Thank you Ann, you always give me great ideas for my tbr. And always get me to meet great women.
How nice that children dress up like their favourite characters,we should have imported this instead of Halloween (no offence for Halloween,but...we have carnevale).
Talking about friendship, the greatest novel about it is Narcissus and Goldmund,by Hesse, in my opinion.
Oh, I didn't know that Hesse novel, thanks for suggesting it Stefania (the exchange of book ideas is so enjoyable!) Yes, I think parents can get stressed at finding outfits for their kids, but it must be such fun to take part, and have a special day dedicated to books.
Thank you for this introduction to Pernel Strachey! Side note: don’t the girls in the Strachey family look more interesting and together than the boys? Based, at least, on that photos of all the siblings.
It's a great photo isn't it? The girls do look much livelier than the boys. Though Lytton Strachey, standing next to Pernel, was probably the most famous of the Stracheys and certainly the most daring (as a writer). I love this article about his Eminent Victorians (1918):
Thank you so much for the mention, Ann- what a lovely surprise! I knew nothing of Pernel Strachey ( what a marvellous name too) and found this a fascinating read. I loved The Tortoise and the Hare, and had no idea she had written an auto biography, so will now seek this out.
I think I may have already replied on Notes, Deborah... I am confused by that setting, but thank you! Very glad to discover another Tortoise and the Hare fan.
Re Beryl Bainbridge, she did a wonderful programme called English Journey, an updated journey based on Priestley's. It was my introduction to her and went on to love her books. You can get a taste of her here interviewed by Marvis Nicholson. She really was marvellous. https://youtu.be/PTDCB19Bleo?si=xRMypzkKQkFaSWn_
Such a wonderful painting of Pernel Strachey with such vibrant colors. Sort of impressionist which is quite appropriate to the study of French and in France. Also amazing that she knew Virginia Woolf and was influential in how one of her students became a successful novelist. Of course novelists write alone but behind many novelists are supporters or mentors who encourage an emerging novelist believe in themselves. And help them combine their observation with personal wisdom often contained in their writing voice.
Thank you Larry for your thoughtful comment. I hadn't thought about the artist deploying a French style of painting to convey Pernel's character and love of France – but it makes perfect sense. I don't suppose her students thought of her as a bohemian, but there's definitely a sense of that. Even though Woolf mocked her at times for her 'schoolmarmish' ways, Pernel's support and encouragement meant a lot to her, as you say.
Enjoyed this Ann. Slightly off-subject but it always strikes me what extraordinary changes and upheaval people of her generation witnessed - born during the high summer of Victorian Britain and living into post-war times.
Many thanks, Mark. I feel bad I didn't get onto Pernel's remarkable WW2 contribution, encouraging former students to help out at Bletchley (those languages came in handy in cracking the codes). Might have to be continued...
I am so grateful to you for introducing me to writers I did not yet know. I’ve just ordered a copy of The Tortoise and the Hare (albeit a second-hand one).
Happy International Women’s Day to you, Ann! Thank you for connecting the dots between these remarkable women, their lives, and their work. You have such a gift for bringing us into their world. Beautiful article, as always.
Many thanks for your lovely comment, Mary and sorry for belated reply! Your encouragement is very much appreciated. It is quite nice to escape into these past lives at the moment, far away from world news.
Really interesting article Ann. I hadn't heard of Elizabeth Jenkins and have been reading about her further. Her books sound very interesting. And it's great to hear that Daunt books are republishing the great Beryl Bainbridge's books. I have read quite a few of them over the years. I think The Birthday Boys is my favourite, but it's heartbreaking.
There was an interesting article in the Irish Times Culture section last weekend about Beryl's life and the publications by Daunt. Two books are available now. I loved An Awfully Big Adventure. One of her early books
Novels about friendship: It's considered a children's book, and it's been decades since I read it, but I recall Katherine Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia" as a deeply moving story about friendship. (And as I write that sentence, it occurs to me that E. B. White's "Charlotte's Web" falls into the same category.)
I wish I'd read that book when I was young, Peter, it sounds wonderful. Now I shall have to wait until I have grandchildren, I suppose (but as you say, a good book isn't limited to an age bracket). Charlotte's Web is such a good novel about a friendship that crosses boundaries. It occurs to me that Rumer Godden's Miss Happiness and Miss Flower is about something similar; finding connections in unexpected places.
