Tag Archives: novel of manners

Our attitudes and experiences of near neighbours haven’t changed all that much in the last 160 years, if Emily Eden’s The Semi-Detached House is any guide

The Semi-Detached House by Emily Eden is a social satire written in the mid-19th century. When young Lady Chester moves into a semi-detached house in the suburbs she anticipates being forced into awkward intimacy with vulgar neighbours, whose daughters will … Continue reading

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Persuasion by Jane Austen

Persuasion is probably my favourite Jane Austen novel. It lacks the bright humour of  Pride and Prejudice, but both book and heroine share a lovely, gentle pensiveness. It explores ideas of regret and duty, as well as the difference between being … Continue reading

Posted in British, Fiction, General adult audience, Novel, Novel of Manners, Pre-Victorian | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments