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Regiment of Women
Set in a small town in Edwardian England, Regiment of Women is about the relationship between two teachers at a private girls' school.
345 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1917
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737 people want to read
About the author
Clemence Dane
102 books8 followersClemence Dane was the pseudonym of Winifred Ashton.
Clemence Dane (name for the London church, St Clement Danes) was the pseudonym of Winifred Ashton, an English novelist and playwright (1888-1965). Between World Wars I and II, she was arguably Britain’s most successful all-round writer, with a unique place in literary, stage and cinematic history. Dane won an Oscar for her screenplay “Vacation from Marriage,”. School teacher, novelist, playwright and magazine editor, Dane wrote at least 30 plays and 16 novels.
One series she was famous for was The Babyons, by Clemence Dane. Four long stories strung together by a supernatural thread and chronicling the family history of the Babyons over a period of about 200 years. The ghostly thread is introduced in the first story, “Third Personal Singular,” a tale of 1750. James Babyon, engaged to marry his cousin Hariot, becomes suddenly averse from her and breaks the engagement within a month of the date set for the wedding. In a passionate scene in which the probable madness of Hariot is subtly suggested she pleads with him and, finding him adamant, cries that they are already married in soul and are inseparable. That his cousin actually is subject to fits of madness he does not learn until he is wedded to her companion Menella. He and Menella go to Europe to find everywhere that people have a curious fear of them; a fear which spreads to their servants and, when he learns that Hariot committed suicide, to Babyon himself. He regards himself directly responsible for her death, becomes obsessed with the belief that she haunts him, and the tragedy ends with his madness. The second story is dated 1775, the third 1820-1873, and the last 1902-1906. These stories are lighter than the first stark tragedy, and they end with peace at last given to the Babyons. Through them all runs the influence of Hariot, that strange, wildly passionate woman of 1750. Fine, dramatic work of large conception.--The Australian Woman's Mirror 29 May 1928.
Clemence Dane (name for the London church, St Clement Danes) was the pseudonym of Winifred Ashton, an English novelist and playwright (1888-1965). Between World Wars I and II, she was arguably Britain’s most successful all-round writer, with a unique place in literary, stage and cinematic history. Dane won an Oscar for her screenplay “Vacation from Marriage,”. School teacher, novelist, playwright and magazine editor, Dane wrote at least 30 plays and 16 novels.
One series she was famous for was The Babyons, by Clemence Dane. Four long stories strung together by a supernatural thread and chronicling the family history of the Babyons over a period of about 200 years. The ghostly thread is introduced in the first story, “Third Personal Singular,” a tale of 1750. James Babyon, engaged to marry his cousin Hariot, becomes suddenly averse from her and breaks the engagement within a month of the date set for the wedding. In a passionate scene in which the probable madness of Hariot is subtly suggested she pleads with him and, finding him adamant, cries that they are already married in soul and are inseparable. That his cousin actually is subject to fits of madness he does not learn until he is wedded to her companion Menella. He and Menella go to Europe to find everywhere that people have a curious fear of them; a fear which spreads to their servants and, when he learns that Hariot committed suicide, to Babyon himself. He regards himself directly responsible for her death, becomes obsessed with the belief that she haunts him, and the tragedy ends with his madness. The second story is dated 1775, the third 1820-1873, and the last 1902-1906. These stories are lighter than the first stark tragedy, and they end with peace at last given to the Babyons. Through them all runs the influence of Hariot, that strange, wildly passionate woman of 1750. Fine, dramatic work of large conception.--The Australian Woman's Mirror 29 May 1928.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 31, 2019
(cw: abuse, suicide mention)
Oof. I feel like I can't truly put this on my read shelf, because I read the first half and then kind of dipped in and out of the second half until the final chapters: I wanted to find out what happened, but I just found it so extremely profoundly disturbing I couldn't commit to slogging through the whole thing.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love me a good Evil Lesbian Story when the lesbian is fun & campy (see: Carmilla, The Sorceress of the Strand, assorted Disney antagonists). In some ways what made this book so unpleasant is how good it was. The villain of the piece, Clare Hartill, is evil, yes, and a lesbian, yes, but she is also super plausible and three-dimensional: she's not a witch or a vampire, but a frighteningly realistic portrait of an emotional abuser. At the same time, she exudes charm & appeal (let's face it: Evil Lesbians are way sexy) and as a reader, to be seduced by her and then watch as she literally made my skin crawl. As a novel, Regiment of Women is pretty good. As a piece of anti-gay propaganda, it is second to none, so, mission probably accomplished, Clemence Dane?
