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readingoverbreathing's review
4.0
"How exciting it was, he thought, how absorbing, to see those first impressions of power and courage touch a new human soul."
This is, again, one of Persephone's most popular and beloved books, and after hearing so much about it, and about Fisher herself, my expectations were high. And I have to admit, right after the delight that was [b:Miss Buncle's Book|1200465|Miss Buncle's Book (Barbara Buncle #1)|D.E. Stevenson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476702810l/1200465._SY75_.jpg|2827104], it did take me a minute to really get into this. It begins not so cheerfully, unlike Miss Buncle and the other Persephone I had read just before it, [b:Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day|916856|Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day|Winifred Watson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1324206344l/916856._SX50_.jpg|2283295], and so I was not really prepared for that shift in tone. By the time I got to the point where I really thought Lester had died, I was almost ready to give it all up, thinking we were on a depressing track to womanly despair.
But I'm thankful I forged on, because that's really where the novels shifts in a new, more hopeful direction. Seeing Evangeline Knapp truly come into her own as saleswoman extraordinaire was an absolute inspiration, and experiencing the tender moments between Lester and the children at home, the success and happiness of their new life, was not what I was expecting, and as I grew to understand the characters better, I also grew to enjoy the story more.
And then we come to the end where Fisher really lays it all out on the table — the impossibility of the permanence of Eva and Lester's new roles in the light of Lester's potential recovery. You wanted so badly for them to carry on the way they had been, but, even nearly a century later, as a part of the same society which resigned them to those roles, you still understand the impossibility of their situation so thoroughly. It's utterly profound.
Fisher's case study of human domesticity, drawn over such a short novel, really is a psychological masterpiece, and I can see why it's a Persephone favorite. It is a reminder to the modern reader that we are not so far removed from the traditions of gender roles as we may think., one with an intuitive touch that leaves a lasting impression even now.
tigerbell's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
northerly_heart_reads's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
simplymary's review against another edition
5.0
This book was unlike anything else I've ever read. Written almost a century ago, but way ahead of its time, the author explores gender roles and presents an argument for individuals to follow their own, specific, unique path according to the gifts and abilities (or lack thereof) they've been given. I don't feel it was an affront to stay-at-home mothers, because it teaches how very important a homemaker's role is, but definitely invites thoughtful consideration on whether or not one is suited to the role. So descriptively written!
flick_reads's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tpteacher's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the wisdom and foresight in this book, written in 1924. I am glad society has now loosened its hold a little on the traditional roles in the home. I liked the way the book ended, everyone realizing what was best and what it actually took to keep it that way.
gigihotch's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book! It's about a woman who stays at home taking care of her children (it takes place in the early 20th century), and then her husband has an accident and they are forced to switch places--he stays home, and she goes out to work. Very cute story--it started out depressingly, but it didn't stay that way for long.
ryanpait's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
betweenbookends's review against another edition
4.0
Read the full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/BkieLsJFdLi/?taken-by=between.bookends