Imperfect Lady

by Sarah Harrison

Adeline Gundry was raised to be a perfect lady in a perfect Edwardian world of rank and privilege. But she had other ideas. She wanted independence and passion. From her idyllic childhood in Devon to her glorious success as an artist, Adeline lives her life to the full - a woman of her times.

Genres: Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction

768 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 1991

Reviews

[Vivien Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a very strange book. Have read it before, misremembered some of the plot details, this time around was struck by the almost documentary style of story telling, taking the reader through most of the twentieth century in a low key, edited highlights sort of way. The two world wars and the Bloomsbury set figure large, the other seventy odd years not so much. In these days of gender fluidity this novel gives an interesting perspective on not only how things used to be but also an insight into the extraordinary lives of early twentieth century artists and writers. A variety of gender issues are woven into the plot in a very matter of fact way which makes me inclined to rush to historical non-fiction sources for further enlightenment. Is that really how it was? Absorbing but distinctly odd.

[I Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what it was in particular I liked about this story as I don't recall a fantastic plot line, merely a following of an independent lady's life, but I guess it was just well written as it was a long book and it held my attention right to the end.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never thought I would abandon reading a book in a genre I really enjoy and by an author I like, but I am so bored with this I just can't be bothered to pick it up anymore and really can't face another 300 plus pages. A shame really.

[Maria Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book 30 years ago and couldn’t put it down. I was never a bookworm but this is one of those books ahead of its time for broaching social division, and gender inequality Loved it so much I still think of it as one of the best booked I’ve read . ☝️

[Mary Fornal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.

[Graceann]

I give up - the idea of plowing through another 300 pages of this makes me want to cry (and not because it's so moving), so even though I'm more than halfway done, I'm throwing in the towel.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Despite its size it’s not hard going or too over facing. Enjoyable