It's still kind of hard not to root for Clare, though, especially when I agree with so much of what she says. At the end of the book, (spoilers ahoy) Alwynne's aunt goes to see Clare in order to persuade her to break up with Alwynne and encourage her to accept the offer of her Wholesome Heterosexual Male Love Interest. Clare loses it:
"What a fool you are! Do you flatter yourself that you understand Alwynne? Go back to your Cœlebs and tell him from Alwynne—I tell you I speak for Alwynne—that he's wasting his time. Let him take his goods to another market: Alwynne won't buy. I've other plans for her—she has other plans for yourself. She doesn't want a husband. She doesn't want a home. She doesn't want children. She wants me—and all I stand for. She wants to use her talents—and she shall—through me. She wants success—she shall have it—through me. She wants friendship—can't I give it? Affection? Haven't I given it? What more can she want? A home? I'm well off. A brat[405] to play with? Let her adopt one, and I'll house it. I'll give her anything she wants. What more can your man offer? But I won't let her go. I tell you, we suffice each other. Thank God, there are some women who can do without marriage—marriage—marriage!"
Darn tootin, Clare. Too bad you're such a colossal bitch.
Oof. I feel like I can't truly put this on my read shelf, because I read the first half and then kind of dipped in and out of the second half until the final chapters: I wanted to find out what happened, but I just found it so extremely profoundly disturbing I couldn't commit to slogging through the whole thing.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love me a good Evil Lesbian Story when the lesbian is fun & campy (see: Carmilla, The Sorceress of the Strand, assorted Disney antagonists). In some ways what made this book so unpleasant is how good it was. The villain of the piece, Clare Hartill, is evil, yes, and a lesbian, yes, but she is also super plausible and three-dimensional: she's not a witch or a vampire, but a frighteningly realistic portrait of an emotional abuser. At the same time, she exudes charm & appeal (let's face it: Evil Lesbians are way sexy) and as a reader, to be seduced by her and then watch as she literally made my skin crawl. As a novel, Regiment of Women is pretty good. As a piece of anti-gay propaganda, it is second to none, so, mission probably accomplished, Clemence Dane?
It's still kind of hard not to root for Clare, though, especially when I agree with so much of what she says. At the end of the book, (spoilers ahoy) Alwynne's aunt goes to see Clare in order to persuade her to break up with Alwynne and encourage her to accept the offer of her Wholesome Heterosexual Male Love Interest. Clare loses it:
"What a fool you are! Do you flatter yourself that you understand Alwynne? Go back to your Cœlebs and tell him from Alwynne—I tell you I speak for Alwynne—that he's wasting his time. Let him take his goods to another market: Alwynne won't buy. I've other plans for her—she has other plans for yourself. She doesn't want a husband. She doesn't want a home. She doesn't want children. She wants me—and all I stand for. She wants to use her talents—and she shall—through me. She wants success—she shall have it—through me. She wants friendship—can't I give it? Affection? Haven't I given it? What more can she want? A home? I'm well off. A brat[405] to play with? Let her adopt one, and I'll house it. I'll give her anything she wants. What more can your man offer? But I won't let her go. I tell you, we suffice each other. Thank God, there are some women who can do without marriage—marriage—marriage!"
Darn tootin, Clare. Too bad you're such a colossal bitch.
