, unaltered and unalterable.” - Biblical, Proverbs
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She was nearly fifty—and she was lonely. She had been satisfied with both these states—up to now. No, she had merely accepted them both and forced herself to be satisfied—common-sense had done that for her. But the truth was, and she admitted
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it openly to herself now, that life had just passed her by without so much even as a casual wave of the hand. Well, perhaps this was all a dream. Perhaps she was insane. Perhaps even she was dead and wandering in that strange limbo of those half-forgotten things that one had always desired and never achieved. But—and she made up her mind suddenly and firmly—but this present situation she would accept . . . and enjoy it, as far as possible. That
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was perhaps not sensible, but sense be hanged, it was at least interesting! She would look upon it as a private adventure—a high spot. And pay the piper disguised as a mental specialist when he sent in his bill!
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At the thought of the cakes—two of which she now carried wrapped in a bit of tissue paper in her handbag— Margaret felt again nonplussed—and hungry. For they were like no other cakes she had ever eaten—granted that war-time cake had almost made one forget what a real cake had
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once tasted like. Still, Margaret felt that even in pre-war days these cakes would have been in a class apart. They were made of layer upon layer of pastry rolled transparently thin, and between each layer there was a filling of finely-ground almonds mixed with honey and faintly flavoured with lemon. Each cake was then dusted with sugar. They were golden, melting, delicious . . . “These are simply too marvellous, Georgina,” she had observed. “Where on earth did you
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get them—and in war-time too!” For it was obvious that Georgina, who was a good, plain cook, hadn’t made them herself. Georgina had looked a little confused by the question. Then she had answered briefly “That’s a secret.” “But Georgina!” Margaret had cried, “do be an angel and tell me. I should so love to get some myself, and you know that I wouldn’t tell a living soul . . .” “I’m terribly sorry, my dear,” Georgina had really seemed embarrassed—“I’m afraid I just can’t tell you.” Margaret was hurt—it seemed rather small of Georgina—Then she was struck by a horrid thought, and put it bravely into words. “Georgina,” she said very gently, “they’re not —not off the—I mean they’re not Black Market, are they? I shall, of course, never, never breathe it to anyone. But knowing you as I do—I’m just a little surprised—Do say they’re not . . .”
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It was then that Georgina’s behaviour became really peculiar. For she suddenly started to giggle like—yes, like a silly schoolgirl. The giggles grew to uncontrollable laughter—her shoulders shook and she turned quite red.
“Oh . . . oh!” she gasped, “I suppose you could call it that.” She struggled, and regained composure. “I’m so sorry, Margaret,” she apologized, and Margaret felt it wasn’t quite sincere. “You must think me dreadfully rude —but your remark about a Black Market—well,
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it was so funny. . . . Do forgive me, won’t you? Some day perhaps I’ll be able to explain why . . .” Yes, Margaret thought, as she descended into the Underground, Georgina’s manner had been altogether most peculiar. War- strain? Nonsense. Perhaps it was living by oneself for too long. Margaret had often felt—as she bore with the demands of an extremely ancient mother and the idiosyncrasies of a brother with an alarmingly scientific
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mind—that it would be wonderful to live alone. This afternoon had made her doubt that—living alone was obviously dangerous—it certainly seemed to make some people a little queer!
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was so glad when Georgina and Robert decided to marry though late in life, actually the story of these two made me love this story because I am a romantic. Joe was indeed a good soul and at first I was not sure of him but at the end I saw that he had a good heart. The magic part did not always make sense, if Joe could conjure up food then why not conjure up money, instead of going to the deep sea for treasures? Okay, I don't believe in Ifrits or genies, so this was just pure fantasy with humor, heart and political/ society message that was not forced.
Story in short- An Ifrit has been released to a bewildered but calm Miss Carter, and her life will never be the same.
