Lovely indeed! And actually love the idea of it as a lapel pin. It symbolizes something very wonderful.
Had never heard of F.M. Mayor and enjoyed reading this so much. Might not be able to deal with the novel itself just now if it’s heartbreaking. But would love to follow the discussion even so — the book club is a great idea.,
Ha, I think the lapel pin idea might catch on (it would only be recognized by a select few). Totally understand about you preferring not to read the novel itself if you are avoiding sad things (I felt I should give a tiny warning) but really appreciate your following of the discussion.
Ann, I love this idea! I have a daughter who’s a graphic designer. She helped me out with getting mine onto my logo and banner. She could easily do pins.
Sarah Fay suggested a tattoo. It would certainly be a conversation-starter.
Ah, that's great Mary! (I need one of my kids to help me attach mine to my logo, oh why did none of them study graphic design?) A pin would definitely be fun as only those on this platform would have a clue what it means, like a secret society... while a tattoo might trigger David-Beckham-like levels of ink, given time (haha).
thank you so much, Ann, for sharing this. I have just ordered The Rector's Daughter, prompted by your post, and I am sure that I will enjoy getting acquainted with it! thanks, again!
I read this book decades ago and still recall the strength of the emotion I felt at the main character’s disappointment in love, following so soon on a flare of hope. I remember her as being rather like Anne Elliot in Persuasion — perceiving & feeling so much, but not given Anne’s second chance by Mayor. I wonder what I would think of the story now and whether it would have the same power. Perhaps it will seem more defined by its time.
Thanks for your great comment Heather, I hadn't thought of the Anne Elliot connection before. It's interesting, isn't it, to wonder if Mayor's novel would be written differently now. Part of its power is looking at different aspects of love and how those can change over a lifetime (though less so in the case of Mary Jocelyn's father) with just a touch of optimism at the end.
Congratulations! I'm a new subscriber but have loved the posts I've read. I've been meaning to read The Rector's Daughter. I love a good bleak book and I love Cranford! Sounds like the right book for me.
Thanks Dominika and welcome. Glad you've heard of the book - I think it's not so much bleak as poignant, and a fantastic description of different sorts of love. I think Mayor based the rectory descriptions on her own experience.
I love this book....definitely up for a book chat about it...weirdly, I came across the author's father when I was researching the Macmillans...when they needed someone to 'fact check ' the draft of Tom Brown's School Days, knowing nothing of public schools, let alone of Rugby, Mayor
How interesting, Sarah, that there's a Macmillan connection. The Mayors came from a very intellectual family on both sides, it seems - so you can imagine their dismay when Flora wanted to become an actress.
That's great Deborah. I do hope you enjoy it - I know a book has to meet us in the right place and mood. In some ways her style reminds me a little of Marilynne Robinson's.
Thank you Sarah, I am delighted with my little pin. Mayor is one of those writers whose world view is quite unforgettable, and it's also not a long book so that's a plus!
A great novel and, as you say, never forgotten. I've read it twice and will be interested in what others think. Love your idea of suggesting a group read!
Lovely indeed! And actually love the idea of it as a lapel pin. It symbolizes something very wonderful.
Had never heard of F.M. Mayor and enjoyed reading this so much. Might not be able to deal with the novel itself just now if it’s heartbreaking. But would love to follow the discussion even so — the book club is a great idea.,
Ha, I think the lapel pin idea might catch on (it would only be recognized by a select few). Totally understand about you preferring not to read the novel itself if you are avoiding sad things (I felt I should give a tiny warning) but really appreciate your following of the discussion.
Ann, I love this idea! I have a daughter who’s a graphic designer. She helped me out with getting mine onto my logo and banner. She could easily do pins.
Sarah Fay suggested a tattoo. It would certainly be a conversation-starter.
Ah, that's great Mary! (I need one of my kids to help me attach mine to my logo, oh why did none of them study graphic design?) A pin would definitely be fun as only those on this platform would have a clue what it means, like a secret society... while a tattoo might trigger David-Beckham-like levels of ink, given time (haha).