The friendships and acquaintances in these times are very interesting. I just discovered and purchased a first edition of Iris Origo's "Allegra" published by none other than Hogarth Press. I don't think Iris and Virginia were close or if Virginia ever visited La Foce. I like to imagine it, though. Maybe you know...?
Apologies for late reply, Ron, I don't think Virginia ever visited La Foce but Iris Origo is an intriguing chracter, isn't she? I am going to seek out Caroline Moorhead's biography of her.
Her legacy lives on at La Foce, operated by her daughter Benedetta. She was a force in the WWII era of Southern Tuscany, caring for children orphaned in the war.
Thank you Ron, it's my favourite thing about Substack, being able to interact with people. It makes my hours of research and writing feel worthwhile! I greatly appreciate having your support.
Enjoyed this, thanks, Ann, and delighted to hear Elizabeth Jenkins’ novel will be re-issued, I am very intrigued by it. I have only read (and enjoyed) The Tortoise and the Hare, which I bought having listened to Backlisted presenters and guests sing its praises.
Thank you Anna, and I did wonder whether to mention the excellent Backlisted episode (maybe with a warning about plot spoilers). I'm looking forward to re-reading The Tortoise and the Hare, knowing a bit more about EJ's life this time round.
thank you for including my piece, Ann!
You're very welcome, Amelia. Great to share your helpful tips.
Thank you Ann, you always give me great ideas for my tbr. And always get me to meet great women.
How nice that children dress up like their favourite characters,we should have imported this instead of Halloween (no offence for Halloween,but...we have carnevale).
Talking about friendship, the greatest novel about it is Narcissus and Goldmund,by Hesse, in my opinion.
Oh, I didn't know that Hesse novel, thanks for suggesting it Stefania (the exchange of book ideas is so enjoyable!) Yes, I think parents can get stressed at finding outfits for their kids, but it must be such fun to take part, and have a special day dedicated to books.
Thank you for including Stitching Cromwell Ann! Very lovely to see the link.
It looks like such a good exhibition, Bea. Great to see those photos of your work.
Thank you for this introduction to Pernel Strachey! Side note: don’t the girls in the Strachey family look more interesting and together than the boys? Based, at least, on that photos of all the siblings.
It's a great photo isn't it? The girls do look much livelier than the boys. Though Lytton Strachey, standing next to Pernel, was probably the most famous of the Stracheys and certainly the most daring (as a writer). I love this article about his Eminent Victorians (1918):
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/aug/06/rage-takedowns-and-scandals-lytton-stracheys-eminent-victorians-at-100
Thank you so much for the mention, Ann- what a lovely surprise! I knew nothing of Pernel Strachey ( what a marvellous name too) and found this a fascinating read. I loved The Tortoise and the Hare, and had no idea she had written an auto biography, so will now seek this out.
I think I may have already replied on Notes, Deborah... I am confused by that setting, but thank you! Very glad to discover another Tortoise and the Hare fan.
You may have done, but it seems I am confused too!😂
Very comforting to share our confusions.
Re Beryl Bainbridge, she did a wonderful programme called English Journey, an updated journey based on Priestley's. It was my introduction to her and went on to love her books. You can get a taste of her here interviewed by Marvis Nicholson. She really was marvellous. https://youtu.be/PTDCB19Bleo?si=xRMypzkKQkFaSWn_
Such a wonderful painting of Pernel Strachey with such vibrant colors. Sort of impressionist which is quite appropriate to the study of French and in France. Also amazing that she knew Virginia Woolf and was influential in how one of her students became a successful novelist. Of course novelists write alone but behind many novelists are supporters or mentors who encourage an emerging novelist believe in themselves. And help them combine their observation with personal wisdom often contained in their writing voice.
Thank you Larry for your thoughtful comment. I hadn't thought about the artist deploying a French style of painting to convey Pernel's character and love of France – but it makes perfect sense. I don't suppose her students thought of her as a bohemian, but there's definitely a sense of that. Even though Woolf mocked her at times for her 'schoolmarmish' ways, Pernel's support and encouragement meant a lot to her, as you say.