November 10, 2016
Dane sets out to create an evil lesbian, and in doing so show the reader the evils of lesbianism. But instead, in Clare, she creates a complex, magnetic woman, who champions education and intellectualism, and puts forth good arguments for why women don't need to get married. Though Clare is cruel and malicious, she is also an archetype of the unavailable older woman in a position of authority, and it is easy to see why the women in the book find her so attractive. Dane may have wanted to make Clare unambiguously evil, but actually she is the most interesting character in the book. It is easy to understand why this book has been regarded as a lesbian classic: the love story between Alwynne and Clare is far more compelling than the book's heterosexual ending, and though Dane may have wanted to show the evil of lesbianism, she actually creates believable and moving relationships between women. Only the heterosexual ending and Alwynne's decision to marry Roger make this story feel clunky and lacking in complexity: otherwise it's a compelling and enjoyable read.
June 25, 2024
(3.5)
Rep: sapphic mc, lesbian mc
Rep: sapphic mc, lesbian mc
December 29, 2012
An astonishing dissection of the mind of the monstrous Clare Hartill, who blithely ruins or attempts to ruin the lives of everyone around her. It's also a fascinating insight into schoolgirl 'crushes' and how encompassing they can be, and in this case how tragic.
I read that this work encouraged Radclyffe Hall to write 'The Well of Loneliness', with which it has a great deal in common - though this book is even more painful. I can't understand why it is virtually forgotten today.
I read that this work encouraged Radclyffe Hall to write 'The Well of Loneliness', with which it has a great deal in common - though this book is even more painful. I can't understand why it is virtually forgotten today.
October 29, 2023
this book devastated me more than i expected (i will do a proper review once i have recovered)
December 29, 2017
This book was rather disturbing, an intense (and painful) read with no real closure provided. Nevertheless, it was excellent—the prose was incredible, the characters fascinating (if not always likeable) and the story itself engaging. You cannot but feel incredibly sorry for everyone involved. It was a painfully true portrait of a number of very unhealthy, sometimes abusive, relationships—but on the whole, I don’t think it was a criticism of lesbianism itself, more of the dangerously passionate affairs that exist to the exclusion of all other relationships. Overall, a deeply uncomfortable read. I’m not sure if I liked it, but objectively it is a worthy member of the Virago Lesbian Landmarks series.
May 30, 2018
This 1917 English novel was published and distributed in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The story details the close relationship between two school teachers. Written during an era of increasing anxiety about the expanding rights of women, the novel was intended to warn of the dangers of female education and all-female environments. The story ends with an argument for co-education and with the suggestion that women should focus on marriage and family rather than education.
May 23, 2021
𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑒, 𝐼 𝑑𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜.”
𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑.
“𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢— 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝! 𝐼’𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐼 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑒.
——
This book is an excellent example of how you can love a book while completely disagreeing with its message. The story follows Clare Hartill, a passionate, difficult, manipulative and intelligent teacher at a girl’s boarding school. Clare’s attention is like a spotlight fixed on both teachers and students alike that can make the one lit up by it either dazzlingly important or a brutal disappointment. The story focuses on the relationship between Clare and fellow teacher Alywnne and their (implied romantic) relationship. But is the world of women inherent in a girl’s boarding school a natural thing? Or is it something for Alywnne to one day “grow out of”? Is Clare’s tendency of pushing people she loves to the limit to test if they come back to her healthy or even sustainable? I would love to study this book, to write papers on it and to talk about it in classes. There’s so many layers to what is depicted whether it is the emotionally vampiric lesbian Clare Hartill, the battle for the “soul” of Alwynne, or the delicate balance regarding the influence teachers should wield regarding their students... I really enjoyed this book. I definitely want to read it again already.
𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑.
“𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢— 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝! 𝐼’𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐼 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑒.
