Daddy's Gone A-hunting

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

pick

It‘s the 1950s and Ruth has a dull and unsatisfying life. Her husband is in town during the weeks and with her sons at boarding school and her daughter in Oxford, she leads an empty and lonely life. On the verge of a breakdown her daughter comes home with a secret. This makes her reflect on her marriage and being a mother. My heart broke for Ruth.

TheBookHippie Ah. I‘ve stacked it! Sounds good. 2d

Jas16 If I didn‘t already have this one stacked, your review would convince me to do it. 2d

LeahBergen I really enjoyed this one (and I‘m liking the look of your snacks 😆). 2d

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BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie @Jas16 So many good reviews here made me stack it as well. And they were right! 2d

BarbaraBB @LeahBergen Not really healthy but I so felt like it 🤣 2d

sarahbarnes I have this one stacked based on reviews here too - glad to see you liked it! And weekends are not for healthy. 😆 2d

82 likes6 stack adds6 comments

AnneCecilie

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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This book is amazing and I‘m not sure I can fully explain why. There‘s something about the writing and its snarkyness, the bored stay-at-home mothers and the overworked fathers. And the title as amazing

59 likes2 stack adds

CarolynM

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

#BookReport for July

I actually managed to read a couple of serious books this month, so that was a win. Daddy‘s Gone A-Hunting was my favourite.

Cinfhen

Cinfhen Nice! Hope your parents are ok and your managing xx 2y

CarolynM @Cinfhen We‘re getting there🥴💕 2y

Cathythoughts Thinking of you ♥️ 2y

CarolynM @Cathythoughts Thanks Cathy😘 2y

52 likes4 comments

CarolynM

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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Where to start with this review? The social issues? The moral questions? The emotional void at the heart of this family? The spectacular self absorption of the male characters? My raging fury at Tony‘s letter? There‘s a lot to think about here, but the thing I find myself wondering about most is why any woman would ever have anything to do with these men in the first place.
#PersephoneClub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, Tamra, andrew61, Cathythoughts, jlhammar

LeahBergen All things I thought myself! I had to keep checking the date that this was written as I wondered how it was received by the reading public at the time? 2y

Cathythoughts Great review! There is so much to think about. I want to read more by this author. So well written. (edited) 2y

Aimeesue The emotional void - yes! May it die out rapidly and take those festering pockets of chauvinism with it. 2y

jlhammar Terrific review! It really was such a thought-provoking and emotional read. 2y

Rissreadswithcats I loved The pumpkin eater! 2y

76 likes1 stack add5 comments

Cathythoughts

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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It‘s “ Bye Baby Bunting,” she discovered eagerly. But how sad!
In a little while her lips moved soundlessly, forming words remote and innocent as the melody itself
…Baby Bunting
Daddy‘s gone a -hunting,
Gone to fetch a rabbit skin
To wrap his Baby Bunting in,
Bye Baby Bunting

The 1950s. Life at that time.
I thought the little music box and song so poignant. Holding the themes of the story.
Hauntingly real, beautifully written. #Persephoneclub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, CarolynM, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, andrew61, jlhammar

jlhammar Lovely photo and review! I agree, so poignant and just stellar writing. 2y

Cathythoughts @jlhammar ThanksX Yes poignant. I think ‘Daddy‘s Gone A Hunting ‘ rings so many bells for that time , where were the men ? Making a living , very important I know , but so missing in other ways. , and Ruth was such a real character, a time when women were taking ‘acceptable‘ prescription medication just to get through the day. I loved Ruth‘s strong protection of her daughter. 2y

Cathythoughts @jlhammar Also , just that Ruth asked Rex about his loneliness .. often a lonely set up for man and wife. .. Sorry , Im going on a bit , but I was born in the 1950‘s , so I remember what happened in this time in so many families ♥️ (edited) 2y

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jlhammar @Cathythoughts Great points. It really was a brilliant use of that nursery rhyme - alludes to so much of what was going on at the time. 2y

Cathythoughts @jlhammar The metaphor of that rhyme goes on and on the more you let it sink in. ❤️ (edited) 2y

batsy Loved seeing all of your thoughtful reviews of this book. I definitely need to move this up the TBR! 2y

Cathythoughts @batsy Thanks Suba, I think you would like it 👍🏻♥️ 2y

LeahBergen What a beautiful review, Cathy. This was such a marvellous read! 2y

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Wasn‘t it just !! So good ♥️ 2y

andrew61 I'm glad you highlighted the rhyme and musical box Cathy, both innocent and sinister. Yes, men don't come off well in 1950s stories. Great review. 2y

Cathythoughts @andrew61 They don‘t. But I think Ruth was aware of Lex‘s loneliness too … men had their own trials. (edited) 2y

andrew61 @Cathythoughts Yes Rex is very troubled and this followed quickly on my reading for irl grp The tortoise and the hare Cathy which similarly had a main male character who did not evoke much empathy. 2y

