Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

This is the thread for the July 2024 Buddy Read of Miss Mole by E.H. Young

Can’t wait to start! :)

Me either, Terris. I have it first up for July.

Looking forward to this!

This will be my first time reading a book by E.H. Young. I'll start it tomorrow!

If I can squeeze it in I will join. Not sure though.

Will be joining in for this one .... my first by this author .

You are in for a treat. I loved Miss Mole.

Marilyn wrote: "You are in for a treat. I loved Miss Mole."

Yay !!

I have begun, and I love the way Young gives us a sense of who Hannah Mole is from the beginning. With only the first two chapters behind me, it is not clear where this is going, but I have an eerie feeling of Edith Wharton standing at my shoulder. Wharton was 20 years Young's senior, so I am wondering if Young would have been familiar with Wharton's work.

I’m just starting Chapter 4 and I like her already. Can’t wait to see what happens!

There seem to be a few threads to the storylines that are slowly unfolding- the mystery of Miss Mole’s upbringing, why at 40 is she in the position she is in? What are her intentions with her new situation , merely to get by for a few months or is she hoping to settle down? Looking forward to discovering where it all leads!


Best quote I read this morning , ‘oh well!, what you get on the swings, you lose on the roundabouts!’ How delightful this is, I think I might adopt it myself ☺️

I'm also asking myself all those questions, Megan. I like the way this unfolds, like a slow burn, raising more questions than it answers. I like Hannah, she seems very self-assured, but I think there are depths to her we haven't cracked yet.

Glad everyone is loving this! I tried to start this yesterday, and almost decided to abandon it. The first few pages were so confusing to me, but after reading them over three times now, I think I finally understand what's going on, and I was able to finish the first chapter.

I am often dense to certain writing styles, as some of you may know. I adore long sentences, but I'm having the hardest time following here. I see a couple of reviews with similar complaints, but I hold out hope knowing you all are breezing along. I'll keep trying, because Hannah is a character I think I'll love!

Hang in there, Kathleen. I felt disoriented in the beginning, but as the story progresses much of the confusion is also cleared up. It isn't that you are missing anything, it is that only pieces are revealed and they don't make sense until a bit later. I am through Chapter Six and the story now has some flow.

Kathleen, just reiterating what Sara said- I felt the same and kept thinking I had missed important details but it all unravels and becomes clear and I’m now loving Miss Mole so I’m sure you will too xxx

Kathleen wrote: "Glad everyone is loving this! I tried to start this yesterday, and almost decided to abandon it. The first few pages were so confusing to me, but after reading them over three times now, I think I ..."

I felt the same way, Kathleen! I had to read the first chapter twice. I thought I was missing something! But now I'm starting to catch on.
One other thing that threw me off was my own expectation of Miss Mole. I thought she was going to be this sweet, "prime and proper" kind of person -- and she is not! But I like her better for it, and I think we'll get a better and more entertaining story. Can't wait to read more! :)

So agree, Terris. That spiky, independent quality is exactly what makes her appealing. There are so many cliches that go with her situation, except that she doesn't allow herself to fit into any of them. She draws on that country upbringing, that strength of her background, and she refuses to be bullied by life. She is an individual, and even curmudgeons are more lovable when they are uniquely themselves.

I have finished Chapter VII and have some thoughts:

(view spoiler)[ Hannah's procession down the avenue to the parsonage, following her box (which contains all of her life) is a sad moment. She is afraid of the future, but she refuses to give in to the fear, and I like her very much for that. It takes a lot to pull up your spine and proceed.

Ruth is already interesting and one to be perhaps won and in some ways saved by Hannah's arrival. The father is pompous and self-important. It will be interesting to see how that unfolds. (hide spoiler)]

I agree with Sara and Terris , Kathleen . The start is slow and somewhat difficult . But chapter 2 , her conversation with Lilla , her second cousin , is interesting and reveals so much of their individual characters . Then again in chapter 4 , I enjoyed the conversation between these two . The beginning of chapter 3 is a bit of a drag , but in the latter half , and in chapter 4 , some explanations come through.... exactly who are Mrs Gibbson , Mrs Widdows , Mr Blenkinsop ( he seems to be an important character ) , and some new names are introduced, without any mystery about who they are .... Mr Corder , his daughters , etc . I have almost finished chapter 4 and really enjoying the story the further I go . Hannah Mole is certainly a character to reckon with : so cheerfully accepting serious difficulties in life , pushing her way blithely forward , quite optimistic about finding great solutions , so responsive to the beauties of nature in spite of the grey clouds over her own horizon , a little perky , a little saucy , a little amusing .... and , till now , ( the qualities I admire ) free of jealousy, resentment and bitterness . I think this book is shaping up well ... I think , from the author 's writing style , that it will continue to do so .

Sara , Hannah Mole reminds me a bit of Anne of Green Gables .

I'm only 2 chapters in so far, and enjoying it a lot, but like Kathleen and others I did need to re-read part of that first chapter.

I read a little bit about the author at the beginning of my edition, and she seems like an interesting person I'd like to know more about.

