Author Archives: susan

OLD FILTH

As the trees on either winding bank blotted out the landing stage, Edward, who had been struck dumb by the sight of Ada left alone on the tottering platform, began to scream ‘Ada, Ada, Ada!’ and to point back up … Continue reading

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THE SCENT OF WATER

Miserable after reading Anna Funder’s Wifedom. Out of sorts. Dispirited by how little seems to change. Thinking about my own life and choices.  My mother, who wanted to be a historian. The artist wife of an artist friend of my … Continue reading

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WIFEDOM

As I read the biographies, I began to see that just as patriarchy allowed Orwell to benefit from his wife’s invisible work, it then allowed biographers to give the impression that he did it all, alone. The biographers are choosing … Continue reading

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READ AND REVIEWED, AND ALSO JUST READ

I’m trying to track my reading this year – like Kate Constable does – so I can present some stats at the beginning of 2025. Maybe no pie charts, but who knows? So here’s my ‘read and reviewed, and also … Continue reading

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STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL

It is my observation over many years that those who most powerfully resist convention quite peaceably accept the state of being reviled. A woman leaves her marriage and her work for the Threatened Species Rescue Centre because she’s lost faith … Continue reading

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SPOOKS

I have a new interest – spooks. I am writing a novel (could be YA, could be adult) about a young Australian librarian, working in London, who becomes involved with an MI5 investigation run entirely by women. Her name is … Continue reading

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THE PAINTED GARDEN

A few days of sweet and nostalgic re-reading last week; The Painted Garden by Noel Streatfeild and The Rescuers by Margery Sharp. I loved them both when I was a child; reading was my ‘happy place’ and these two were … Continue reading

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SHIRLEY HAZZARD

…this theme – this transcendent theme – of fulfillment and non-fulfillment; and those who bind themselves to limitations… Shirley Hazzard, with a small output, has a huge reputation. And this biography, by Australian academic Brigitta Olubas, is also huge – … Continue reading

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THE FAIR TO MIDDLING

‘And who the devil are you?’ asked Lawrie. Mr Scratch appeared uneasy. He even blushed. ‘That’s what they used to call me,’ he said. ‘But it’s very old-fashioned. I don’t like it. To tell you the truth, I never did … Continue reading

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THE LITTLE WHITE HORSE

The world out there seems so broken and divided and ugly and violent. Is it bothering me more than usual because it’s nearly Christmas? In the West, anyway, isn’t it the time of love and peace, over-eating and gifts? I’m … Continue reading

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