——
This book is an excellent example of how you can love a book while completely disagreeing with its message. The story follows Clare Hartill, a passionate, difficult, manipulative and intelligent teacher at a girl’s boarding school. Clare’s attention is like a spotlight fixed on both teachers and students alike that can make the one lit up by it either dazzlingly important or a brutal disappointment. The story focuses on the relationship between Clare and fellow teacher Alywnne and their (implied romantic) relationship. But is the world of women inherent in a girl’s boarding school a natural thing? Or is it something for Alywnne to one day “grow out of”? Is Clare’s tendency of pushing people she loves to the limit to test if they come back to her healthy or even sustainable? I would love to study this book, to write papers on it and to talk about it in classes. There’s so many layers to what is depicted whether it is the emotionally vampiric lesbian Clare Hartill, the battle for the “soul” of Alwynne, or the delicate balance regarding the influence teachers should wield regarding their students... I really enjoyed this book. I definitely want to read it again already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
This novel is, in my opinion well ahead of it’s time. Winifred Ashton writes on the themes of queer relationships and mental health with intelligence and insight which wouldn’t be out of place today.
Of course, we have the expected ending which would make such a novel acceptable for the time it was written, however, the queer women characters are overtly explored and are relatable and human. I felt such sympathy for Alwynne, Louise, and even Clare who although comes across as borderline sociopathic, clearly shows the strain of a woman who is certain in her queerness, but has been limited and isolated by a world not made for women like her.
Powerful is a cliche which doesn’t do this novel justice. It will stay with me for a long time. A well deserved 5 stars.
Of course, we have the expected ending which would make such a novel acceptable for the time it was written, however, the queer women characters are overtly explored and are relatable and human. I felt such sympathy for Alwynne, Louise, and even Clare who although comes across as borderline sociopathic, clearly shows the strain of a woman who is certain in her queerness, but has been limited and isolated by a world not made for women like her.
Powerful is a cliche which doesn’t do this novel justice. It will stay with me for a long time. A well deserved 5 stars.
June 6, 2017
This story of female relationships- work, lesbian, school, or mentor-mentee- is a fascinating one. Clare is manipulative and ruthless in her use and abuse of others for her own gain; Alwynne and others fall prey to her.
The dialogue is stimulating, clever, and revealing of each character's values. The psychological elements of manipulation, realization, and residual damage are powerful movers. I really enjoyed the writing.
While I think the author tried to portray a "can't get a man so I'll manipulate women" lesbian, I think Clare's mental game is one of which anyone should be wary. I wouldn't want that relationship for anyone, whether homo- or heterosexual. Over all, good book.
The dialogue is stimulating, clever, and revealing of each character's values. The psychological elements of manipulation, realization, and residual damage are powerful movers. I really enjoyed the writing.
While I think the author tried to portray a "can't get a man so I'll manipulate women" lesbian, I think Clare's mental game is one of which anyone should be wary. I wouldn't want that relationship for anyone, whether homo- or heterosexual. Over all, good book.
February 12, 2025
There is something to be said about the literary nuances of the 20th century - particularly in feminist and queer literature. We’ve witnessed this in other works such as Dorian Gray, Carmilla, Shakespeare.
Can these nuances be represented with a single objective statement or with quantitative reasoning? Or rather, should they be? Clemence Dane seems to think not (and I am inclined to agree).
Regiment of Women explores these complexities meticulously. Despite Clare Hartill’s problematic depiction as the “evil feminist lesbian”, her character is a stark contrast to the young Alwynne Durand, who is full of complex metaphysical observations and emotions. The dichotomy that exists between these characterizations of love and womanhood prove that humans are the product of their choices and experiences. With grace, Dane examines the human experience from a queer person’s point of view-proving yet again that queer literature can be just as beautiful as it can be convoluted. A dense but brilliant read.
Can these nuances be represented with a single objective statement or with quantitative reasoning? Or rather, should they be? Clemence Dane seems to think not (and I am inclined to agree).