Sara wrote: "So agree, Terris. That spiky, independent quality is exactly what makes her appealing. There are so many cliches that go with her situation, except that she doesn't allow herself to fit into any of..."

Yes, she is quite a character, and I'm so glad! I think this will be fun :)
I haven't read quite as far as you have, so will read your "spoiler" comment after I've read a couple more chapters!

I'm through chapter 4 now, and of course, you're all absolutely right! Thank you all so much for the encouragement.

I love this woman! Especially the way she makes the best of things. But also how, in her conversations with Lilia, she does what Lilia least approves of at every turn.

This is great fun. Young has succeeded, with the slow-unfolding as several of you have explained, in making me very curious about the other characters (Ernest is on my mind right now, and also Mr. Blenkinsop).

Ah, yes, Ernest is a curiosity and how she plays Lilla is just fun. Poke-poke. Young is a wonderful tease.

Sara wrote: "So agree, Terris. That spiky, independent quality is exactly what makes her appealing. There are so many cliches that go with her situation, except that she doesn't allow herself to fit into any of..."

Yes, Sara, I just finished Chapter VII, and I did think her procession to the parsonage was kind of sad. But she always has a way of brightening up her spirits!

I was just thinking that her character seems so familiar to me, and I have decided she is just like a 40-year-old "Anne of Green Gables"! She can always find a silver lining in anything to make herself feel better. When Hannah gets to the parsonage and she is living up in the attic, all she notices is what a nice view she has outside the window, being up so high -- just like Anne in her little garret room at Green Gables!
I am really enjoying Hannah and her positive attitude. I'm anxious to see what her effect is on the Corder family!! ;)

Terris and Savita: How interesting that you both felt she conjured Anne. I can certainly see that--especially with the example you give, Terris. She is in a more precarious position than our adult Anne was. Her time is running out, being middle-aged, unmarried and dependent on other people. I keep wondering why she isn't living in the cottage her parents left her--is it for the rental income, or is there more to it than that?

I have just started. The introduction reminded me of a Miss Pettigrew who was not (yet) run down by hunger. I look forward to
enjoying the novel with you. Making up tea and a reading snack. Then curling up to read.

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ This chapter answered one of my questions, which was regarding the cottage. It is all that is left of the estate she had when her parents died. Do I understand correctly that there is someone living in the cottage, but that the tenant does not pay his rents? She does not know what shape the cottage is in or if it is in fact occupied? This does seem strange to me.

Ruth definitely needs someone to talk to about the loss of her mother and how to deal with both the grief and the moving forward. Mr. Samuels might figure into this tale for both Ruth and Hannah. I found this particularly poignant: Hannah doubted whether, until this moment, anyone in the house had given Miss Mole a thought detached from some personal connection. Her comfort and happiness, for which the family might have felt some responsibility, was either assumed or ignored. (hide spoiler)]

Cynda, I can see Miss Pettigrew coming to mind. This book seems to bring to mind a lot of other characters and authors, while at the same time being very individual in both respects.

Sara wrote: "Terris and Savita: How interesting that you both felt she conjured Anne. I can certainly see that--especially with the example you give, Terris. She is in a more precarious position than our adult ..."

That's so funny -- I didn't see Savita's comment about Anne! And Cynda has even thought of another character to compare Miss Mole to. Kind of unusual ;)

I do hope to join in by next week.

Good to know Katy. I can slow my reading speed and still not be left behind. I have read through Chapter 5. Hope to see you here more or less soon.

Cynda wrote: "Good to know Katy. I can slow my reading speed and still not be left behind. I have read through Chapter 5. Hope to see you here more or less soon."

Thanks, hoping Monday.

Glad to see you here, Cynda and Katy. I thought of Miss Pettigrew too! But Hannah Mole seems a very unique character.

I just finished Chapter 7, and agree completely with Sara's spoiler. Hannah recovering from her dark thoughts made me think of the old song "Hold Your Head Up." Remember that? I find it sometimes goes through my head when I'm in a similar situation, and it always makes me stand up straighter and feel stronger. :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvfxI...

Our music is still inspiring, Kathleen. This is a great one for a Hannah theme song.

Glad to see you here, Katy!

I've finished Chapter 12, and to your spoiler, Sara, (view spoiler)[I got the same impression about no rent being paid for her cottage. I also got the feeling that this was maybe due to a romantic relationship gone wrong with the renter? (hide spoiler)]

And this quote isn't a spoiler, but I couldn't agree with it more: "I don’t think getting used to things is the right way to deal with them … I think that’s wasting them. You’ve got to use them all the time."

Kathleen wrote: "Glad to see you here, Cynda and Katy. I thought of Miss Pettigrew too! But Hannah Mole seems a very unique character.

I just finished Chapter 7, and agree completely with Sara's spoiler. Hannah re..."


I enjoyed the music of the song , Kathleen , but though the words of the chorus were easy to get , I was unable to get most of the verses because of the accented English of the artist . It sounds like a very heartening song . Thanks for posting !

I've reached chapter 14 and enjoying the story very much . What an era it was ... no electricity ! Gosh !! 🤔 !! Night - lights , candles , lamps and gas ! How much more difficult life was before electricity came 😕 !

