White Hell of Pity

by Norah Lofts

Emmie knew there must be something better than her slatternly mother, who disliked all her children, but hated Emmie most because she was different;

Ted Gibson, her mother's lecherous star-boarder, who was tired of her mother's favors and wanted to sample the daughters;

Saul Fincham, the miserly farmer who overworked and underpaid her, until she found a way to make him pay off.

Here is a poignant story of a girl's gallant fight to escape from her sordid surroundings, and of the strange man who opened the doors to a "better world."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1937

About the author

Norah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.

Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.

Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.

Reviews

[Naksed · Rating 1 out of 5]

HAIKU BOOK REVIEW: White Hell of Pity, by Norah Lofts.

The rare book you would
be absolutely wise to
judge by its cover.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poor girl struggles to improve her life.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in 1937, this is the story of a young woman, Emmie, who is born into poverty and who is lifted out of her abusive environment by her schoolmistress. The conflict between Emmie's birth and her own potential is the main theme of the book. Her experiences as a domestic worker are quietly horrifying. This story is a tragedy, and touches on themes of heredity, environment, awareness, and growth. The writing and the characterizations are true. It's a sad story, but written beautifully.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfyingly read from Nora Lofts. Great characters that are so unique. Unpredictable story and just so satisfying.