Tamra Lovely review Cathy - glad you were able to fit it in! 2y

Cathythoughts @Tamra I nearly let it go for now as life‘s been busy. I‘m so glad I read it now ❤️❤️❤️ 2y

59 likes14 comments

quietjenn

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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A deftly written portrait of post-war life, so close and suffocating to housewife Ruth. The writing is terrific and the atmosphere expertly wrought. Is it any wonder that the second wave of feminism came along? #PersephoneClub

quietjenn @merelybookish @quietjenn @elkeOriginal @Gissy @Aimeesue @andrew61 @Cathythoughts @jhammar @willaful @Oryx @leahbergen @Karons1 @kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @mom_of_4 @Eyelit @rsteve388 @LapReader @BookNAround @sisilia @vansa 2y

Tamra Wonderful review! Duty bound Ruth 🫤 2y

LeahBergen Great review! And oh, yes… wasn‘t the life suffocating? Yikes. 2y

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Cathythoughts Excellent review 👍🏻❤️ I‘m still way behind with this one. 2y

jlhammar Yes, suffocating! Great description. 2y

rubyslippersreads Suffocating is the perfect description. 2y

Aimeesue Nice review! Spot on. 2y

Cathythoughts Just finished. Great review. I loved it. 2y

CarolynM Great review. I wanted to say something about the claustrophobic atmosphere but couldn‘t come up with the right words. I think you‘ve nailed it. 2y

Bookbuyingaddict Love ❤️ that cover ! Can‘t get it here now in the uk 🇬🇧 for love nor money 💴 😕 2y

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Aimeesue

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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Daddy‘s Gone A-Hunting is the story of Ruth, a middle class housewife in 1950s Britain, and how she tries to save her daughter from repeating her mistakes and her stifling, constricted life. Mortimer brilliantly depicts the social expectations of a certain class and Ruth‘s struggle to fit within them and the pressing need to break out. While it seems like settings such as these, with their rigid social roles, ⬇️
#PersephoneClub

Aimeesue 2/2 … with their rigid social roles, hierarchical ranking systems, and pearl-clutching monitors of the town green, I was taken aback to realize that Mortimer could have been describing the social life of a modern American military base as well. I‘ve lived there, so many times, in so many places. That certainly gave me a lot to think about. (edited) 2y

Aimeesue @merelybookish @quietjenn @elkeOriginal @Gissy @rubyslipperreads @andrew61 @Cathythoughts @jhammar @willaful @Oryx @leahbergen @Karons1 @kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @mom_of_4 @Eyelit @rsteve388 @LapReader @BookNAround @sisilia 2y

jlhammar Great review! 2y

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Tamra This definitely leaves an impression! 2y

LeahBergen Great review! And yes, the stifling restrictions of her class were something else. I loved how the guests to the party were all described upon entering and how differently they acted (the “lower class” villagers and the folks from The Common). 2y

sarahbarnes That is such a great cover! 2y

Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻♥️ I‘m way behind , but I did start and love the writing and story. 2y

CarolynM Great review. The class thing struck me too. Fascinating that it resonated with your experiences. 2y

Aimeesue @CarolynM The military is one of the last strongholds of chauvinism I‘ve experienced, although that‘s changing as more and POC and women move up the ranks, at least the overt stuff. Military spouses often don‘t have jobs, because you move every 2-3 years, so we tended to entertain ourselves with alcohol- fueled play dates and parties. And then the gossip begins. . . It‘s a very strange, insular experience. (edited) 2y

45 likes9 comments

LeahBergen

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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Well, I‘m chiming in to add my love to the chorus of #PersephoneClub readers who loved this book, too.

An exquisitely wrought story of a 1950s housewife who is slowly going mad until she finds a purpose: to try to save her 18-year-old daughter from the same sort of life in which she herself is stuck.

#JohnnyBergen has been finding camper life exhausting. We‘ve been on the road for a couple of weeks. 😆

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, CarolynM, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, andrew61, Cathythoughts, jlhammar

LeahBergen @merelybookish @Tamra @Vansa @sisilia @willaful @julieclair @LapReader (edited) 2y

jlhammar Adorable! And lovely background. Hope you've been having a wonderful trip. Brilliant review! The writing really was exquisite. So glad you loved it. 2y

Caroline2 Oh the cuteness!!! 🥰 🐾 2y

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TrishB Awwww Sansa says hi 👋🐶♥️ 2y

dabbe I want to kiss the space between his eyes and bop his nose (not while he's so cutely sleeping, though!) 💙🐾💚 2y