Regiment of Women explores these complexities meticulously. Despite Clare Hartill’s problematic depiction as the “evil feminist lesbian”, her character is a stark contrast to the young Alwynne Durand, who is full of complex metaphysical observations and emotions. The dichotomy that exists between these characterizations of love and womanhood prove that humans are the product of their choices and experiences. With grace, Dane examines the human experience from a queer person’s point of view-proving yet again that queer literature can be just as beautiful as it can be convoluted. A dense but brilliant read.
August 27, 2020
I'd bump this up to 3.5 if we could. The readers all did a great job on the LibriVox free audiobook. The story is entertaining enough, in a somewhat Austenian type of a tale that has a wee touch of a Dead Poet Society element in it. You do occasionally want to smack the protagonist a couple times, but I have watched a young friend behave in very much the same adoring way toward an infatuation who mistreated her, so unfortunately, the character is pretty much true to life. The ending is somewhat trite, with a completely foreseen marital match, but also holds an unsettling twist regarding the antagonist.
While the summary notes that this book was famous for the underlying lesbian relations, I would not count it as a good LGBT choice, as the character of the relationship is not flattering. I did find it interesting that a 1917 book seemed to judge not on the morality of such a relationship, but definitely condemned it in terms of social practicability.
While the summary notes that this book was famous for the underlying lesbian relations, I would not count it as a good LGBT choice, as the character of the relationship is not flattering. I did find it interesting that a 1917 book seemed to judge not on the morality of such a relationship, but definitely condemned it in terms of social practicability.
November 9, 2025
Truthfully, did not finish. In the foreward, it's argued that Dane attempts to subvert the evil lesbian trope despite Claire being, well, evil because we should essentially support women's rights and women's wrongs. I don't buy it. When Claire is explaining exactly how she wants to isolate Alwynne and destroy her sense of self so she will only confide in Claire. I was thinking as I read, maybe Claire's sociopathic heart of ice will melt? Maybe she'll stop entrapping and mentally terrorizing women 10-20 years younger than her with incredibly subtle and well thought out gaslighting and manipulation? But nope, Alwynne has a mental breakdown and has to marry a man who is not emotionally abusive and the student both Alwynne and Claire come to care for (one in a healthy way, one unhealthily) commits suicide.
I'm sure there are things to like in this book. Even just the fact that this was a sapphic novel written by a woman in 1917 is nothing to sneeze at. But it's not for me
I'm sure there are things to like in this book. Even just the fact that this was a sapphic novel written by a woman in 1917 is nothing to sneeze at. But it's not for me
August 13, 2017
This book would definitely have had four stars if it hadn't been for the Lesbian Bad, Heterosexual Good vibe. It's well-written and the characters are really skilfully drawn. And, frankly, it's obvious that Alwynne will be twenty times happier with Roger than with Clare; her relationship with Clare is abusive and scary. The main character is really Clare, though, and she is portrayed very cleverly: her desire for control and possession; her thought processes as she controls and manipulates her human possessions; her occasional self-awareness. As for Alwynne and Roger; he is obviously a genuinely good, caring person who loves her and wants to make her happy... Despite all this, there's a very uncomfortable message that romantic relationships between women are unhealthy and even if healthy could never ever match up to the relationship between and man and a woman. Sigh.
July 13, 2023
This is one of my favourite books and I re-read it regularly. It’s criminally underrated in my opinion.
The best thing about the book is the ambivalence regarding Clare. She is portrayed both as a force for good and an inspiring teacher, but also as a selfish narcissist. I’m as divided on her as everyone else but I have most sympathy for Louise (and I think that many reviews elide what happens to her in favour of focusing on the relationship between Clare and Alywnne). I also disagree that the relationship between Alwynne and Roger doesn’t work. Had Clare not pushed Alwynne away, nothing that Ellsbeth or Roger could have done would have broken them up. Clemence Dane points this out right at the end of the book. It’s easy to condemn the ending as lesbianism bad, heterosexuality good but I think the book is much more nuanced than that.
