Persephone Books discussion

I'm new to the group and just received the book today. It's absolutely beautiful with French flaps! It's my first Persephone, hope to start it soon.

I know, they are beautiful books! I'm just starting this one also.

I read this one in March this year and enjoyed it. I've been seeking out other Dorothy Whipple novels ever since! Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks of the main characters in 'Someone at a Distance'.

I just got my copy. So pretty! Am planning to read it over the Christmas break.

Lauren wrote: "I just got my copy. So pretty! Am planning to read it over the Christmas break. "

Oh, I'll say it again, it's such a beautiful book.

I have my book too and it's up next in the queue.

I am so pleased to have found this group! I have started collecting Persephone books and am really glad to have people to discuss these with! I am hoping to start this book this week and look forward to reading it with you.

I LOVE Persephone Books! 99% of the books you buy these days are so cheaply made and terrible quality. I love that Persephone seems to take pains in designing AND assembling lovely books that are a joy to read and feel good in the hand. and they are PAPERBACKS, to boot.

Is anyone reading this yet? I am about half way through. I am not blown away by it, but am fnding certain elements interesting - the post-war rationing, the shift in class.

Louise is a great villain, though. An updated Emma Bovary.

Yes, I finished it last week. I'm ready to discuss whenever others are!
I agree about Louise, btw... :D

Just started yesterday, am really getting into it today. I like the book as social commentary, a lot like some of those old lesser Stanwyck movies that are not classics in and of themselves, but such a great reflection of the times. I'm finding the book quite entertaining, the prose isn't always splendid, but occasionally something will stand out, i.e., the wonderful description of Mrs. Beard, and a phrase something like Anne 'using the Gargantuan for the Lilliputian.'

I thoroughly enjoyed this and would read more Whipple, although I can see how she fell out of favor by the 1960s.

Very interesting portrayal of a divorced woman in post WW11 England. Sadly, I know several woman whose husbands left them abruptly, leaving them shocked and financially upset; I wish I could say this was outdated, but it isn't.

Louise was a wonderful villain.

Can we talk about the end yet?

I hope to finish today, Lauren. The discovery scene was so devastating, it totally wrung me out. One moment total satisfaction, in the next, everything turned upside down.

Very true to life, I thought. As well as Anne's reaction - instant maturity. And how defensive both kids are. How all or nothing.

Well, I finished. I think I know what you mean about the ending, Lauren, but don't want to put in spoilers for those who haven't finished. I'd be interested in hearing more about why you understand Virago's decision not to publish her, Lauren. I had a few problems with the book, but I liked it overall. You've read more Viragos than I have, did they think all their authors were simply better writers than Whipple?

Good description of the kids. I'd read more of Whipple also.

I just discovered Persephone Books - there was a blurb on them in the latest Vanity Fair Magazine - and now I'm obssesed!
This is a totally new genre for me and I'm loving everything about these books! Just finished Someone at a Distance and started Miss Pettigrew.
I buy the Classics on Amazon and the "real" ones from The Book Depository in the UK - their prices are good and they have free shipping with no minimum purchase. I would love to buy directly from the store but they charge a lot for shipping.
They did send me their biannual newsletter and the catalog for free which is a fabulous reference.
This is a great, informative group - am so glad to be a part of it!!
Deb in Minneapolis