Leftcoastzen Awww! Sweet pup! 2y

ShelleyBooksie He is so handsome ♡♡ 2y

Tamra So glad you liked it and yes, camping is just exhausting. 🤣 2y

erzascarletbookgasm Ohh camping! How fun..but tiring! 2y

MemoirsForMe Awww! Happy Camping! 2y

batsy Poor Johnny! Has he been made to do too many chores? 😆❤️ 2y

youneverarrived Too cute ♥️♥️ 2y

Aimeesue Aww, poor little guy! Travelling guard duty is rough on a fellow! 2y

Cathythoughts Lovely pic and review ❤️ I‘m flagging behind , I‘ve had lots of family staying and everything is up in a heap ! I really enjoyed the start of this book, just haven‘t had a minute. My family prefer Tv , so have watched some good shows. Can‘t wait to get back to reality and to Litsy and reading properly. Poor Johnny is finding the camping hard going , bless him ❤️🐶. Chat soon Xxx 2y

LeahBergen @jlhammar She was one of those authors that I always THOUGHT I might like but never rushed to read. I‘m so glad that I finally did! 2y

LeahBergen @Caroline2 @Leftcoastzen @ShelleyBooksie @youneverarrived Johnny sends his love! 😆 2y

LeahBergen @TrishB Johnny sends Sansa a kiss! 😆 2y

LeahBergen @dabbe He wouldn‘t mind at all! 😆 2y

LeahBergen @Tamra @erzascarletbookgasm @batsy SO exhausting. I mean … he‘s in a trailer with his own blankets, bed, bowls, toys … excruciating! 😆 2y

LeahBergen @UwannaPublishme Thank you! We‘ve been having a wonderful time. 😘 2y

LeahBergen @Aimeesue He‘s been keeping an eye out for elk and bears (from the safety of his trailer). 😆 2y

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts I‘m going through the same thing! I just spent 8 days with family and had ZERO reading (or Litsy) time. It was all great fun, though, and we‘re now having a bit of time to ourselves. Johnny would be enjoying the wilds of Canada much more if your Lisa was here to bolster his courage. 😆😆 2y

Suet624 So fun! It‘s great getting out of your regular routine and into the woods. 2y

Centique I quite fancy curling up beside him for a snooze! Johnny does camping in great civilised style 😉 2y

CarolynM I‘m glad everyone seems to have enjoyed it🙂 I‘m not in the right headspace right now, but it (or Dr Thorn) will be the first thing I pick up when I‘m ready for more than romance or cozy crime. Hope you‘re having a wonderful time on your camping trip😘 2y

LeahBergen @Suet624 Isn‘t it, though? 🥰 2y

LeahBergen @Centique He LOVES a snoozing partner. 😆 2y

LeahBergen @CarolynM It‘s a great read when the time is right. I‘ve also skipped our #Trollope-ing read as I‘ve been travelling about too much. 😕 I hope life settles down a bit for you soon but yeah … we are right in that age of aging parents and such. It‘s rough, isn‘t it? 2y

Cathythoughts God I loved it too ! It was , as you say an , exquisitely wrought story 👍🏻♥️ 2y

sarahbarnes I want to read this! And two weeks on the road in a camper sounds amazing!! 2y

LeahBergen @sarahbarnes It was a lovely holiday! 😊 2y

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andrew61

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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#persephoneclub
I grew tenser the further i went into this brilliant book that reflects how appalling it was that women were made criminal by choosing what to do with their bodies. There is so much to say including the hypocrisy of the dreadful Rex, the well told depiction of the cruelty and love of the mother/daughter relationship, but most of all the strength of Ruth who despite the perception of her by others prioritises her child at all cost.

LeahBergen Fabulous review! And you nailed it with the description of the mother-daughter relationship. Oh, how I loathed that Rex. 2y

andrew61 @LeahBergen this followed on the back of the tortoise and the hare ,leah, where the main male character was equally dreadful. Must have been something in the water ! Another great read , thanks for organising as I have discovered some stories that I won't forget. 2y

jlhammar Yes, so tense! Wonderful review. Such a good book. Dreadful Rex indeed! 2y

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Tamra Terrific review! 2y

Cathythoughts Brilliant review. I‘m only just finished it today. A powerful book 2y

CarolynM Lovely review. Rex was pretty bad, but I think Tony might be even worse! 2y

50 likes6 comments

Cathythoughts

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

#WeeklyForecast
I‘m really enjoying the tagged book and love the title.
My Policeman, a recommendation I‘m looking forward to trying out.
Jane Smiley, I‘ve enjoyed everything I‘ve read by her so far.

