Hello all and thanks to Margo for hosting! Too hot for the porch but a wonderful night anyway, thank you! What a fun conversation about what was, at its time, a ground-breaking novel with rather ground-breaking characters. Ashley in particular knew a lot about this book and where it fit in the Lord Peter Whimsey stories of Dorothy L. Sayers.
While this book definitely stood alone, Ashley's ability to put it into context was illuminating. Harriet Vane, the main character, was back at her college at Oxford for an Alumnae dinner. Expecting a cool reception since she had previously been on trial for murdering the man she lived with. In the thirties! Not the done thing.
Expectations and pre-conceived roles played a big part in how the book moved along. I could almost see Harriet's eyes rolling every time she is asked about Lord Peter Whimsey. What was he like, was he going to show up, did she have any insight into him? Oh to be a handsome, wealthy member of the aristocracy, even one (his ground--breaking part) with shell-shock from WW1 and also a reputation for womenizing.
While this was a good story, it left me a bit puzzled about why it was considered such an important book for Sayers. Again, written in the 1930's, with a plot that hinged on education for women and their role in the world, perhaps it was the topic. It was also a lovely read, with well-defined characters and a plot that moved right along, at least after painting the picture of life at this secluded women's college.
All in all, we liked it, and if you have questions about it, Ashley is your best source.
Our next book brings us back to the current day. It is Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel. She is the author of Glass Hotel and Station Eleven, both relatively popular books. We are going to Karin's new house at Monument Square, can't wait. The date is August 15, at 6:30. See you all there!
By the way, I was at the library the other day picking up Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, and was surprised when I was handed a lovely canvas bag with eight copies of the book and a discussion guide inside. It was a Book Club Kit! Nice to know such a thing exists, maybe we should give one a whirl!
See you all on the 15th.
