Welcome to Litsy!

I read an extract of this in a shared reading group and had to read the whole book!
Written in 1924 yet full of contemporary themes, Lester is left disabled after an accident and Eva has to go out to employment. He looks after the house and children and the changes are documented in this fascinating story.

Finally finished last month‘s #PersephoneClub read. I‘m not usually put off by a book being dated, but this time I found it really hard to let go of my modern mindset. Bee & David annoyed me, the crooks were unbelievable for a lot of reasons and Lucia‘s overwrought internal monologue made me unpleasantly anxious rather than thrilled. I‘m ruining this book‘s 100% pick record. Sorry 🫣

March 2025 Book #4
I really enjoyed this book about two families and the matriarchal way to raise their families. So different. During my reading I was mad with Mrs Willoughby and more in the side of Mrs. Fowler. But then you follow each family, their sons and daughters through their lives and you will understand each side of the story. This is really a story about family dynamics and each and changes in each generation. So well written and⬇️

I'm counting this as an Emma-adjacent read, as Persephone's edition dates from 1816 when Emma was published, and they often recommend it to Austen lovers. It was fun to read and imagine what would resonate with our characters: for Robert Martin, certainly the sections on keeping livestock; for Mr. Woodhouse, the part about recipes for the sick; and as for Emma herself, as the lady of the house, how much do you think she consulted on menus, etc.?

The introduction highlights this book as inspiring many great noir writing + quotes chandler praising the author. I can see the comparison to highsmith + double indemnity, but somehow, the plot stretched my credulity. It was interesting to read as a lost classic, but I don't feel it dated well.
@quietjenn @Tamra @CarolynM @sisilia @Caryl @daena @elkeOriginal @Gissy @Aimeesue @Bookbuyingaddict @julieclair @willaful @LeahBergen #persephoneclub

1947

Wow, so I was thinking this only happened in my house! 😂 Everyone has something else to do other than eating when dinner is ready.

This was a morally ambiguous (fun!) read because Lucia finds herself in a cascade of consequences flowing from a single act of deception. While she is motivated out of a sense of familial duty, her conscience gives both her & readers all kinds of grief. #PersephoneClub

Aside from the mystery, Holding offers readers plenty to think about re: women‘s roles and their fulfillment.

Reposting for @leahBergen
It‘s now October so that means it‘s time for one of our #PersephoneClub reads!

@quietjenn ‘s pick for us this month is The Blank Wall by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding. 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!

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

@quietjenn ‘s pick for us this month is The Blank Wall by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding. 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!

I loved re-reading this classic on my own September vacation this year. Though mine wasn't a fortnight (hooray for the USA 🙃) it was such a needed getaway. I was again struck by the small, beautifully rendered details of the book, and how, along with the general break in routine and surroundings, it was the time and space to be on their own that was the true means by which each family member was able to refresh and refill their mental energy.