Happy reading week friends X
Hi Cindy 👋🏻❤️

Cinfhen

Blaire I also have really liked all the Jane Smiley I‘ve read and she‘s an author I sometimes forget about. Need to read more of her. 2y

Tamra Happy Reading Cathy! 😊 2y

AnneCecilie I‘ve always wanted to read Jane Smiley. I haven‘t gotten to her. Do you have any recommendations? 2y

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Cinfhen Great photo, Cathy!!! Happy reading 😘 2y

Cathythoughts @Blaire I love her characters. ♥️ 2y

Cathythoughts @Tamra Thanks friend 👍🏻♥️ 2y

Cathythoughts @AnneCecilie The first I read of her was a trilogy which I loved. The first book is called

Some Luck: A novel

TheLudicReader I love jugs and that one is so pretty. 2y

TrishB I still have a Smiley on the pile! Must get to. 2y

Centique What a beautiful photo! I have My Policeman on my TBR too. Have a great week Cathy 💕 2y

LeahBergen What a pretty photo, Cathy! 2y

Cathythoughts @TheLudicReader Thanks , I love jugs too ♥️😁 2y

Cathythoughts @TrishB I know ! I must get back to her too 👍🏻♥️ 2y

Cathythoughts @Centique Yes , I think i came across My Policeman on Instagram , sounds good 👍🏻♥️ 2y

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Thanks Leah, part of our new bookshelves 🥰 being tweaked daily ( hourly 🤔😁) 2y

LeahBergen Oh, yes, the new bookshelves! How wonderful. ❤️❤️ 2y

65 likes16 comments

jlhammar

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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Fantastic. I started late this morning and read straight through. Didn‘t want to put it down. I loved Mortimer‘s wry, edgy, perceptive writing. And so timely! I wasn‘t expecting that. Look forward to reading more of her work.

#PersephoneClub

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, LapReader, sisilia, CarolynM, LeahBergen, Oryx, elkeOriginal, BookNAround, Eyelit, Gissy, Vansa, Aimeesue, merelybookish, Tamra, andrew61, HeatherBlue, Cathythoughts, rsteve388, Kristin_Reads, Bookbuyingaddict, julieclair, willaful, mom_of_4

Tamra Yes!!! Totally “gulp” worthy read. I couldn‘t stop either. 2y

merelybookish Great review! And yes, sadly it is timely. 2y

elkeOriginal Fantastic bookmark - a total Handmaids Tale vibe @rubyslippersreads ! 2y

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andrew61 Great read and review. the Pumpkin eater is the only other one I've read and equally interesting 2y

LeahBergen Wonderful review! I kept thinking about how this book must‘ve been received when it was first published. 2y

CarolynM Glad you enjoyed. I will get to it soon, I hope. 2y

Cathythoughts Great review! I‘m only finished, I couldn‘t put it down either once I got going. 2y

67 likes1 stack add7 comments

jlhammar

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

‘Oh, I agree,‘ Maxine breathed. ‘I don‘t think all this freedom is good for a girl. I mean, it doesn‘t make you happy, does it? I mean, all that sort of thing is sacred, really. I‘m sure you all think I‘m very old-fashioned.‘ She met, with candour, the stares of amazement. ‘I just think about things,‘ she explained modestly, ‘it‘s funny, but I just can‘t help it. I think nearly all the time.‘

This part was just too good! 😂
#PersephoneClub

Tamra 😜 yes, I remember pausing there too! Funny 2y

LeahBergen Sure, Maxine … you‘re just an old-fashioned girl. That‘s a bit rich when we read about her in the sack with Rex later on. 😆 2y

CarolynM @LeahBergen I know, right? Maxine is quite a piece of work! 2y

LeahBergen @CarolynM Wasn‘t she, though? Yikes. 2y

54 likes4 comments

jlhammar

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

“The women have no such understanding. Like little icebergs, each keeps a bright and shining face above water; below the surface, submerged in fathoms of leisure, each keeps her own isolated personality. Some are happy, some poisoned with boredom; some drink too much and some, below the demarcation line, are slightly crazy; some love their husbands and some are dying from lack of love; a few have talent, as useless to them as a paralysed limb.”

jlhammar #PersephoneClub This passage was a stand-out for me. Little icebergs - just brilliant! I thought about Betty Draper more than once while reading (loved Mad Men). American, but dealt with many of the same issues. 2y

Tamra Such great insightful writing. 2y

merelybookish Such a great passage! One of many. The feeling that everyone is suffering was pervasive. 2y

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batsy This is a great passage. "Poisoned with boredom" is just so insightful—it especially hits hard when those women of that generation start to age. 2y

julieclair This writing is exquisite. 2y

bnp Great quote! 2y

LeahBergen This passage was fantastic! 2y

Cathythoughts Great quote 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 2y

49 likes8 comments

julieclair

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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Through exquisite prose, Penelope Mortimer portrays a bored, lonely suburban British housewife in the 1950s, living a life of quiet desperation, teetering on the edge of madness. Riveting.
#PersephoneClub @LeahBergen @CarolynM