The best thing about the book is the ambivalence regarding Clare. She is portrayed both as a force for good and an inspiring teacher, but also as a selfish narcissist. I’m as divided on her as everyone else but I have most sympathy for Louise (and I think that many reviews elide what happens to her in favour of focusing on the relationship between Clare and Alywnne). I also disagree that the relationship between Alwynne and Roger doesn’t work. Had Clare not pushed Alwynne away, nothing that Ellsbeth or Roger could have done would have broken them up. Clemence Dane points this out right at the end of the book. It’s easy to condemn the ending as lesbianism bad, heterosexuality good but I think the book is much more nuanced than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
A fascinating delve into toxic friendship
I expect one's take to vary depending on whether one views class s romantic friendship as real or invention to obfuscate lesbians. In either case, the novel did inspire The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall, a significant novel in its intersection of religion and homosexuality.
Easily divided in half, the novel splits between the austere life of women's boarding schools and the relationships therein. Following Alwynne's infatuation with the toxicly domineering Claire, the tragic and emotionally starved Louise, and then the rejuvenative countryside sabbatical.
In my heterosexist reading, I greatly enjoyed the dive into characters' mental states and emotional codependencies.
I expect one's take to vary depending on whether one views class s romantic friendship as real or invention to obfuscate lesbians. In either case, the novel did inspire The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall, a significant novel in its intersection of religion and homosexuality.
Easily divided in half, the novel splits between the austere life of women's boarding schools and the relationships therein. Following Alwynne's infatuation with the toxicly domineering Claire, the tragic and emotionally starved Louise, and then the rejuvenative countryside sabbatical.
In my heterosexist reading, I greatly enjoyed the dive into characters' mental states and emotional codependencies.
March 7, 2023
I liked the story and enjoyed the characters, except that Roger was not as well defined or developed as a character, making the ending a relatively quick and unexplored part of the story. The ending storyline did not offend so much; it was terribly simplistic and lacked depth compared to the rest of the book.
May 28, 2024
What a story this was. Intense and reflective, written in the most beautiful prose imaginable. I was (obviously) drawn in by the premise of an attractive, unattainable older woman in a position of authority, and was ready to fall for her alongside her devotees but it turns out their infatuation yielded disastrous results, as she was a manipulative sociopath. Yikes.
February 24, 2022
Enjoyed that, Clare was an amazing creation, what a manipulative woman. It kept me guessing about the end until the last couple of short chapters. I did not know if Alwynne would have a happy ending or a fate similar to Louise.
Read
January 31, 2025The description for this book on Good Reads seems to be incorrect. It looks like the description for All Roads Lead to Calvary by Jerome K. Jerome
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calvary-Jero...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calvary-Jero...
May 1, 2024
minorly slow at times (like most classics are) but sooo gay it made up for it!
June 25, 2024
3.5 stars
August 24, 2025
~ 3.5 stars
The characters dramatic breakdowns and obsessive natures made me feel seen
The characters dramatic breakdowns and obsessive natures made me feel seen
January 7, 2026
The dichotomy between the two main characters makes this book impossible to put down. The heteronormative ending was not my favorite, but the bulk of the plot makes up for it.
September 24, 2023
clare's backstory left unexplained was honestly the best option, as we really shouldn't feel sympathy for her actions. yes, her behavior is a product of her environment, but that does not excuse her actions
louise's story was my favorite, and honestly disturbing
dane's writing is also really poetic and beautiful
louise's story was my favorite, and honestly disturbing
dane's writing is also really poetic and beautiful
December 6, 2021
Whether Dane's purpose was or was not to promote the evils of lesbianism, this book remains on my favorites shelf. I normally take months to finish a single book, no matter how long. Yet, I finished Regiment of Women within 2 weeks. This book gripped me and held me tight until the last page. While I do think that the first half of the book is much more interesting than the second, I still found the story very rivetting
Overall, I found Clare to be one of the most interesting characters I've ever been able to read about. Being put into the mind of an obsessive, abusive, cold-heart woman who not only lashes out at the ones she loves, but who also has to deal with deep regret over that fact is something that I've never experienced before.
