The Diary of a Provincial Lady: Penguin Classics

by E. M. Delafield Narrated by Kirsty Besterman

Overview

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Kirsty Besterman, an experienced TV and theatre actress known for her leading role as Lady Macbeth in the National Theatre Tour, as well as a number of roles with Shakespeare's Globe and the RSC.

'January 22nd - Robert startles me at breakfast by asking if my cold - which he has hitherto ignored - is better. I reply that it has gone. Then why, he asks, do I look like that? Feel that life is wholly unendurable, and decide madly to get a new hat'

It's not easy being a Provincial Lady in Devonshire in the 1920s, juggling a grumpy husband, mischievous children and a host of domestic dilemmas - from rice mould to a petulant cook. But this Provincial Lady will not be defeated; not by wayward flower bulbs, not by unexpected houseguests, not even by the Blitz. She will continue to preside over the W.I., endure rain-drenched family picnics and succeed as a published author, all the while tending to her strawberries.

The Diary of a Provincial Lady is a brilliantly observed comic novel, as funny and fresh today as when it was first written.

Editorial Reviews

Oakland Tribune

"It is unique and priceless and no substitutes will do."

Herald Tribune New York

"At home I yell and I also yell afield for this elegant book by EM Delafield."

Chicago Tribune

"You will laugh out lout very often, and smile to yourself even more, for it is an extremely amusing book."

From the Publisher

And so begins one of the funniest, smartest and most lovable books I have ever read—Kathryn Hughes, Guardian

She converts the small and familiar dullness of life into laughter—The Times

I finished the book in one sitting, leaving the children unbathed, dogs unwalked, a husband unfed—Jilly Cooper

Before there was Bridget Jones, there was Delafield's provincial lady, cataloguing her struggles with supercilious neighbours, a distracted husband and unforthcoming hyacinth bulbs. The home counties domesticity may be a creation of the 1930s, but some things are eternal, from the mixture of joy and tedium that is parenting, to the jolt of horror when you catch your reflection unawares in the mirror of a changing room—Independent

I reread, for the nth time, E. M. Delafield's dry, caustic Diary of a Provincial Lady, and howled with laughter—India Knight

Glorious, simply glorious—Daily Telegraph

I finished the book in one sitting, leaving the children unbathed, dogs unwalked, a husband unfed, and giving alternate cries of joy and recognition throughout—Jully Cooper

I reread, for the nth time, E. M. Delafield's dry, caustic Diary of a Provincial Lady, and howled with laughter—India Knight

Glorious, simply glorious—DAILY TELEGRAPH

She converts the small and familiar dullness of life into laughter—The TIMES

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173770271
Publisher:	Random House UK
Publication date:	09/26/2019
Series:	The Provincial Lady , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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