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lilith16's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
fendeviper's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.25
therealkathryn's review against another edition
4.0
Rags to riches sort of story about a young woman who makes her own fortune. Though Jane is quite an engaging main character, sometimes it's the period details out that are most interesting in a book like this - the daily life of the shopgirl whose wages included room (shared) and board (meager). The years when people began shifting from buying cloth and having clothing sewn to buying ready-made clothes.
fsbwaters's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
krobart's review against another edition
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2019/12/05/review-1425-high-wages/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2019/12/05/review-1425-high-wages/
hitch's review against another edition
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? No
3.0
lmclar12's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. I REALLY enjoyed reading this book, especially the part about Jane setting up her shop with Mrs. Briggs and becoming successful. I took off .5 stars because I didn’t like the romance with Noel Yarde at the end. I didn’t think he deserved Jane. I wish Jane had set off on her own as an independent woman even without Wilfrid.
ori_gina_lity's review against another edition
4.0
High Wages is one of three novels I recently purchased from Persephone Books', who reprints forgotten female authors of the early to mid 20th century. First of all the books are beautiful, the covers are exteremly smooth and fall open perfectly. The endpapers are so striking and unique to each book - in this case a 1930 Cryséde Ltd. dress fabric called Farm Scene is showcased. Inside, the words were just as aesthetically pleasing. Whipple introduces us to determined and ambitious Jane Carter alone in the world she gets a job at a draper's shop where she's badly paid and dreams of setting up for herself.
I was instantly enamored with time period, the clothing, the characters, and overall "feel" of this novel. I loved the descriptions of the dress shop - I work in retail and someday I'd love to own my own shop so I relate to Jane on a spiritual level. The novel spans about 10 years, during WWI and though occasionally I found the writing to be abrupt it's a fascinating look at what some may consider a shallow topic; fashion. If you take notice of Whipple's subtle hand there is much to examine. Jane is a strong, complex female lead - she has business savvy, she doesn't tolerate bullshit but she's also feminine and delicate. The depiction of the social classes and ill-fated romance reminded me of one of my favorite writers, E.M. Forster. Though I wouldn't go to say it's at the same level as his work, aspects of Whipple's style were comparable. A highly readable shop-girl story, and much more. 4/5 stars.
I was instantly enamored with time period, the clothing, the characters, and overall "feel" of this novel. I loved the descriptions of the dress shop - I work in retail and someday I'd love to own my own shop so I relate to Jane on a spiritual level. The novel spans about 10 years, during WWI and though occasionally I found the writing to be abrupt it's a fascinating look at what some may consider a shallow topic; fashion. If you take notice of Whipple's subtle hand there is much to examine. Jane is a strong, complex female lead - she has business savvy, she doesn't tolerate bullshit but she's also feminine and delicate. The depiction of the social classes and ill-fated romance reminded me of one of my favorite writers, E.M. Forster. Though I wouldn't go to say it's at the same level as his work, aspects of Whipple's style were comparable. A highly readable shop-girl story, and much more. 4/5 stars.
dawnlizreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
High Wages is as relevant today as it was when it was first written back in the 1920s. Many a woman, or anyone of any gender, could identify with Jane - making your way in the world, having to fight against challenges such difficult bosses and snobbery. Jane's steadfast determination is inspiring.
For me, though, the best thing about High Wages is that it reflects real life - sometimes things go well and sometimes they don't. This is a neither a feel-good book about succeeding against the odds nor a dour one about how we're doomed to failure. Jane succeeds because she works hard, but she still has setbacks and her success takes a while. Plus, she isn't perfect. Falls for unavailable men while ignoring the loyal faithful ones.
For me, though, the best thing about High Wages is that it reflects real life - sometimes things go well and sometimes they don't. This is a neither a feel-good book about succeeding against the odds nor a dour one about how we're doomed to failure. Jane succeeds because she works hard, but she still has setbacks and her success takes a while. Plus, she isn't perfect. Falls for unavailable men while ignoring the loyal faithful ones.
brynpemery's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5