Hannah 's thoughts and character are so interestingly and beautifully delineated and developed , as the story progresses , as also are the other characters in the novel ..... Mr Corder , Ruth , Ethel , Wilfred , Lilla , and to a lesser extent ( so far ) - Mr Blenkinsop and Mr Samson ( next door neighbor ) .
I was struck by the opposing nature of poor , but brave and optimistic , Hannah 's thoughts described in chapter 12 .... ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Hannah 's heart was beating alike for the woman who wanted her own fireside , and the one who wanted to wander , the one with a sane desire for love and its obligations, and the other who had learnt to fear anything in the nature of a contract . .... and further .. .... chilled by the thought of a poor and solitary old age , but these were moods that passed ...... And the rich old gentleman was steadily approaching . I think Sara and Kathleen are quite right ... Hannah has taken a beating in a previous love relationship ( ?? with her tenant ) . She's is afraid to venture in that field again . Right now , all she wants is to find a rich old gentleman who will ensure her security, protect and prevent her from having to wander time and again through endless roads ..... looking for food and shelter . Absolutely understandable . I don't have the heart to call her a gold digger . Somehow , it doesn't fit . Her aspirations are just human .... need , rather than greed . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

I like the quote in your hidden spoiler, Savita.

While it was done through witty social commentary, the book shows how difficult things were for women, especially unmarried women in the 1930s. There were few occupations open to women and they did not pay well. The book shines light on the double standards of the time and shows some early feminism.

After the tragic loss of so many men during World War I, there were many women living a lonely existence who had wished for their own home, a husband, and children. Society was not kind to them. Miss Mole was worried for her future as a spinster with very little savings. People do not hire an older woman to do a job which requires a lot of energy like housekeeping.

I really enjoyed Miss Mole's sense of humor, especially when she had to hide it and put on a sweet and innocent attitude when speaking to Mr Corder.

I think it is interesting both of you, Kathleen and Savita, think (view spoiler)[the tenant might represent a prior relationship for her. I missed that hint completely. It will be fascinating to see how it unfolds. (hide spoiler)]

Just started this today so I’ll catch up on all your comments as I get further along. Only 2 chapters in I’m finding Miss Mole an intriguing personality.

Connie wrote: "I like the quote in your hidden spoiler, Savita.

While it was done through witty social commentary, the book shows how difficult things were for women, especially unmarried women in the 1930s. The..."


Thanks for the background ( sad ) historical setting details , Connie ! I was not aware of many of these very sad close up details , and was reading the novel without relating it / giving thought to the time period in which it was written . ...... 🤔.... and yet these ghastly wars rage on even in today's world !

Sara wrote: "I think it is interesting both of you, Kathleen and Savita, think [spoilers removed]"

Yes , Sara , especially from the sentence ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ .... the other who had learnt to fear anything in the nature of a contract .

It's really odd that she's avoiding going back to check on her house and collect the monthly rental , even though she's so hard of cash and doesn't own any other house 🤔 . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Janelle wrote: "Just started this today so I’ll catch up on all your comments as I get further along. Only 2 chapters in I’m finding Miss Mole an intriguing personality."

Welcome , Janelle ! Looking forward to your comments .

Connie wrote: "I like the quote in your hidden spoiler, Savita.

While it was done through witty social commentary, the book shows how difficult things were for women, especially unmarried women in the 1930s. The..."

I agree completely, Connie! Women in earlier times didn't have a lot of options! I don't see Miss Mole as a "gold digger" at all. I think that, especially at age 40 ("old" in the 1930s!), she is just trying to support herself and, also, get some security for her future when she won't be looked at as employable, and trying to keep a positive attitude along the way! ;)

Savita wrote: " Yes , Sara , especially from the sentence ☆☆Beware Spoilers .... the other who had learnt to f..."

I read it as (view spoiler)[her being hurt and stung in a "contract". For women that would almost undoubtedly mean a romantic one, but it did not occur to me that the tenant could be the other person involved. I am keeping an open mind. (hide spoiler)]

Terris wrote: "Connie wrote: "I like the quote in your hidden spoiler, Savita.

While it was done through witty social commentary, the book shows how difficult things were for women, especially unmarried women in..."

Yes , I , too , feel the same way ( about the gold digger point , I mean ) , Terris .

Sara wrote: "Savita wrote: " Yes , Sara , especially from the sentence ☆☆Beware Spoilers .... the other who had learnt to f..."

I read it as [spoilers removed]"

Actually , Sara , I thought ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ the contract must be referring to the renting out of her house to that tenant , but later romantic hopes and dreams crept into the business arrangement, and still later came a sourness and the cruel dashing of the the dreams . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆ Anyway , this is just a conjecture . The author , at present , is , intentionally , very vague and shadowy on the issue .

Janelle wrote: "Just started this today so I’ll catch up on all your comments as I get further along. Only 2 chapters in I’m finding Miss Mole an intriguing personality."

I'm starting this afternoon - nice to see I am not the only late comer.

Not the only one, Katy and Janelle. I am just a few chapters in.