Reading could be better

Relying solely on the audio for this book entails lacking interesting photographs of its various protagonists and the square itself. While Corrie James is a clear-voiced reader with a plummy voice suitably appropriate for conjuring the atmosphere of interwar Bloomsbury, she periodically mispronounces certain words that might easily have been remedied by input from someone at Whole Story Audio. I've made this comment before about Whole Story Audio productions and it seems they clearly don't employ anyone competent enough to advise otherwise good actors (and, as I say, James is quite a good reader in terms of expression and voice) on correct pronunciation. Words mispronounced and/or wrongly stressed here include Caius (as in the College), Gaudy (as in _Gaudy Nights_ -- which is mentioned a lot and grew increasingly annoying with repetition), clef (as in Roman à clef), Semele, harem, graduates (as noun), supine, and presage.

18 people found this helpful

Interesting women

A look at the lives of 5 women. I enjoyed all of them, some I have loved since my teens, some completely new but all interesting and clearly well researched.
Narration beautifully clear but, for such a rp voice, the Americanisation of dates and mispronunciation of place names such as Altrincham was surprising and jarred.

3 people found this helpful

Oddly comforting

Listened to this during lockdown and it was on the one hand escapist (and fascinating) and on the other quite comforting because the women endured war etc. Hard to explain, but perfect listening experience. Well read, too

2 people found this helpful

A great account of the lives of prominent women

This is a bit of an eye opener into the varied and tragic lives of many prominent people of their time. Their lust for life is, often at the cost of other people's happiness.

1 person found this helpful

Not To Be Missed

A very satisfying read, beautifully read. The author has written a fascinating narrative combining clever and revealing biography with London topography. I look forward very much to future books by Francesca Wade. I especially admire the way the author has shaped and constructed her book to provide such an absorbing read.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent

Excellent and educational. Great biographies of some sadly neglected female writers. Going to reread A Room of One’s Own now. Fantastic listen.

1 person found this helpful

Divine

A vital, beautifully written book about five extraordinary women. I fell in love with every one of them - Francesca draws them so deftly, so minutely. The narration was also superb - measured and subtle. I highly recommend this.

1 person found this helpful

Great listen!

In this book you find in-depth detail about lesser known but brilliant women scholars between the wars. Especially liked the chapter on Virginia Woolf.

Interesting, insightful and beautiful written.

A sensational study of the significant individuals who happened to live in a particular square in North London. Highly recommend- superb narration too.

Five extraordinary women.

An enjoyable book which tells the story of five women who happened to reside in Mecklenburg Square at separate times during the interwar years. I knew a fair bit about Virginia Woolf beforehand, and was familiar with the detective stories of Dorothy L Sayers, but really enjoyed learning about Jane Harrison and Eileen Power... I will read Power's work as a result.

The only criticism I have is with the narration. This is obviously an American narrator attempting a plummy English accent. Some of the pronunciation is frankly bizarre.