Modern society of today makes people question things that are not conscience but are scientific black and white, confusing people.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 171
“How will it all end?” she asked him, feeling suddenly very tired. “Do you know, Joe? Can you tell me?” “No,” Joe answered, “I don’t know and I can’t tell you. I only know how it ended in Sulayman’s time. But things are so different nowadays. Nothing seems to
Highlight (Yellow) and Note | Page 171
be sharp and defined. Colours are less clear . . . so are consciences. . . . It is difficult for mortals to say to-day . . . ‘this is white’ . . . ‘that is black.’ . . . People aren’t sure any more.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 171
But as for that Hitler,” his voice rose, “and his Ifrit, I can tell you this. In the end, although Hitler
Highlight (Yellow) and Note | Page 171
still thinks he is the master, his slave will destroy him. For there is only one thing of which I am sure in myself, and that is that evil and hatred destroy not only those against whom they are directed, but him who directs them as well. That is the law, unaltered and unalterable.” - Biblical, Proverbs
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 20
She was nearly fifty—and she was lonely. She had been satisfied with both these states—up to now. No, she had merely accepted them both and forced herself to be satisfied—common-sense had done that for her. But the truth was, and she admitted
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 20
it openly to herself now, that life had just passed her by without so much even as a casual wave of the hand. Well, perhaps this was all a dream. Perhaps she was insane. Perhaps even she was dead and wandering in that strange limbo of those half-forgotten things that one had always desired and never achieved. But—and she made up her mind suddenly and firmly—but this present situation she would accept . . . and enjoy it, as far as possible. That
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 21
was perhaps not sensible, but sense be hanged, it was at least interesting! She would look upon it as a private adventure—a high spot. And pay the piper disguised as a mental specialist when he sent in his bill!
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 31
At the thought of the cakes—two of which she now carried wrapped in a bit of tissue paper in her handbag— Margaret felt again nonplussed—and hungry. For they were like no other cakes she had ever eaten—granted that war-time cake had almost made one forget what a real cake had
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 31
once tasted like. Still, Margaret felt that even in pre-war days these cakes would have been in a class apart. They were made of layer upon layer of pastry rolled transparently thin, and between each layer there was a filling of finely-ground almonds mixed with honey and faintly flavoured with lemon. Each cake was then dusted with sugar. They were golden, melting, delicious . . . “These are simply too marvellous, Georgina,” she had observed. “Where on earth did you
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 31
get them—and in war-time too!” For it was obvious that Georgina, who was a good, plain cook, hadn’t made them herself. Georgina had looked a little confused by the question. Then she had answered briefly “That’s a secret.” “But Georgina!” Margaret had cried, “do be an angel and tell me. I should so love to get some myself, and you know that I wouldn’t tell a living soul . . .” “I’m terribly sorry, my dear,” Georgina had really seemed embarrassed—“I’m afraid I just can’t tell you.” Margaret was hurt—it seemed rather small of Georgina—Then she was struck by a horrid thought, and put it bravely into words. “Georgina,” she said very gently, “they’re not —not off the—I mean they’re not Black Market, are they? I shall, of course, never, never breathe it to anyone. But knowing you as I do—I’m just a little surprised—Do say they’re not . . .”
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 31
It was then that Georgina’s behaviour became really peculiar. For she suddenly started to giggle like—yes, like a silly schoolgirl. The giggles grew to uncontrollable laughter—her shoulders shook and she turned quite red.
“Oh . . . oh!” she gasped, “I suppose you could call it that.” She struggled, and regained composure. “I’m so sorry, Margaret,” she apologized, and Margaret felt it wasn’t quite sincere. “You must think me dreadfully rude —but your remark about a Black Market—well,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 32
it was so funny. . . . Do forgive me, won’t you? Some day perhaps I’ll be able to explain why . . .” Yes, Margaret thought, as she descended into the Underground, Georgina’s manner had been altogether most peculiar. War- strain? Nonsense. Perhaps it was living by oneself for too long. Margaret had often felt—as she bore with the demands of an extremely ancient mother and the idiosyncrasies of a brother with an alarmingly scientific
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 32
mind—that it would be wonderful to live alone. This afternoon had made her doubt that—living alone was obviously dangerous—it certainly seemed to make some people a little queer!