LeahBergen I found it completely riveting, too, and was blown away by the writing. I‘m looking forward to reading more by this author! 2y

julieclair @LeahBergen I would like to read more of her work, too. This is my first. 2y

CarolynM Glad you enjoyed🙂 2y

32 likes3 comments

Cathythoughts

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

“Saying these unmentionable things out loud never ceased to horrify her. They were her secrets , battened down so long that they had become almost unrecognisable as the truth. “

I‘m glad to find a kindred spirit who talks out loud to herself , often after her old fashioned cocktail in the evening ( or a glass of wine )
I love this truthful writing. ♥️♥️♥️ #PersephoneClub

andrew61 Sounds great Cathy. Hoping to get to it next week. 2y

Tamra Isn‘t the writing fabulous?! I too found a lot of truths which resonated. 😌 2y

Cathythoughts @andrew61 It‘s very good. I‘m late getting to it myself, and have family coming to stay tomorrow… so It might be a couple of weeks before I get a proper chance to read it through. 2y

See All 6 Comments

Cathythoughts @Tamra Yes , the writing is fabulous! A lot of truths ❤️❤️❤️ 2y

LeahBergen I talk to Johnny. 😆 2y

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Stop ! 🥰😂 Good plan X 2y

66 likes6 comments

rubyslippersreads

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

The word I would choose to describe this book is “claustrophobic.” Ruth‘s marriage to the horrible Rex, being trapped with Miss de Beer, and the whole lifestyle of the Common. Very interesting, but I‘m glad Angela could escape and, although the writing is excellent, I‘m glad to escape as well.

Does anyone else think this Persephone endpaper gives off a Handmaid‘s Tale vibe?

#PersephoneClub

rubyslippersreads @merelybookish @quietjenn @elkeOriginal @Gissy @Aimeesue @andrew61 @Cathythoughts @jhammar @willaful @Oryx @leahbergen @Karons1 @kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @mom_of_4 @Eyelit @rsteve388 @LapReader @BookNAround @sisilia 2y

sisilia I had the same feeling. The writing is good but I didnt want to linger 2y

Tamra Oh gosh, yes it does! I didn‘t notice it before. Terrific description of the novel, “claustrophobic.” Indeed. 2y

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Tamra @sisilia I wanted Ruth‘s story to continue, if nothing more for her to make her own happiness! That was my hope anyway. 😏 (edited) 2y

jlhammar Yes, I can definitely see that! Great review. Good to know what I‘ll be getting myself into. Look forward to reading this weekend! 2y

merelybookish Yes, I get what you're saying. I found the pace moved quickly tho. And I even felt a bit sorry for Rex. 2y

rubyslippersreads @merelybookish Not me. I wanted Ruth to hit Rex with a clock, like Betty did to Robert. 🤣 2y

Cathythoughts Great review! I‘m looking forward to starting today. Yes! I see the Handmaid vibes 👍🏻 2y

willaful I found it quite excruciating. The intense frustration of people always getting in your business and in your way, and the ugliness with which Ruth views life. 2y

LeahBergen Great review and you‘re so right about the claustrophobic atmosphere! 2y

LeahBergen Yep, Rex definitely needed to be brained with a clock, too. 😆 2y

54 likes11 comments

merelybookish

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

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What a great read! Mortimer exposes the dark underbelly of post-war British suburbia with bite. And not a page goes by without a killer sentence!
Like @tamra, I whipped through this! I have some questions and look forward to seeing what others in the #persephoneclub make of it. @LeahBergen @CarolynM

merelybookish @rubyslippersreads @quietjenn @elkeOriginal @Gissy @Aimeesue @andrew61 @Cathythoughts @jlhammar @willaful @Oryx @Karons1 @kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @mom_of_4 @Eyelit @rsteve388 @LapReader @BookNAround @sisilia 2y

Tamra Yes, with a bite! 😬 2y

jlhammar I could do with some killer sentences. Sounds like once I start (hopefully this weekend), I won‘t want to stop! 2y

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quietjenn The reviews from you and @Tamra are making me really excited for this one! 2y

Cathythoughts Great review! I‘m hoping to start by the end of the week. ❤️👍🏻 2y

Vansa I'm going to read it at once,it sounds excellent 2y

batsy Killer sentences with a bite! Moving it up the TBR after rave reviews from you and @Tamra 🙂 2y

merelybookish @Tamra Yes! And I also feel like there's empathy there. 2y

merelybookish @jlhammar It definitely is a quick read! I look forward to your review! 2y

merelybookish @quietjenn Oh good, I hope it lives up to the hype! 😅 2y

merelybookish @Cathythoughts Look forward to what you think of it Cathy! 2y

merelybookish @Vansa We are reading it for the #persephoneclub for June. My first time but it seems pretty low stakes if you want to join. 2y

merelybookish @batsy It could totally be a NYRB classic! And kinda reminds me of a very shorn

