E. M. Delafield Bücher

In den 1930er-Jahren in einem Dorf in Devon kämpft eine Lady mit messerscharfem Verstand gegen die Widrigkeiten des Lebens. Ihr einziges Ventil ist ihr Tagebuch, in dem sie ihre Sorgen und Gedanken festhält. Das Chaos im Haushalt wird von einer drohenden Kündigung der Köchin und den Streichen ihrer beiden Kinder, Vicky und Robin, verstärkt. Ihr Ehemann Robert ist keine Hilfe, da er sich lieber hinter der Zeitung versteckt. Die Lady versucht, ihre Haltung bei gesellschaftlichen Anlässen zu wahren, insbesondere im Umgang mit der perfekt wirkenden Lady B., die ihre Eitelkeiten zur Schau trägt. Trotz der Herausforderungen, die ihr das Dorfleben und ihre Familie bringen, bleibt ihr Tagebuch ihr treuer Begleiter. E.M. Delafield, geboren 1890 als Edmée Elizabeth Monica de la Pasture, stammte aus einer kreativen Familie; ihr Vater war Graf und ihre Mutter Romanautorin. Nach ihrer Heirat 1919 trug sie durch eine wöchentliche Tagebuchkolumne in einer feministischen Zeitschrift zum Familieneinkommen bei. Ihr Werk, das 1930 veröffentlicht wurde, machte sie zu einer der beliebtesten Schriftstellerinnen Englands. Die deutsche Übersetzung erschien 1935. E.M. Delafield starb 1943 in Devon.

Continuing the charming narrative of early 20th-century English life, this sequel delves into the author's witty observations and experiences as a provincial lady. With a blend of humor and keen social commentary, it captures the nuances of domestic life, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. The protagonist navigates various challenges and delights, offering readers a relatable and engaging glimpse into her world, enriched by the author's autobiographical elements.

Set in the 1930s, this semi-autobiographical series offers a glimpse into the daily life of an upper-class lady through engaging diary entries. The narrative explores the charming yet challenging experiences of a provincial woman navigating the intricacies of English countryside life, filled with humor and relatable mishaps.

Alex Clare is awkward and oversensitive and gets everything wrong; she refuses to marry the only young man who ‘offers’ and believes there is nothing left for her but to enter a convent. But that is not quite the end of her tragic story. Nor was it for EM Delafield, who also entered a convent for a year; but in her case she was able to find freedom through working as a VAD in an army hospital, ‘which was emancipation of the most delirious kind. It was occupation, it was self-respect.’Like Lytton Strachey’s Eminent Victorians, written at the same time, Consequences is a scream of horror against Victorian values; however, its ironic tone cannot disguise EM Delafield’s deeply compassionate and feminist stance.

Tension examines reputation and the persistence of gossip in relation to a woman's choice of work and domestic arrangements with a light touch of humour.

In the night the snow came. She awoke on Christmas morning in that unmistakable light, coming up from the earth and shining between her curtains. Celebrate Christmas through the creative minds of a host of authors, including Beryl Bainbridge, Maeve Binchy, Richmal Crompton, Alice Munro and Elizabeth von Arnim. From the delightful consequences of decorating the tree by Stella Gibbons to a disorientating encounter at 35,000 feet on a Christmas Day flight by Muriel Spark, an amateur pantomime by Stella Margetson and a New Year's resolution by Alice Childress, these stories are sure to fortify you over the Christmas period. Stories for Christmas and the Festive Season explores the joys and disappointments, pressures and preparations of this time of year from a female perspective. In keeping with the spirit of the series, the stories are plucked from different decades of the twentieth century and penned by familiar as well as forgotten authors writing for both books and popular magazines. The British Library Women Writers series is a curated collection of novels by female authors who enjoyed broad, popular appeal in their day. In a century during which the role of women in society changed radically, their fictional heroines highlight women's experience of life inside and outside the home through the decades in these rich, insightful and evocative stories.

Set in the Côte d'Azur, Hilary and Angie Moon have to live on their wits and her beauty. This novel is a light satirical take on the residents and guests of a Hotel on the French Riviera who have their own strength and flaws and must come to terms with their lives, age and romance over the course of a typical summer. E. M. Delafield (1890-1943) was a prolific English author who is best known for her largely autobiographical works like Zella Sees Herself, Provincial Lady Series etc. which look at the lives of upper-middle class Englishwomen. Excerpt: "Maman, j'ai raté l'autobus!" The shimmering heat-haze of the afternoon seemed to quiver as the shrill, lamentable announcement of this disaster broke into the silence that lay over the deserted terrace of the Hotel." (The Gay Life)

Originally published in 1918, the story centers around the characters that live and work at an army support institution during WWI. Charmian Vivian (Char), the charismatic Director, runs the Depot like an amateur dictator a la P.G. Wodehouse’s Roderick Spode. She uses tyranny and the cult of personality to overwork her employees and to take over other operations like a café that are not her concern. Enter Grace Jones, an archdeacon’s daughter, who has moved to the area to contribute to the war effort and who is also, upper-class.

Exploring timeless themes of love and commitment, the narrative centers on Cindy, who grapples with the dilemma of remaining in a comfortable marriage versus sacrificing everything for true love. The story delves into the complexities of relationships and the emotional turmoil that accompanies such choices, reflecting modern struggles that resonate across generations.

Set in 1930s Russia, the story unfolds through a diary format, chronicling a woman's experiences on a collective farm and her challenges with public transport and daily life under Soviet rule. It presents a vivid and entertaining portrayal of the era, reflecting both personal struggles and the broader societal context. E. M. Delafield, known for her insightful observations, offers readers a unique glimpse into early twentieth-century Russia, making this semi-autobiographical novel a noteworthy addition to any literary collection.

Focusing on accessibility, this publication aims to make historical works more readable for individuals with impaired vision. The Megali publishing house specializes in producing these large print reproductions, ensuring that classic texts remain available and enjoyable to a broader audience.

Set against the backdrop of a post-World War I village, the story explores Owen Quentillian's visit to Canon Morchard, who embodies Victorian ideals amidst the war's devastation. As Quentillian navigates the complexities of the Canon's family dynamics, he questions whether the Canon is a tyrant and if his children are yearning for independence. The narrative delves into themes of optimism, the impact of war on traditional values, and the lessons that can be learned from this fractured family.

Set against the backdrop of the sensational 1920s murder case, the story follows the tumultuous affair between Elsie and Leslie, who are embroiled in a scandal after Elsie's husband is brutally killed. Despite Leslie's claims of Elsie's innocence, her incriminating letters lead to both being convicted of murder. The case captivates public attention, sparking widespread debate and a petition against their executions. This fictionalized retelling explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal judgment, contributing to the ongoing fascination with this notorious crime.

"Late and Soon" (1943) follows Valentine Arbell, a widowed mother, and her daughters in a country house as they navigate love and betrayal amidst the looming threat of World War II. The novel explores complex relationships, particularly between Valentine and her former admirer Rory. This edition also includes eight short stories showcasing E. M. Delafield's evolved writing style.

Set in the 1930s, this semi-autobiographical series unfolds through diary entries, offering a glimpse into the life of an upper-class lady. The novels explore the charming yet often humorous challenges faced by a provincial woman, capturing the essence of English countryside living and the quirks of daily life.