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was so glad when Georgina and Robert decided to marry though late in life, actually the story of these two made me love this story because I am a romantic. Joe was indeed a good soul and at first I was not sure of him but at the end I saw that he had a good heart. The magic part did not always make sense, if Joe could conjure up food then why not conjure up money, instead of going to the deep sea for treasures? Okay, I don't believe in Ifrits or genies, so this was just pure fantasy with humor, heart and political/ society message that was not forced.
June 15, 2025
This was an absolute joy, another gem from Dean Street Press.
Wartime London, and the middle-aged Miss Carter is sitting in front of her fire enjoying the heat from some new wood blocks. Suddenly there’s an explosion, and as she regains her composure she finds she’s not alone. There’s a large, oddly dressed, man in her room who introduces himself as Abu Shiháb, an ifrit who was cast into a tree thousands of years previously and now considers himself her slave.
This will take Miss Carter some getting used to.
This was such an enjoyable read and - despite the levity of the conceit - it does discuss some serious subjects, such as the lure and corruption of power, and the delicate balance of morale and morality on the home-front.
And, long before Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Kerby asks us to consider how practical the use of magic would be during wartime, particularly as welded by an ifrit three thousand years out of his time, and with little understanding of modern ways.
Miss Carter is a wonderful, good-hearted, character. Though quite confounded at first she comes to develop a strong relationship with the new arrival. Having drifted through her life since a promising relationship came to nothing, she now has to marshall all her resources to keep Joe (the renaming is part of her strategy) safe, acclimatised to modern life, and free of his slavery.
I was expecting there to be a few “problem bombs” given the time it was written and the subject matter, but apart from some exoticising of a nebulous “Arabia”, it did pretty well on that front.
Wartime London, and the middle-aged Miss Carter is sitting in front of her fire enjoying the heat from some new wood blocks. Suddenly there’s an explosion, and as she regains her composure she finds she’s not alone. There’s a large, oddly dressed, man in her room who introduces himself as Abu Shiháb, an ifrit who was cast into a tree thousands of years previously and now considers himself her slave.
This will take Miss Carter some getting used to.
This was such an enjoyable read and - despite the levity of the conceit - it does discuss some serious subjects, such as the lure and corruption of power, and the delicate balance of morale and morality on the home-front.
And, long before Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Kerby asks us to consider how practical the use of magic would be during wartime, particularly as welded by an ifrit three thousand years out of his time, and with little understanding of modern ways.
Miss Carter is a wonderful, good-hearted, character. Though quite confounded at first she comes to develop a strong relationship with the new arrival. Having drifted through her life since a promising relationship came to nothing, she now has to marshall all her resources to keep Joe (the renaming is part of her strategy) safe, acclimatised to modern life, and free of his slavery.
I was expecting there to be a few “problem bombs” given the time it was written and the subject matter, but apart from some exoticising of a nebulous “Arabia”, it did pretty well on that front.
July 18, 2023
This was a slightly silly romance with the occasional flash of liberal thinking. Miss Georgina Carter is in her late ‘40s and never married. Her life is uneventful and routine. She works in the Censorship office, writes to her nephew who is in Canada training for the RAF, worries about her brother who is a POW in Asia and occasionally has tea or takes in a show with a colleague from work. That is until she meets Joe, who is an Ifrit or what we could call in English, a genie. Joe could not have encountered a better human to have released him from captivity since Georgina is very modest in her wants. But when an old flame crosses her path, Joe senses that he can help Georgina change her life without too much magic required.
It was interesting to see how Joe’s abilities were limited compared to the depiction of other genie in movies and television. Also, I am pretty sure that Georgina’s crush said, when he met her in Brighton, that he had remarried. So what happened to that wife? Or was this a typo/continuity error? Lastly, the book cover doesn’t match the content at all. I kept waiting for her to open a used furniture shop and get a cat. LOL.
