Virago Reading Week

E.M. Delafield created a turning point in my life...literally. 

The classics built a strong foundation for my love of English literature and the silky swish of a long dress.  There were brief forays into the world of crime novels and chick-lit but if I read one more book about a blonde twenty-something in a publishing office I was going to scream!  I was searching for something but I didn't know what.

Three years ago, The Heiress was about to move into a townhouse near her university.  Five young men had vacated and five young ladies were taking residence...I was armed with a bucket, rubber gloves and lots of cleaning supplies, LOTS. 

Once we were in Waterloo, our first stop was a plaza so The Heiress could hand out some resumes.  One of the businesses was a Chapters and well, you might as well have a look around once you're there, right?  Sitting on a display was an adorable book covered in pink roses.  Who was this Cath Kidston woman who designed the print?  Flipping to the first page, hilarious writing about the planting of bulbs and a Lady B coming to visit had me digging for my wallet.

Back in the car I began to flip through the pages and laughing out loud.  'Listen to this!' I said a few times.  The Heiress and R begged me to stop.  So my book was tucked back into its bag but I had a big smile on my face and was ready to tackle the scariest kitchen and bathroom disasters you've ever seen.

Back at home and relaxing with The Diary of a Provincial Lady, I knew that this was the type of story that I had been searching for through the years.  Witty, intelligent with an atmosphere rich in period detail and sensibilities I had found my reading nirvana.  But where would I find more like it?

Through my research I discovered the enriching world of book blogs.  StuckInABook, dovegreyreader and Random Jottings were my first introduction and favourites.  A short note to Simon was sent and he replied telling me about a wonderful bookshop by the name of Persephone.  I had never ordered a book on-line before *snort* so the search began in second-hand bookshops.  My first trip out resulted in my copy of The Way Things Are and due to loads of catching up in this blissful era of authors, it has been languishing on my shelves ever since.  When Virago Reading Week was announced I knew exactly which book would be my choice.

Thanks Carolyn and Rachel for the creation of a brilliant reading week!  Click on the links should you be interested in joining in.