Every new chapter held something different for the relationships that make up this story. The back-and-forth relationship between Alwynne and Clare was beautiful one moment and hard to look at the next. The state of this relationship quite solely depended on the bi-polar mood swings of Clare.
I loved the way Dane was able to curl the story around the many different moods of Clare, and I also really enjoyed the competition that arose out of jealousy between Clare and Alwynne's aunt. The layered relationships and unique dynamics Dane creates really drew me into this book within the first few pages. If you're someone who enjoys reading about unique people and relationships, good or bad, I highly recommend this book.
It was unfortunate that [SPOILER!!!] a man had to come into the picture towards the end, but I think it created a good sense of urgency in Clare that led to the heart-wrenching ending scene. I would have preferred Clare to realize her wrongdoings and make an effort to change herself, but she [SPOILER AGAIN!!!!!] just can't seem to figure out how.
Nevertheless, I'd read anything with a character as evil and as desolate as Clare Hartill is. She's one of those tragic villains who doesn’t understand why she is the way she is.
I did enjoy reading about the other characters, but Clare was my favorite :)
Overall, I found Clare to be one of the most interesting characters I've ever been able to read about. Being put into the mind of an obsessive, abusive, cold-heart woman who not only lashes out at the ones she loves, but who also has to deal with deep regret over that fact is something that I've never experienced before.
Every new chapter held something different for the relationships that make up this story. The back-and-forth relationship between Alwynne and Clare was beautiful one moment and hard to look at the next. The state of this relationship quite solely depended on the bi-polar mood swings of Clare.
I loved the way Dane was able to curl the story around the many different moods of Clare, and I also really enjoyed the competition that arose out of jealousy between Clare and Alwynne's aunt. The layered relationships and unique dynamics Dane creates really drew me into this book within the first few pages. If you're someone who enjoys reading about unique people and relationships, good or bad, I highly recommend this book.
It was unfortunate that [SPOILER!!!] a man had to come into the picture towards the end, but I think it created a good sense of urgency in Clare that led to the heart-wrenching ending scene. I would have preferred Clare to realize her wrongdoings and make an effort to change herself, but she [SPOILER AGAIN!!!!!] just can't seem to figure out how.
Nevertheless, I'd read anything with a character as evil and as desolate as Clare Hartill is. She's one of those tragic villains who doesn’t understand why she is the way she is.
I did enjoy reading about the other characters, but Clare was my favorite :)
December 19, 2021
While it took a little time for me to get into the flow of it initially, and to suss out the characters, I really liked the twist (even if it was morbid) and the ending. I related to Louise, and her desire to strive for academic greatness to please her instructors even at the detriment of her own health.
I feel that it is important to understand while reading this that Clemence Dane is believed to have been a lesbian who went to great lengths to keep her sexuality private. It changes the way that one analyzes the relationship between Alwynne and Clare.
I feel that it is important to understand while reading this that Clemence Dane is believed to have been a lesbian who went to great lengths to keep her sexuality private. It changes the way that one analyzes the relationship between Alwynne and Clare.
November 23, 2025
I do not claim to understand much of the political or social meanings that this book can interpret but I enjoyed reading it. It was a fascinating perspective on how ego can work and how it affected different people in the book. I read the last 100 pages in one sitting because I was eager for the payoff. Either way, I really enjoyed it and would recommend.
July 6, 2013
Much neglected book - undeservedly so. Clare Harthill is a truly frightening character. My only misgiving is the emphasis put on heterosexual marriage being the only worthy outcome, but nevertheless this is a fascinating insight into suppressed lesbianism.
August 31, 2024
scandalous, disturbing and revolting. one of the most irresistible books i've read in years. anachronisms might ruin your experience with this one. a bold and gripping work of fiction, despite its possible purposes when being written. evil lesbian trope at its peak and without match since then.
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