Read for Furrowed Middlebrow Club on Litsy.
It was interesting to see how Joe’s abilities were limited compared to the depiction of other genie in movies and television. Also, I am pretty sure that Georgina’s crush said, when he met her in Brighton, that he had remarried. So what happened to that wife? Or was this a typo/continuity error? Lastly, the book cover doesn’t match the content at all. I kept waiting for her to open a used furniture shop and get a cat. LOL.
Read for Furrowed Middlebrow Club on Litsy.
April 2, 2021
High alert for fans of Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Here's another mid-century confection that lifts a middle-aged spinster from the drabness of Britain at war, whirls her around from Morocco to Canada and lands her firmly in the arms of her old American flame. How could this be, you ask? It takes an Ifrit - genie if you like - popping out of her fireplace and swearing to serve her. The disconnect of cultures, ancient Persia and 20th century England, provides a lot of humorous mishaps,
but Miss Carter and her Ifrit develop an endearing and enduring friendship. Highly recommended!
but Miss Carter and her Ifrit develop an endearing and enduring friendship. Highly recommended!
March 14, 2021
4.5- What a delightful little gem! Miss Carter and the Ifrit was first published in 1945 and there are strong elements that represent the later war years that the author lived through like food rationing, bomb shelters and coupons. I just fell in love with the character of the Ifrit and found myself laughing out loud at some of his speeches. The reader might recognize a nod to the classic Arabian Nights. If you enjoy light, heartwarming reads with a touch of magic then this books for you.
March 25, 2021
Amusing, silly, serious, fantastical and prosaic by turn. I loved Miss Carter, particularly her attempts to deal with the ifrit she accidentally summons without telling anyone about him. The way the war enters the story reads strangely and I found them irritating, but considering when it was written I can see why the author put them in. I laughed out loud at some parts - her BFF convinced Miss C has taken up the demon drink - and sped past some others. An enjoyable romp.
January 18, 2022
Miss Carter and The Ifrit by Susan Alice Kirby was written in 1945 but, it could have been today. I can’t write too much as we are reading for a FB Bookclub and discussing 1/23. I will say this is a charming, witty and refreshing journey about Miss Georgina Carter and the “Ifrit” that comes into her life and changes everything. What is an “Ifrit?” You will have to read to find it; you will not be sorry. Enjoy!
November 15, 2025
3.5/5 Stars. Okay, so I didn't realize this was a fantasy story, because if I had, I might not have read it. That said, this is actually a very sweet novella, with some interesting social commentary, and a touch of coming-of-age. That said, I'm sure people who like the fantasy genre will enjoy it more than I did.
My full review is here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2025/11/1...
My full review is here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2025/11/1...
January 16, 2022
Published in 1945, you get the sense of what people were missing towards the end of the war, tropical foods, color, and the ability to travel at will. The Ifrit brings all of this to Miss Carter, wrapped in a story filled with humor. Miss Carter’s internal dialogues are so entertaining as are her encounters with her friend Margaret Mackenzie. Delightful read. And fairly open minded for the times!
September 17, 2024
Just such fun against the backdrop of WW2. The interactions between the characters are well done, I especially enjoyed Margaret trying to “help” Miss Carter, it’s very humorous. The Ifrit is a charming character too.
December 26, 2024
What an odd and interesting book. It offered a type of genie with a style of magic/not magic that was quite surprising to me and was as much of a psychological meditation about what life is and what we've done with it as it is a romance/fantasy.
May 7, 2025
This is a book that I wanted to like more than I did. A lot of the right ingredients were there, but while this book was pleasant, it just never quite clicked for me. It was an enjoyable one-time read, but not one that I need to keep for my own shelves.
October 10, 2020
I loved this fun read! It reminds me of Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day except with some magic thrown in! I do wish the author had wrapped up a couple of loose ends though.
February 7, 2021
Light-hearted, entertaining fantasy in the vein of Five Children and It for adults. Or like Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day with added magic.
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