Persephone Books discussion

Mays buddy read is Doreen by Barbara Noble. I hope to start this week. I have read The House Opposite by her in the past, which was excellent, so keen to get to this one.

I started this today and I' m loving it. I'm halfway through and Francie has been told that giving her middle class teachings and values to Doreen is going to be problematic when she goes back to her working class home.

Up until now it has been a good story, but I think it is about to become very interesting. I really ought to go to sleep though.

Tania wrote: "Mays buddy read is Doreen by Barbara Noble. I hope to start this week. I have read The House Opposite by her in the past, which was excellent, so kee..."

I read both of them and gave them 5 stars!

Excellent! It's a shame her other novels aren't more widely available.

I, too,gave both books 5 stars! I think she only has one other book, Tania. Hopefully that one will get reissued one day.
Doreen reminded me a bit of Foster by Claire Keegan. Doreen brought up in the lower classes is sent away during WWII for her safety and is taken in by a nice, middle class couple, who can give her so much more. I felt sorry for Doreen’s mother- she knew she could not give Doreen what Frances and Geoffrey could. But she could give her her love. I loved the way Noble portrayed Doreen- she captured the child so well. It was interesting to see how even Doreen realized the difference between the two worlds she now inhabited.

I thought there were 6, but maybe just 3 novels then.

*Edit. There were 6, but not all on GR.
The Years that Take the Best Away
The Wave Breaks (1932)
Down by the Sally Gardens (1935)
The House Opposite
Doreen
Another Man's Life

I have seen Another Man's Life crop up at reasonable prices, but never seen the other ones. I will keep an eye open for them now though; you just never know.

Tania- you are right- 6 novels. I think I am remembering that when I tried to find more to buy, there was only one other available, although too pricey to buy. So, I am remembering 3. Sorry:)

I haven't read the Claire Keegan book, but will look out for it.

I have been working today so not been able to get back to it yet, but will do. Doreen does seem fairly adaptable, so when she gets back to her working class roots should be able to fit in, but can hopefully make use of her middle class teachings too..

No worries. We crossed posts 😀 I found a list.

I read Doreen a few years ago and really liked it. I’m happy to have the list of her novels (thanks, Tania!) and to see that “The House Opposite” is available from Dean Street Press in ppb and on Kindle. I’m looking forward to reading it!

You're welcome Susan. Hope you enjoy The House Opposite. I still feel very sad about the death of Rupert and the demise of Dean Street Press, they did such a great job of re-publishing books and authors that would otherwise be largely forgotten. At least we still have the ones that are already out. Another Man's Life looks really good, I must try to get hold of a copy.