Enjoyed this Ann. Slightly off-subject but it always strikes me what extraordinary changes and upheaval people of her generation witnessed - born during the high summer of Victorian Britain and living into post-war times.
Many thanks, Mark. I feel bad I didn't get onto Pernel's remarkable WW2 contribution, encouraging former students to help out at Bletchley (those languages came in handy in cracking the codes). Might have to be continued...
I am so grateful to you for introducing me to writers I did not yet know. I’ve just ordered a copy of The Tortoise and the Hare (albeit a second-hand one).
So pleased to hear this Fiona! I am all for buying secondhand books, and passing them on too. I hope you enjoy the Tortoise and the Hare.
Happy International Women’s Day to you, Ann! Thank you for connecting the dots between these remarkable women, their lives, and their work. You have such a gift for bringing us into their world. Beautiful article, as always.
Many thanks for your lovely comment, Mary and sorry for belated reply! Your encouragement is very much appreciated. It is quite nice to escape into these past lives at the moment, far away from world news.
Really interesting article Ann. I hadn't heard of Elizabeth Jenkins and have been reading about her further. Her books sound very interesting. And it's great to hear that Daunt books are republishing the great Beryl Bainbridge's books. I have read quite a few of them over the years. I think The Birthday Boys is my favourite, but it's heartbreaking.
Thanks Lucy and you have encouraged me to get started on Beryl Bainbridge's books (how can I have missed out until now?).
There was an interesting article in the Irish Times Culture section last weekend about Beryl's life and the publications by Daunt. Two books are available now. I loved An Awfully Big Adventure. One of her early books
Ah, that’s useful. I think I’ll start with that one.
Novels about friendship: It's considered a children's book, and it's been decades since I read it, but I recall Katherine Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia" as a deeply moving story about friendship. (And as I write that sentence, it occurs to me that E. B. White's "Charlotte's Web" falls into the same category.)
I wish I'd read that book when I was young, Peter, it sounds wonderful. Now I shall have to wait until I have grandchildren, I suppose (but as you say, a good book isn't limited to an age bracket). Charlotte's Web is such a good novel about a friendship that crosses boundaries. It occurs to me that Rumer Godden's Miss Happiness and Miss Flower is about something similar; finding connections in unexpected places.
I don’t know Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, Ann. I’ll have to look for it! Thanks for the tip.
The friendships and acquaintances in these times are very interesting. I just discovered and purchased a first edition of Iris Origo's "Allegra" published by none other than Hogarth Press. I don't think Iris and Virginia were close or if Virginia ever visited La Foce. I like to imagine it, though. Maybe you know...?
Apologies for late reply, Ron, I don't think Virginia ever visited La Foce but Iris Origo is an intriguing chracter, isn't she? I am going to seek out Caroline Moorhead's biography of her.
Her legacy lives on at La Foce, operated by her daughter Benedetta. She was a force in the WWII era of Southern Tuscany, caring for children orphaned in the war.
That’s so interesting to hear, and I am glad her wartime contribution is still being acknowledged.
It is very civilized of you to respond to the comments of your followers. Wonderful!
Thank you Ron, it's my favourite thing about Substack, being able to interact with people. It makes my hours of research and writing feel worthwhile! I greatly appreciate having your support.
Wonderful article, Ann. Thank you as always.
That is so kind of you, Marian, my pleasure! I do love Pernel.
Enjoyed this, thanks, Ann, and delighted to hear Elizabeth Jenkins’ novel will be re-issued, I am very intrigued by it. I have only read (and enjoyed) The Tortoise and the Hare, which I bought having listened to Backlisted presenters and guests sing its praises.
Thank you Anna, and I did wonder whether to mention the excellent Backlisted episode (maybe with a warning about plot spoilers). I'm looking forward to re-reading The Tortoise and the Hare, knowing a bit more about EJ's life this time round.
HAPPY WOMAN'S DAY TO YOU, TOO, ANN! Thank you for this essay. What a fascinating, colourful story! Thank you!
Ah, many thanks Christina, that's very kind.
I went wandering down many a fascinating rabbit hole, as usual with your posts!
Haha, thank you Louise! So many rabbit holes to explore...