The Weather in the Streets

Rosamond Lehmann's _The Weather in the Streets_ is a sequel to her earlier book, _Invitation to the Waltz_. Here, Olivia, who in _Invitation to the Waltz_ was a nervous debutante, is now older, though perhaps not much wiser; separated from her husband, she falls in love with the married brother of an old friend and embarks upon a tempestuous affair. Compared to its predecessor, _The Weather in the Streets_ is darker, but more powerful and more complex. Olivia's inner monologues are brilliantly done, and Lehmann even slips into the first person for one section of the book, though the change is so unobtrusive that I almost didn't notice it. Of all of the writers I've read, Lehmann is one of the best at getting into her character's thoughts and showing us their experiences and emotions honestly and directly.

I have just written an essay on this book for Birkbeck College. I think it is a truly wonderful book. Lyrical, sad, moving. It is written and set in 1930's London and I can imagine so much of the scenery. Not (underlined) that I can remember 1930's London, just my imigination and looking at old photos. I have tried to find out more about RL, but I have not been able to discover very much. Just tantalising bits. Is is a lovely book and I reccommend it. Avis Judd