Diary of a Provincial Lady

Hands-down, this is one of the best books I've read in a VERY long time; definitely going to be an all-time favorite. It arrived in the mail earlier today, and I started reading instantly, and physically could not put the book down. I got completely lost in the story. It's absolutely brilliant. I was worried about not being able to get into it because historical fiction isn't usually my thing, but I had no issue. It's relatable—even though I'm living in wildly different circumstances, I related to her struggles with other people. It's funny—the humor is dry and incredible. I laughed out loud so many times. I sent my best friend quotes that I found really funny, and now she's going to read it. I'll be recommending this book to everyone. It's incredible. You will not regret buying it, I promise.

Am determined to write impressions from this book in the style of "the Provincial Lady" herself. Am doubtful however as to the outcomes of this effort as my highest labors would not reach the dry frank witticism she displays. Provincial Lady does her best to satisfy the wishes of silent husband (... "Robert, this morning, complains of insufficient breakfast. Cannot feel that porridge, scrambled eggs, toast, marmalade, scones, brown bread and coffee give adequate grounds for this, but admit that porridge is slightly burnt...."), intimidating cook, beloved children (... "Robin - whom I refer to in a detached way as "the boy" so that she shan't think I am foolish about him..., "Vicky,.... Enquires abruptly whether, if she died, I should cry?"), Mademoiselle (the nanny), Gardner and all kinds of friends and neighbors including the tiring Lady Birkenshop, "our vicar's wife" and the hated Mrs. B. ("query: Is not a common hate one of the strongest links in human nature?... answer, most regrettably, in the affirmative.") This is the same women world. Husband is as usual quiet and does not give any consolation and the Lady struggles to please everyone and not forget herself and her own wishes (and health) on the way. How very sad to discover it was the same (woman) world even 70 years ago ... Book is so very candid and manages to capture the ever lasting nuances of human behavior ("Mem: Candid and intelligent self examination as to motive, etc., often leads to very distressing revelations...."), little lies, social pretenses and the day to day struggles. Funny and entertaining yet can be tiring at times - since the day to day life is indeed tiring . Very very British and thus charming.

Delafield's Diary of a Provencial Lady is a classic that shares company with the likes of Eudora Welty, Kate Chopin and even Twain. Unlike Welty, Delafield is chatty. But don't let the airy prose fool you. She captures all the wit and humor of a woman's provencial life in England. Where Chopin's Awakening is tragic and dream-like, Delafield's world briskly bumbles along. Her use of present tense almost makes you breathless. Delafield immediately sets a quick pace and you want to read on and on to to keep up with all the "goings on" in the book. The piece is masterfully written and is a must for those looking to expand their literary boundaries.

The Provincial Lady could be Bridget Jones' grandmother-- she discusses a lot of the problems Bridget would have if she ever became a wife and mother. The book has a breezy and easy-to-read tone, and it has aged very well -- you will most likely find some parallels between it and your life. Can't wait to read the others!

A very amusing look at the life of a writer/wife/mother in the English counties. Be warned! Once you start with the first "Diary," you'll have to read them all. And, once you've completed them all, it's so disappointing to realize that 1) there are no more left and 2) there's nothing else out there quite like these amusing stories.