Because of the Lockwoods


A dear internet friend of mine sent me an obscure copy of Because of the Lockwoods by Dorothy Whipple. I feel extremely lucky to have read it as it's now out of print, however, I wouldn't be surprised if Persephone Books publishes it in the near future. Since reading my first Whipple, They Were Sisters, she has quickly become one of my favourite writers. She is indeed a fabulous storyteller and I've loved every one of her books that I've read.

Whipple has been described as the Jane Austen of the twentieth century and it's hardly surprising since she writes wonderfully and so effortlessly about domestic dramas. She was quite popular in the 30s and 40s but her popularity waned in the 50s after her last novel, Someone at a Distance hardly sold at all. Luckily, Nicola Beauman, the founder of Persephone Books, discovered her and republished several of her novels.


Just like all the other novels of Dorothy Whipple, Because of the Lockwoods is a page-turner. It tells the story of Thea Hunter who grows up living in the same neighborhood as the wealthy and arrogant Lockwoods. The Lockwoods influence her life and her family's through the years during which Thea struggles with a constant feeling of resentment and envy towards them. Below is a picture of the beautiful endpaper of the original hardcover edition.


Let's hope that Persephone Books will republish this wonderful book very soon. If you can't wait, there's lots of secondhand copies to be had for a song at several internet booksellers. Failing that, you can always get Dorothy Whipple's other novels from Persephone Books.

Comments

  1. I am so envious! I have read all of the DW that I can lay my hands on but this is not one of them!

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  2. I asked an American friend (this book seems far more available in the US than here)to buy this from ebay for me and send it to me - but it's been months and she's moved house etc and I still haven't got it! Very disappointing. Maybe one day it will arrive out of the blue!

    It sounds marvellous. I want my copy! LOVE the endpapers too.

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  3. It's beautiful and I too am envious! That Dorothy Whipple wasn't popular and revered during her liftetime is inexplicable to me; I can't believe that Someone at a Distance hardly sold as it is a truly wonderful book. Of course, I would expect nothing less from Persephone than a top-notch read and I hope they publish this at some point.

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  4. Dorothy Whipple has been my best discovery of the year! Loved Someone at a Distance and am looking forward to reading more. It seems that she has been very successful for Persophone, perhaps they'll resurrect this one!

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  5. Oh, I do hope all of you get a copy soon!

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  6. Oh, I'm so excited you're reading Crown Duel! I can't wait to read what you think about it. I swear, I cry every time I read it... my roommate must think I'm nuts ;p

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  7. Hi, Mrs. B! Wow, the Jane Austen of the 20th century! I wonder if I would like her books, since I can't even stand the original Jane Austen. Hehehe.

    Nevertheless, these books make a fantastic addition to one's shelves. The artworks are just too wonderful!

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  8. DW writes real page-turners. Just the title of this one makes me want to read it - it hints at so much: why the Lockwoods, what did they do/didn't they do? Tantalising.

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  9. I love the beautiful old covers. Dorothy Whipple is one of those authors that has come to my attention via blogs and really must read her soon.

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