Tortoise and the Hare

Tamra @merelybookish definitely empathy too - I felt for Ruth‘s lonely plight and just when you think she is going to take charge of her happiness……😕 But I could understand her immobility. Angela succeeded (goal) where she could not, all with Ruth‘s help. It was annoying though Angela couldn‘t seem to see that, though that seems typical for the age/stage. 2y

Tamra @merelybookish I have that TBR - sounds like I need to bump that one up. 2y

merelybookish @Tamra Yes, your observations remind me of Forbidden Notebook, another book about an unhappy housewife in the 1950s. There's definitely a mood!! Like we survived the war for ..this? As for compassion, I felt like no one was simply awful (although Tony comes close). Even Rex was granted some understanding. 2y

Tamra @merelybookish yes, I can‘t think of any characters that were completely horrid, but there was private unhappiness for all the characters. 2y

Vansa @merelybookish just saw the hashtag, thanks! I asked to be tagged on the original post! 2y

arubabookwoman I read this the week Roe v Wade was overturned. It felt so timely. Also, as I began to read, the plight of Ruth and other suburban housewives brought me back to the 1st time I read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan back in the late 60's, early 70's. 2y

merelybookish @arubabookwoman.How poignant! It really brings home the hoops. And Angela is able to jump them..meanwhile so many others would not have that option. And yes, the emptiness of suburban life. 2y

willaful It reminded me somewhat of Ella Price's Journal. Similar themes, but a decade later IIRC.

Ella Price's Journal: A Novel

LeahBergen @merelybookish @Tamra I was thinking for a moment that Ruth might actually leave at the end. 😩 2y

Tamra @LeahBergen that is why I didn‘t want it to end. 😩 I had to wonder if this was the inspiration for

Bridges of Madison County

CarolynM Glad you enjoyed 🙂 2y

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Tamra

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

pick

My only regret is reading this one too quickly! I didn‘t want Ruth‘s story to end. Bring on more P. Mortimer - a daring writer!

I‘m not going to say more. I‘m anxious to read everyone‘s reviews & commentary. 🤓 #PersephoneClub

Tamra @rubyslippersreads @quietjenn @elkeOriginal @Gissy @Aimeesue @andrew61 @Cathythoughts @jlhammer @merelybookish @willaful @BookNAround @sisilia @Tamara @Oryx @Karons1 @Kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @rsteve388 @mom_of_4 @Eyelit @LapReader 2y

Cathythoughts Love your review ❤️. As soon as I finish Yellow, I‘ll be starting this one with interest. 👍🏻 2y

Cathythoughts Lovely pic 🌸 2y

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Tamra @Cathythoughts 🥰 I believe you‘ll like this one! 2y

jlhammar Wow, you're already finished! Glad to hear it's so good. This will be my first Mortimer. Can't wait! 2y

Tamra @jlhammar it‘s compulsive so it flies by! 2y

merelybookish I finished it today too. It's a quick, compelling read! 2y

Tamra @merelybookish 👏🏾👏🏾 it‘s a page turner. 2y

quietjenn Really can't wait now! And such pretty flowers. 2y

andrew61 Just finished it and loved her writing. The Pumpkin Eater is the other bk I've read of hers and equally evokes the frustration of women's lives in that period. 2y

LeahBergen I just finished it and thought it was fantastic. I‘m definitely looking forward to reading more of her novels. Did you see that the British Library Women Writers series recently published

The Home

Tamra @LeahBergen no, I hadn‘t. Thank you for noting it! 2y

Tamra @andrew61 I will stack that one too! 2y

61 likes2 stack adds13 comments

Tamra

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

“For Rex and herself there was no longer any hope or possibility of change; there was no longer any choice to be made. They lay fully grown, capable of every crime and every greatness, paralyzed by triviality.”

Chapter 14 and I can‘t put this novel down for the suspense - I need to know what happens with Ruth. She‘s on the cusp of something……

#PersephoneClub

merelybookish That is an excellent quotation! 2y

Cathythoughts Love this ! Cant wait to read it now 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2y

jlhammar Oooh, great quote! Can't wait to get started. 2y

LeahBergen You‘ve made me excited to start ! 👏 2y

63 likes5 comments

LapReader

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

pick

Such gorgeous writing in this stunning, grey book. Many pages folded already. Gotta love a margarita in winter especially when delivered to the hammock by a hot bloke I know. Have a curry in the slow cooker for dinner so that will warm me up. Then a couple of episodes of Daisy Jones and the Six later.

