A review by flowerbob
The Life and Death of Harriett Frean by May Sinclair, D.J. Taylor

3.0

What an odd little book this is. I wonder how much this is because it describes a world that seems unreal, it is so long ago and so different. It is not obviously satire but it has no particular love for that world, I would say. It's poignant and sad, but having read the introduction I was surprised that the writer has a certain affection for her main character, or at least a sympathetic understanding. There are very many views you could take away from this book, and it's rather uncomfortable reading, but I felt the writing was expertly crafted. There are a few more modern writers who could learn a thing or two about the art of brevity.