Question 1: In her essay, Justine Jordan writes, “For there is steel in Lolly Willows, though much of its bite and danger is hidden, even from Lolly herself. There is the ancient power of myth and landscape, the dark woods and lanes through which Lolly blithely strolls and which feel as though they could swallow her up at any moment.“ Do you agree with this statement?
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quietjenn @vivastory @barbarabb @catebutler @daena @arubabookwoman @emilyhaldi @quietjenn @sprainedbrain @mklong @youneverarrived @kvanread @leahbergen @leftcoastzen @Liz_m @merelybookish @gatheringbooks @readordierachel @saresmoore @sarahbarnes @sisilia @reviewsbylola @batsy @Tanisha_A @Theaelizabet @billypar (edited) 3y
BarbaraBB I think it was clear from the start that Lolly is not your ordinary spinster. She kept to herself but we knew she had her opinions. To call it steel however seems a bit exaggerated if you ask me. 3y
vivastory I do agree with this statement, esp the second half of it. I think it is the “ancient power of myth & landscape“ that Lolly finds attractive throughout the book, even at the beginning when it speaks about her being on vacation with Henry & Caroline & not being able to go on treks to find her “strange herbs“ because she was stuck taking care of the children 3y
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quietjenn @BarbaraBB yes, I'm not quite sure that steel is the word that I would use! I do think there is a good bit of resolve in Lolly, both at the beginning of her life (before her father's death) and after she decides to move to Great Mop and during events that follow. But that middle, when she is occupying the role of maiden aunt, maybe not quite so much? Those very much feel like “the jetsam years“ to me. But maybe that is when it is hidden! (edited) 3y
Leftcoastzen I‘m not finished yet ! I‘m gonna chime in later. 3y
quietjenn I do appreciate that this take points out the use of myth and landscape. I thought that some of the writing about the geography of the land was quite evocative and I liked the way some of that myth was introduced. I found myself Googling “hen wife“ and then, when the “Lonely Huntsman“ appears, thinking lots about how the Devil has been portrayed in culture and literature. 3y
quietjenn @Leftcoastzen no worries! But do avoid the other tags, in case they are spoiler-y! 3y
vivastory @quietjenn That's a great point about the portrayal of “Lonely Huntsman“ & his portrayal. I also found myself thinking about this. 3y
GatheringBooks I read the penguin modern classics version so did not have a chance to read the essay describing lolly‘s “steel” but I am more with @BarbaraBB here - there is definitely strength of character and resolve as @quietjenn noted - but sadly it appeared fairly late in her life. I felt she was continually under the shadow of her father, then her brothers later on, and the nephew towards the end - despite the attempts to chart her own path 3y
quietjenn @GatheringBooks it did feel like her attempts were being constantly thwarted. When Titus shows up in Great Mop, her anxiety almost felt palpable to me as a reader. 3y
quietjenn @GatheringBooks that's such a pretty edition. I am tempted by the Virago version, just because I'd like to read the introduction by Sarah Waters. I kept finding references to a Guardian essay she wrote about LW, but couldn't find it online anymore and I suspect it might've been taken down to use as that intro? 3y
LeahBergen I actually DO think there was a lot of steel in her. To live uncomplainingly and do her “duty” for 20 years to all of a sudden taking her own life firmly by the reins - these would both take so much inner strength (and especially in the era in which she lived). It almost makes me want to dash off to the bucolic English countryside and join a coven. 🤣 3y
quietjenn @LeahBergen Ha, I feel like I always flirt with that urge (thanks to Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels maybe), so no surprise that I liked this book so much. 3y
GatheringBooks @quietjenn there was no introduction at all in my edition, sadly. 😭😭 3y
batsy I'm sorry that I didn't manage to re-read the book in time for discussion; although it's one of my favourites certain details do escape me. I'm just not in the best headspace for discussions and seem to be craving mindless popcorn reads 🙈 3y
quietjenn @batsy it happens! And that craving is one I'm quite familiar with. 😏 We missed you, but it's totally understandable. 3y
merelybookish Ditto @batsy! I love this book but am out-of-town and didn't get around to revisiting it. 3y
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