Freespirit A perfect day!!! 2y

GatheringBooks Am intrigued by the handsome bloke more than anything lols! Enjoy enjoy enjoy! You look like you are glowing. 💕🥰💕 2y

LapReader Happy weekend @Freespirit 2y

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LapReader He thinks he looks like Jason Momoa but he is way too pale @GatheringBooks (edited) 2y

TrishB Great pic ❤️ 2y

AmyG What a lovely photo! 2y

BarbaraBB That seems perfect! Enjoy! Great pic too 🤍 2y

Tamra Perfection! 2y

LapReader @LeahBergen @CarolynM 2y

LeahBergen What a perfect setting! I‘m so glad you‘re reading along with us (and I just realized I‘m not following you?? What?? I thought I was!) 2y

LapReader @rubyslippersreads @quietjenn @elkeOriginal @Gissy @Aimeesue @andrew61 @Cathythoughts @jlhammer @merelybookish @willaful @BookNAround @sisilia @Tamara @Oryx @Karons1 @Kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @rsteve388 @mom_of_4 @Eyelit 2y

merelybookish I started yesterday. No margarita or hot bloke sadly, but definitely into the book so far! 2y

Tamra I‘m definitely not going to be able to restrain myself with this read! 2y

willaful Just finished up Bandit Queens, so gonna start today.

The Bandit Queens: A Novel

LapReader @jlhammar 2y

jlhammar That looks wonderful! Glad to hear you enjoyed. Look forward to diving in this weekend. 2y

52 likes16 comments

LitsyEvents

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

repost @LeahBergen

It‘s now June so that means it‘s time for one of our #PersephoneClub reads!  @CarolynM ‘s pick for us this month is Daddy‘s Gone A-Hunting by Penelope Mortimer. This is a casual buddy read; read and comment on each other‘s posts and reviews as you see them. We usually aim to finish by the middle of the month but that‘s not written in stone.
original post: https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2594089

LeahBergen Thanks for the repost! 2y

31 likes1 comment

LeahBergen

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

It‘s now June so that means it‘s time for one of our #PersephoneClub reads!

@CarolynM ‘s pick for us this month is Daddy‘s Gone A-Hunting by Penelope Mortimer. This is a casual buddy read; read and comment on each other‘s posts and reviews as you see them. We usually aim to finish by the middle of the month but that‘s not written in stone. 😉 And anyone is welcome to read along with us, of course!

rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, LeahBergen, elkeOriginal, Gissy, Aimeesue, andrew61, Cathythoughts, jlhammar

LeahBergen @BookNAround @sisilia @Tamra @Oryx @Karons1 @kristen_reads @HeatherBlue @rsteve388 @mom_of_4 @Eyelit @willaful @merelybookish (Here it is for those of you wishing to be tagged or reading along 😊). 2y

Liz_M @LitsyEvents 2y

Cathythoughts Thanks Leah ! I‘m way behind in my reading .. I‘m taking this down tomorrow morning, and I‘m looking forward to it XXX 2y

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LeahBergen @Liz_M Thank you! 2y

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts So am I! I think I‘m going to have to cut some of my self-inflicted reading schedule. 😆 2y

Cathythoughts I mean I‘m taking down the book from the shelf, and I‘m really looking forward to it. Love Persephones . But I‘ve definitely over committed in other areas 🙄 .. 😁 2y

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Gotcha! 👍 And same for me! 😆 2y

Tamra 😄 2y

jlhammar Yay, looking forward to it! I'm going to try to knock out a few others first over the coming week and plan to start this next weekend. 2y

rubyslippersreads Thanks for the reminder, @leahbergen and thanks again to @tamra for sharing your extra copy. 😊 2y

Tamra @rubyslippersreads you are more than welcome! (edited) 2y

willaful I forgot to put this on my June reading schedule. 🙄 Yay, the library has it. Boo, it's already checked out. Should get it in time, though. 2y

quietjenn Yay! I've been curious about Penelope Mortimer for ages. 2y

merelybookish Thanks for the reminder. It's next up! 👍 2y

LeahBergen @jlhammar I may not start until later next week, too. 😄 2y

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads @Tamra 😘😘 2y

LeahBergen @willaful Whenever you can get to it is totally okay! I may wait until next week to start it myself. 2y

LeahBergen @quietjenn Me, too! This will be my first read as well. 😊 2y

LeahBergen @merelybookish Awesome! 😘 2y

Vansa I would like to be tagged on the discussion too! Will read it this weekend 2y

LeahBergen @Vansa Certainly! 😊 2y

Bookbuyingaddict Sorry 😣 I missed out last month just couldn‘t get a hold of the book 📖 so ordering now ready for august ! 🙂 2y

