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A review by catebutler
South Riding by Winifred Holtby
5.0
Absolutely adored, enjoyed and loved this book! If you enjoy sweeping English novels with a pastoral setting and social commentary this book is definitely for you.
Much like Middlemarch by George Eliot and The Warden by Anthony Trollope. Which commentate on social institutions such as church, and small town government. I would argue, South Riding falls into the same category.
Richly written, with characters that come to life, this book, although a little slow at times, has quickly become a favorite of mine.
I especially am intrigued by the personal life of the author. A note on the author reveals that Winifred Holtby led a short life and passed away one year before the publication of South Riding. Her good friend Vera Brittain, whom she met in college, wrote about their close friendship in her book Testament of Friendship (1940).
Having researched a bit about Holtby and Brittain'a lives, especially during the First World War. South Riding, its themes (in particular those towards the end of the book) became even more meaningful and deep to me.
This is one book that I believe, regardless of the number of re-reads will continue to reveal rich new layers and meaning for the reader.
Much like Middlemarch by George Eliot and The Warden by Anthony Trollope. Which commentate on social institutions such as church, and small town government. I would argue, South Riding falls into the same category.
Richly written, with characters that come to life, this book, although a little slow at times, has quickly become a favorite of mine.
I especially am intrigued by the personal life of the author. A note on the author reveals that Winifred Holtby led a short life and passed away one year before the publication of South Riding. Her good friend Vera Brittain, whom she met in college, wrote about their close friendship in her book Testament of Friendship (1940).
Having researched a bit about Holtby and Brittain'a lives, especially during the First World War. South Riding, its themes (in particular those towards the end of the book) became even more meaningful and deep to me.
This is one book that I believe, regardless of the number of re-reads will continue to reveal rich new layers and meaning for the reader.