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jessreadthis's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a delight to read. I think it might rank as my second favorite in the series. Just a tad behind the first which made me fall in love with the Provincial Lady (PL).
This novel shows us America through the eyes of the Provincial Lady. We embark on a whirlwind press tour with a quick stop in Canada. I enjoyed her adventures and hopeful wish to see Louisa May Alcott's home. So many scenes made me laugh out loud. I also empathized with the PL's disappointment on learning there was no cherry tree for George Washington to chop down.. and therefore that timeless story she's used to illustrate truthfulness to Vicky was a false one. Meeting new faces on the PL's journey is always a hoot but it was especially nice to see some familiar ones making their appearances. I didn't realize how I missed Mademoiselle until she pops in for a few chapters in this novel.
Overall, I love the self deprecating wryness in the PL and her observations. And even with that outlook, she maintains an avid curiosity about life and is a good sport to try most anything at least once. It's always a comfort to go back into a different time and way of life than the current. Even though there are differences, there is also a constancy in behaviors.
This novel shows us America through the eyes of the Provincial Lady. We embark on a whirlwind press tour with a quick stop in Canada. I enjoyed her adventures and hopeful wish to see Louisa May Alcott's home. So many scenes made me laugh out loud. I also empathized with the PL's disappointment on learning there was no cherry tree for George Washington to chop down.. and therefore that timeless story she's used to illustrate truthfulness to Vicky was a false one. Meeting new faces on the PL's journey is always a hoot but it was especially nice to see some familiar ones making their appearances. I didn't realize how I missed Mademoiselle until she pops in for a few chapters in this novel.
Overall, I love the self deprecating wryness in the PL and her observations. And even with that outlook, she maintains an avid curiosity about life and is a good sport to try most anything at least once. It's always a comfort to go back into a different time and way of life than the current. Even though there are differences, there is also a constancy in behaviors.
cmcg's review against another edition
5.0
Full marks for making me repeatedly laugh out loud in public when I was feeling very down. Adored the first, mildly disappointed by the second, but faith in EM Delafield completely restored by this third installment.
garbo2garbo's review against another edition
4.0
E.M Delafields's 'Provincial Lady' series is a warm, witty blanket of charm to snuggle into, and this volume was just as delightful as the previous. There are some dated remarks about Harlem, but it's not mean-spirited.
sathyasekar's review against another edition
3.0
Probably 3.5 stars. Another thoroughly enjoyable installment from the life of the Provincial Lady, this about her first visit to America in the 1920s to promote her books. The book feels much more a travel journal and in aiming to convey the whirlwind trip across the continent and the people she meets, it falls short on the humour which made the prior books of the series such a joy. But at it's core, this book is a very interesting look at America of that time from an observant tourist's perspective. Good fun!
wealhtheow's review against another edition
3.0
A funny take on America in the 1930s, as experienced by a self-deprecating Englishwoman. It’s very odd to read this light piece of humor, in which new dresses and huge cars figure prominently, and realize it was written during the Depression. The Englishwoman, by the way, loves Chicago the best.
ergative's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Entertaining, as always. I loved the repeated themes of 'What do you think of The American Woman' and Anthony Adverse.
absolutive's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The third in E. M. Delafield's The Provincial Lady series, this book is a fictional diary of the Provincial Lady's booktour of America, published in 1934. Like the two previous books in the series, it is fun and funny. Though it didn't quite sparkle as much as the first two, the novel is still charming and I enjoyed spending time with the Provincial Lady as she declines tea, a drink she does not like, offered by everyone she meets, is constantly told that Boston is just like England, and is asked wherever she travels about The American Woman, and Anthony Adverse.
margied's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
balancinghistorybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Whilst the third book in E.M. Delafield's Provincial Lady series is not told in diary format, as the first two volumes are, it is still incredibly charming, witty, and memorable. An easy but intelligent read, which feels timeless to the modern reader.
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