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A review by crazygoangirl
Strange Journey by Maud Cairnes, Simon Thomas
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Another little gem from the British Library Women Writer series! I got this recommendation from Lil’s Vintage World - a YouTube channel I follow.
Maude Cairnes tale, Strange Journey is a deceptively lighthearted yet incisive novel featuring body swapping! We meet Polly Wilkinson, a suburban housewife and Lady Elizabeth Forrester, from upper class society who for reasons unclear, are able to swap bodies and so experience each other’s lives in an irregular, unpredictable sort of way. As expected these ‘translations’ as they are referred to, cause misunderstandings, befuddlement and confusion, leaving each of them with the task of smoothing ruffled feathers and explaining their strange behaviour and unexpected skills to bemused family members. A lot of hilarity follows and Cairnes is spot on in describing her two characters - so different and yet profoundly similar. The differences are class-related while the similarities are of spirit and values.
When the two finally meet, it doesn’t take them long to empathise and sympathise and form a friendship. I love the bond they form even as class prevents an open display of affection and understanding between them. Polly’s pragmatic, no-nonsense direct approach helps her get to the heart of Elizabeth’s troubled marriage; while Elizabeth’s savoir faire helps Polly get over her social anxieties and help her husband Tom improve his job prospects. They both successfully matchmake in their disparate worlds as well!
The story is narrated by Polly in the first person and we never get Elizabeth’s point of view other than when she’s answering Polly’s questions or through Polly’s children's and husband’s dialogue and perspective. It’s cleverly done and Cairnes, who belonged to the upper classes in real life, has a surprisingly intuitive understanding of Polly and her simple desires and the slow awareness of the little ranklings in her own life, that awaken through her observations of the dynamics of Elizabeth and Gerald’s marriage! She is happy enough but begins to see the invisible boundaries and dependencies of her contented existence. There is no desire for rebellion though - yet!
I had no idea what to expect from this book but it turned out to be a charming little gem! I loved Cairnes’ writing style, characterisations and her charming sense of humour! Polly’s love of cinema and the way she models her behaviour on various actresses she’s watched on screen, while in Elizabeth’s body made me chuckle! I also enjoyed the short synopsis of the 1930s’ at the beginning of the book which added context. The British Library always does a thorough job with its publications and this one is another wonderfully charming light-hearted read! I only wish Cairnes had a long backlist but I think she’s only written two more books. I will read them for sure if I can get my hands on them!
Recommended!
Maude Cairnes tale, Strange Journey is a deceptively lighthearted yet incisive novel featuring body swapping! We meet Polly Wilkinson, a suburban housewife and Lady Elizabeth Forrester, from upper class society who for reasons unclear, are able to swap bodies and so experience each other’s lives in an irregular, unpredictable sort of way. As expected these ‘translations’ as they are referred to, cause misunderstandings, befuddlement and confusion, leaving each of them with the task of smoothing ruffled feathers and explaining their strange behaviour and unexpected skills to bemused family members. A lot of hilarity follows and Cairnes is spot on in describing her two characters - so different and yet profoundly similar. The differences are class-related while the similarities are of spirit and values.
When the two finally meet, it doesn’t take them long to empathise and sympathise and form a friendship. I love the bond they form even as class prevents an open display of affection and understanding between them. Polly’s pragmatic, no-nonsense direct approach helps her get to the heart of Elizabeth’s troubled marriage; while Elizabeth’s savoir faire helps Polly get over her social anxieties and help her husband Tom improve his job prospects. They both successfully matchmake in their disparate worlds as well!
The story is narrated by Polly in the first person and we never get Elizabeth’s point of view other than when she’s answering Polly’s questions or through Polly’s children's and husband’s dialogue and perspective. It’s cleverly done and Cairnes, who belonged to the upper classes in real life, has a surprisingly intuitive understanding of Polly and her simple desires and the slow awareness of the little ranklings in her own life, that awaken through her observations of the dynamics of Elizabeth and Gerald’s marriage! She is happy enough but begins to see the invisible boundaries and dependencies of her contented existence. There is no desire for rebellion though - yet!
I had no idea what to expect from this book but it turned out to be a charming little gem! I loved Cairnes’ writing style, characterisations and her charming sense of humour! Polly’s love of cinema and the way she models her behaviour on various actresses she’s watched on screen, while in Elizabeth’s body made me chuckle! I also enjoyed the short synopsis of the 1930s’ at the beginning of the book which added context. The British Library always does a thorough job with its publications and this one is another wonderfully charming light-hearted read! I only wish Cairnes had a long backlist but I think she’s only written two more books. I will read them for sure if I can get my hands on them!
Recommended!