Can’t wait to read it! A new author for me
Thanks Lise! Yes, FM Mayor isn’t at all well known - and certainly not prolific - but she has devoted fans.
thank you so much, Ann, for sharing this. I have just ordered The Rector's Daughter, prompted by your post, and I am sure that I will enjoy getting acquainted with it! thanks, again!
So pleased, Christina! I hope you enjoy it… it’s a book that just gets better as you get deeper into it, I think.
Thank you. It promises to be my absolute cup of tea, to quote a cliché. And thanks for subscribing. It means a lot!
I read this book decades ago and still recall the strength of the emotion I felt at the main character’s disappointment in love, following so soon on a flare of hope. I remember her as being rather like Anne Elliot in Persuasion — perceiving & feeling so much, but not given Anne’s second chance by Mayor. I wonder what I would think of the story now and whether it would have the same power. Perhaps it will seem more defined by its time.
Thanks for your great comment Heather, I hadn't thought of the Anne Elliot connection before. It's interesting, isn't it, to wonder if Mayor's novel would be written differently now. Part of its power is looking at different aspects of love and how those can change over a lifetime (though less so in the case of Mary Jocelyn's father) with just a touch of optimism at the end.
Congratulations! I'm a new subscriber but have loved the posts I've read. I've been meaning to read The Rector's Daughter. I love a good bleak book and I love Cranford! Sounds like the right book for me.
Thanks Dominika and welcome. Glad you've heard of the book - I think it's not so much bleak as poignant, and a fantastic description of different sorts of love. I think Mayor based the rectory descriptions on her own experience.
Congratulations on the award! Well-deserved!
Thanks Etta!
Great new book club feature. I'm IN.
Hurray, thanks so much for your enthusiasm Jill!
Congratulations on the rosette! 🧡 I love your book club idea, and look forward to reading more.
Many thanks Victoria! No idea if the book club thing will work but it will just be nice to have a discussion.
Absolutely!
Congratulations Ann! And a great choice for your first book (I read it about six months ago and I’ll leave my comments until the first discussion!)
Thank you Liz and that's great that the book will be fresh in your mind, can't wait to hear your thoughts.
I love this book....definitely up for a book chat about it...weirdly, I came across the author's father when I was researching the Macmillans...when they needed someone to 'fact check ' the draft of Tom Brown's School Days, knowing nothing of public schools, let alone of Rugby, Mayor
was the man they consulted!
How interesting, Sarah, that there's a Macmillan connection. The Mayors came from a very intellectual family on both sides, it seems - so you can imagine their dismay when Flora wanted to become an actress.
This is a wonderful idea. I have always meant to read this and it gives me the perfect reason to dust it off!
That's great Deborah. I do hope you enjoy it - I know a book has to meet us in the right place and mood. In some ways her style reminds me a little of Marilynne Robinson's.
I feel certain I will and I am not sure quite why it has taken so long to do so!
Sounds great! Just bought the e-book :)
Ah, so pleased Leslie. You might enjoy the BBC Radio 4 series too (and you can blame me if you don't - I will brace myself for a lively discussion!)
Congratulations! Fun to see the recognition of your work.
Many thanks Abra. Great to be exploring similar literary territory with you!
That is a lovely thing! Congratulations! And I’m eager to hear more about FM Mayor.
Thank you Sarah, I am delighted with my little pin. Mayor is one of those writers whose world view is quite unforgettable, and it's also not a long book so that's a plus!
A great novel and, as you say, never forgotten. I've read it twice and will be interested in what others think. Love your idea of suggesting a group read!
Thank you Clare, so pleased you liked it too. It's fun (& scary) planning this group read - it might be a very small group but that's ok!
Congratulations Ann, wonderful news!
Thanks Natalie! Just a bauble, but very nice to have.