LeahBergen @Karons1 No problem! Pop in and out as you like. 😊 2y

55 likes23 comments

rubyslippersreads

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

@Tamra The book arrived today, in a lovely mailing envelope. Thank you so much! #persephoneclub #persephone

Also showing off my new sign (and life motto). 🤣

Deblovestoread That sign! 2y

Tamra 😂 love the sign! I‘m so glad the book arrived quickly! 2y

Clare-Dragonfly I want that sign! 2y

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LeahBergen That sign! 😆 2y

batsy 😁 2y

rubyslippersreads @Deblovestoread @Tamra @Clare-Dragonfly @LeahBergen @batsy For anyone who wants their own sign (in hope of preventing some murders 😂), I ordered it from Temu. 2y

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Tamra

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

Any US member of #PersephoneClub interested this gently used copy of the upcoming June read? (No cost.)Not in perfect condition, but “good.” I accidentally ordered a second. 🤦🏽‍♀️

jlhammar 😂 Love it. I‘ve already got a copy. Can‘t wait! Hopefully you can find a good home. 2y

Tamra @jlhammar dope slap 😜 2y

LeahBergen Darn! I hate when I do that. 😆 How about @rubyslippersreads ? 2y

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LeahBergen Or @quietjenn or @elkeOriginal ? 2y

quietjenn A lovely offer, but I bought a copy of the McNally's edition. Thanks and I hope someone else will take you up on it! 2y

Cathythoughts Thanks so much for the lovely offer, I have my copy already though. 😘 2y

rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen I‘d love it; I don‘t have a copy. 😘 2y

Tamra @rubyslippersreads yay! If you would send a mailing address to graham.eric@charter.net I‘ll try to get it out today. 😃 2y

rubyslippersreads @Tamra Just emailed you my address. Thanks so much! 😘 2y

Tamra @rubyslippersreads I‘m very happy to share! 💕 2y

LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads @Tamra 👏👏👏 2y

Tamra @LeahBergen thanks for tagging! 🤗 2y

rubyslippersreads @Tamra @LeahBergen Thanks to both of you for connecting me to an addition to my Persephone library. 😁 2y

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merelybookish

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

Look at this pretty! Even though it's not a Persephone edition, excited to join the #persephoneclub to read it in June. My first Penelope Mortimer.

batsy Lovely edition! 2y

quietjenn That's the one I'll be reading as well 👍 2y

Tamra I saw that edition and admired it too! 😍 2y

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TheKidUpstairs Love that edition! 2y

sarahbarnes Ooooh! 😍😍 2y

jlhammar Oooh, cool edition! Glad you‘re reading with us next month. Can‘t wait! 2y

LeahBergen Yay! I‘m so glad you‘re joining in. 👏👏 2y

merelybookish @batsy @quietjenn @TheKidUpstairs @sarahbarnes @tamra It is pretty! Part of a gorgeous new series of "rediscovered" books. ? 2y

merelybookish @jlhammar @LeahBergen Excited to join you!! 2y

sisilia This edition is so pretty!!! 2y

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sisilia

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

Hello #PersephoneClub fellows, here‘s an excellent companion for the book. Enjoy!

https://spotify.link/pMd02N8i6yb

jlhammar Thank you! 2y

CarolynM Thank you! I‘m not going to listen yet, but I will once I‘ve read the book🙂 2y

39 likes2 comments

sisilia

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

pick

4⭐️ I‘m so happy that I got to read this novel. My first impression about Mortimer is that she‘s a bit like Elizabeth Taylor in using fragments, but she‘s definitely not as subtle as Taylor. Her writing is brilliant; several sentences and paragraphs made me stop and think, and I really appreacite her sharp observations on loneliness, loveless marriage, and dysfuntional family. Love it!

Tamra Looking forward to it now! 2y

jlhammar Can‘t wait! 2y

LeahBergen I‘m waiting to read your review and comments until I get to it myself. 😆 2y

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sisilia @Tamra @jlhammar @LeahBergen Looking forward to hearing what you think about this 2y

CarolynM I nominated it for #PersephoneClub because I finally read The Pumpkin Eater last year and loved it. Have you read that one? 2y

sisilia Thank you @CarolynM for the excellent pick! This is my first Mortimer and I plan to slot in The Pumpkin Eater for my NYRB bookclub read in 2024 2y

52 likes6 comments

sisilia

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove

Wow! This is an excellent observation of such a person. There ARE people like this out there; I‘m glad none of them is in my close circle 😬

#PersephoneClub I‘m loving this novel; it took a while for me to get hooked but I‘m now deep in it. Good choice! 👍🏻

batsy Oh wow. That's a bang-on description of how certain people move through life. 2y

sisilia @batsy I had to reread it several times. So good! 2y

43 likes2 comments

sisilia

Daddy's Gone A-hunting | Penelope Mortimer, Valerie Grove