"Bloomsbury Girls" by Natalie Jenner

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner
Call Number: Fic Jenner
Natalie Jenner, the internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, returns with a compelling and heartwarming story of post-war London, a century-old bookstore, and three women determined to find their way in a fast-changing world in Bloomsbury Girls. Bloomsbury Books is an old-fashioned new and rare book store that has persisted and resisted change for a hundred years, run by men and guided by the general manager's unbreakable fifty-one rules. But in 1950, the world is changing, especially the world of books and publishing, and at Bloomsbury Books, the girls in the shop have plans: Vivien Lowry: Single since her aristocratic fiance was killed in action during World War II, the brilliant and stylish Vivien has a long list of grievances--most of them well justified and the biggest of which is Alec McDonough, the Head of Fiction. Grace Perkins: Married with two sons, she's been working to support the family following her husband's breakdown in the aftermath of the war. Torn between duty to her family and dreams of her own. Evie Stone: In the first class of female students from Cambridge permitted to earn a degree, Evie was denied an academic position in favor of her less accomplished male rival. Now she's working at Bloomsbury Books while she plans to remake her own future. As they interact with various literary figures of the time--Daphne Du Maurier, Ellen Doubleday, Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Samuel Beckett, Peggy Guggenheim, and others--these three women with their complex web of relationships, goals and dreams are all working to plot out a future that is richer and more rewarding than anything society will allow.

Setting and Atmosphere:
- How does the author evoke the atmosphere of 1950s London? In what ways does the setting contribute to the overall mood of the novel?
Cultural and Social Changes:
- Explore the cultural and social changes depicted in the novel. How do characters navigate the post-World War II era, and what societal norms or expectations do they grapple with?
Character Identities:
- How do the characters' identities (gender, class, ethnicity) shape their experiences in 1950s London? Are there instances where societal expectations influence their choices?
Fashion and Style:
- Discuss the portrayal of fashion and style in the novel. How do characters dress, and what does their clothing reveal about the time period and their personalities?
Post-War Reconstruction:
- How does the novel address the aftermath of World War II and the process of post-war reconstruction in London? Are there characters directly affected by the war?
Music and Entertainment:
- Explore the role of music and entertainment in the novel. What cultural references or popular music of the time period are woven into the story?
Gender Roles:
- Examine how gender roles are portrayed in the 1950s London setting. Do characters conform to traditional gender norms, or do they challenge these expectations?
Political Landscape:
- Consider the political backdrop of 1950s London. How do political events or ideologies influence the characters and their lives?
Technological Advancements:
- Explore the impact of technological advancements of the time, such as the growing prevalence of television or changes in transportation. How do these innovations affect the characters' daily lives?
Immigration and Diversity:
- Does the novel address immigration and diversity in 1950s London? How are characters from different backgrounds portrayed, and what challenges or opportunities do they face?
Economic Challenges:
- How are economic challenges portrayed in the novel, especially considering the post-war period? Do characters experience financial difficulties or changes in their economic status?
Nostalgia and Reflection:
- Discuss the novel's approach to nostalgia and reflection on the 1950s. Are characters looking back on the era with fondness, or is there a critical examination of the time period?
Gender Roles and Expectations:
- How are traditional gender roles and expectations depicted in the book? In what ways do societal norms shape the lives and choices of female characters?
Workplace Challenges:
- Explore the professional lives of the female characters. How do they navigate workplace challenges, and what barriers do they encounter in pursuing certain careers or roles?
Marriage and Family Expectations:
- Discuss the expectations surrounding marriage and family life for women in 1950s London. How do societal norms influence the characters' decisions regarding relationships and motherhood?
Education Opportunities:
- To what extent are education opportunities available to women in the book? Are there characters who defy expectations by pursuing education or professional aspirations?
Political Activism:
- Explore any political activism or movements related to women's rights in the novel. How do characters engage with or resist societal norms through political means?
Representation in Media:
- How are women represented in media, including newspapers, magazines, and advertising, in the book? How does media contribute to or challenge gender stereotypes?
Legal and Reproductive Rights:
- Examine the legal and reproductive rights available to women in 1950s London. How do characters grapple with issues related to contraception, abortion, and family planning?
Intersectionality:
- Consider how factors such as class, race, and ethnicity intersect with women's rights in the narrative. Do characters from different backgrounds face unique challenges or opportunities?
Social Expectations and Etiquette:
- Discuss the social expectations and etiquette imposed on women during this time. How do characters navigate societal judgments and conform or rebel against expected behaviors?
Friendship and Support Networks:
- Explore the importance of friendship and support networks among women in the book. How do these relationships contribute to characters' resilience and pursuit of their goals?
Impact of War and Post-War Era:
- How do the aftermath of World War II and the post-war era influence women's roles and rights in the narrative? Are there changes or continuities in societal expectations?
Individual Agency and Empowerment:
- Discuss instances of individual agency and empowerment among female characters. How do they assert themselves and challenge the status quo?
Reflections on Progress:
- Consider the characters' reflections on progress and change regarding women's rights. Do they express optimism about the future, or is there a sense of frustration with the limitations of the time?

The Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers, intellectuals, and artists, was active in London during the early to mid-20th century. While the group itself did not produce a cohesive body of written works collectively referred to as "Bloomsbury books," many individual members of the group were influential writers. Here's a brief timeline of key events and notable works associated with the Bloomsbury Group:

1905-1910: The Bloomsbury Group begins to form in the Bloomsbury district of London. Members include Vanessa Bell, Virginia Woolf, Leonard Woolf, Duncan Grant, Lytton Strachey, and others.
1910: Roger Fry publishes "Vision and Design," a collection of essays that discusses art and post-impressionism.
1915: Virginia Woolf's novel "The Voyage Out" is published.
1917: Leonard and Virginia Woolf establish the Hogarth Press, an independent publishing house that publishes works by members of the Bloomsbury Group and other writers.
1922: T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land" is published. While Eliot was not a formal member of the Bloomsbury Group, his work is often associated with the literary landscape of the time.
1925: Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs Dalloway" is published.
1928: Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando" is published.
1931: E.M. Forster's novel "A Passage to India" is published.
1938: Virginia Woolf's novel "Between the Acts" is published.
1940s: World War II disrupts the activities of the Bloomsbury Group, and its members become involved in various war-related efforts.
1947: Vanessa Bell's daughter, Angelica Garnett, publishes her memoir "Deceived with Kindness," providing insights into the lives of Bloomsbury members.
1970s: Interest in the Bloomsbury Group is revived, and academic studies and biographies are published, contributing to a renewed appreciation of their contributions to literature and art.
1981: Quentin Bell's biography of his aunt, Virginia Woolf, is published.
1990s-2000s: Bloomsbury-related works continue to be studied, and various biographies, critical studies, and collections of letters are published.
2009: Hermione Lee's biography "Virginia Woolf" is published, offering a comprehensive exploration of Woolf's life.
2017: Frances Spalding's book "Exhibitionism: 100 Years of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition" examines the Bloomsbury Group's involvement in art exhibitions.

The Bloomsbury Group left a lasting impact on literature, art, and intellectual life in early 20th-century London. While they did not collectively produce a specific set of "Bloomsbury books," the works of individual members continue to be celebrated and studied for their influence on modernist literature and cultural thought.

Background:
- Natalie Jenner is a Canadian writer who has a background in law and literature.
Education:
- She holds degrees in English Literature and Law.
Career:
- Natalie Jenner has had a diverse career that includes practicing corporate and commercial law. Her passion for literature and writing led her to pursue a career as an author.
Debut Novel - "The Jane Austen Society" (2020):
- Natalie Jenner gained recognition for her debut novel "The Jane Austen Society," which was published in 2020. The novel is a work of historical fiction set in the aftermath of World War II in the village of Chawton, England, where Jane Austen lived. It follows a group of people who come together to preserve Austen's legacy.
Literary Themes:
- "The Jane Austen Society" explores themes related to literature, community, and the enduring impact of Jane Austen's work on people's lives.
Awards and Recognition:
- Natalie Jenner's debut novel received positive reviews for its engaging storytelling and its homage to Jane Austen. While I don't have specific award information, the book was well-received by readers and critics.
Writing Style:
- Natalie Jenner is known for her ability to blend historical elements with literary themes. Her writing style has been praised for its charm and connection to the legacy of Jane Austen.
Literary Involvement:
- Beyond her own writing, Natalie Jenner has been involved in the literary community, and she may have participated in book events, discussions, or other activities related to literature and writing.

