December 29th.-- First snow today. Settled in to red reading chair to find out what happens to The Provincial Lady in America. Am so glad E.M. Delafield made the trip to The Colonies from her home in Devonshire. Although the ocean crossing was a bit rough (I can sympathize - I too would suffer le mal de mer) once in New York her American book tour begins in earnest. From New York to Chicago by overnight train. Arrives in early morning disheveled and hungry. Met by publisher's representative and holds a signing in the book department of a large department store (Marshall Field's?). Visits the 1932 World's Fair. Is feted with many teas (cocktails) and suppers. Doesn't see any gangsters.
On to Cleveland, Niagara Falls (Note: the Canadian side is prettier), and Boston. Here, through kind intervention of critic and wit Alexander Wollcott, is able to visit the Alcott home (closed for the season) in Concord and is even given guided tour by last living Alcott relative -- a Mrs. Platt. Is big fan of Jo and her sisters and a visit to Louisa May's home is the one thing she wants to do while in America. (Note: Felt unexpected surge of pride for our beloved American author.)
By train to Washington, D.C., more teas (cocktails) and more nerve-wracking appearances at Women's Clubs. (Mem. Based on PL's experiences, remember not to ask questions of visiting authors that they have been asked a million times before.) Sees that George Washington's home is quite lovely (although disappointed to hear that cherry tree story is not true).
Back to New York. Watches movie "Little Women" (starring Katherine Hepburn as Jo) with Mademoiselle, former French nanny (now working for a family living in NYC) of children Robin and Vicky. Much weeping and sniffling at death of sister Beth. (Query: Which of the three movie versions, 1933, '49, or '94, is considered the best? Ans: Will have to rent all three and make own decision.)
Finally sets sail for Home. Weeps when met on arrival by husband Robert and all much-packed-and-unpacked luggage.
It has been years and years since I last read the Provincial Lady books but they have been much on my mind lately (especially right now as I'm reading one of D.E. Stevenson's Mrs Tim books, written in much the same style) so it was lovely to find this review! I will have to revisit them in 2013.
ReplyDeleteAs for which movie version is the best, I am going to have to go with '94, though I feel like I am betraying Katherine Hepburn by saying that.
I was so happy to discover the Provincial Lady! I adore her. I have read three of her books now and am ready to find a copy of 'PL in Wartime'. I have not read the Mrs. Tim books but they are on my list for 2013.
DeleteI know I have seen the '94 version of 'Little Women' and most likely parts of the other two versions. It will be fun to watch them all and compare.
I love your PL-style review! And, of course, I love this book. Possibly least of the four, but still love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon. You are the one who introduced me to the Provincial Lady. She makes me laugh out loud. It was fun to read this one about her trip to America as I am familiar with the places she visits. I found myself nodding (and giggling) in agreement with her observations. Now, I have her original diary by my chair to reread.
DeleteHappy New Year Belle. I really enjoyed this post. Like you, after reading this novel I felt I would love to see the old film of Little Women again, with Katherine Hepburn, and it did spur me on to find out more about Louisa May Alcott, and to download some of her other work. A post (or posts) will follow at some stage over the next few weeks... I am catching up!
ReplyDeleteHi Christine. I have a copy of 'Little Women' that belonged to my mother and yet it is one of those books that I didn't get around to reading until I was an adult. Now LMA is one of my favorite authors. You might also enjoy her journals and letters.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!