The Bookseller's Secret by Michelle Gable
Call Number: FICTION Gable
In 1942, London, Nancy Mitford is worried about more than air raids and German spies. Still recovering from a devastating loss, the once sparkling Bright Young Thing is estranged from her husband, her allowance has been cut, and she's given up her writing career. On top of this, her five beautiful but infamous sisters continue making headlines with their controversial politics. Eager for distraction and desperate for income, Nancy jumps at the chance to manage the Heywood Hill bookshop while the owner is away at war. Between the shop's brisk business and the literary salons she hosts for her eccentric friends, Nancy's life seems on the upswing. But when a mysterious French officer insists that she has a story to tell, Nancy must decide if picking up the pen again and revealing all is worth the price she might be forced to pay. Eighty years later, Heywood Hill is abuzz with the hunt for a lost wartime manuscript written by Nancy Mitford. For one woman desperately in need of a change, the search will reveal not only a new side to Nancy, but an even more surprising link between the past and present.
Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison
Call Number: FICTION Harrison
In 1942, Hazel Francis left Wichita, Kansas for California, determined to do her part for the war effort. At Douglas Aircraft, she became one of many "Rosie the Riveters," helping construct bombers for the U. S. military. But now the war is over, men have returned to their factory jobs, and women like Hazel have been dismissed, expected to return home to become wives and mothers. Unwilling to be forced into a traditional woman's role in the Midwest, Hazel remains on the west coast, and finds herself in the bohemian town of Laguna Beach. Desperate for work, she accepts a job as an assistant to famous artist Hanson Radcliff. Beloved by the locals for his contributions to the art scene and respected by the critics, Radcliff lives under the shadow of a decades old scandal that haunts him. Working hard to stay on her cantankerous employer's good side, Hazel becomes a valued member of the community. She never expected to fall in love with the rhythms of life in Laguna, nor did she expect to find a kindred spirit in Jimmy, the hotel bartender whose friendship promises something more. But Hazel still wants to work with airplanes--maybe even learn to fly one someday. Torn between pursuing her dream and the dream life she has been granted, she is unsure if giving herself over to Laguna is what her heart truly wants.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
Call Number: FICTION Henry
When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed. In the war-torn London of 1939, fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora are evacuated to a rural village to escape the horrors of the Second World War. Living with the kind Bridie Aberdeen and her teenage son, Harry, in a charming stone cottage along the River Thames, Hazel fills their days with walks and games to distract her young sister, including one that she creates for her sister and her sister alone--a fairy tale about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own. But the unthinkable happens when young Flora suddenly vanishes while playing near the banks of the river. Shattered, Hazel blames herself for her sister's disappearance, and she carries that guilt into adulthood as a private burden she feels she deserves. Twenty years later, Hazel is in London, ready to move on from her job at a cozy rare bookstore to a career at Sotheby's. With a charming boyfriend and her elegantly timeworn Bloomsbury flat, Hazel's future seems determined. But her tidy life is turned upside down when she unwraps a package containing an illustrated book called Whisperwood and the River of Stars . Hazel never told a soul about the imaginary world she created just for Flora. Could this book hold the secrets to Flora's disappearance? Could it be a sign that her beloved sister is still alive after all these years? As Hazel embarks on a feverish quest, revisiting long-dormant relationships and bravely opening wounds from her past, her career and future hang in the balance. An astonishing twist ultimately reveals the truth in this transporting and refreshingly original novel about the bond between sisters, the complications of conflicted love, and the enduring magic of storytelling.
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
Call Number: FICTION Martin
August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler's forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she'd wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London. Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed--a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.
The Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble
Call Number: FICTION Noble
It's 1899, and Manhattan is abuzz. Louis Comfort Tiffany, famous for his stained-glass windows, is planning a unique installation at the Paris World's Fair, the largest in history. At their fifth-floor studio on Fourth Avenue, the artists of the Women's Division of the Tiffany Glass Company are already working longer shifts to finish the pieces that Tiffany hopes will prove that he is the world's finest artist in glass. Known as the "Tiffany Girls," these women are responsible for much of the design and construction of Tiffany's extraordinary glassworks, but none receive credit. Emilie Pascal, daughter of an art forger, has been shunned in Paris art circles after the unmasking of her abusive father. Wanting nothing more than a chance to start a new life, she forges a letter of recommendation in hopes of fulfilling her destiny as an artist in the one place where she will finally be free to live her own life. Grace Griffith is the best copyist in the studio, spending her days cutting glass into floral borders for Tiffany's religious stained-glass windows. But none of her coworkers know her secret: she is living a double life as a political cartoonist under the pseudonym of G.L. Griffith--hiding her identity as a woman. As manager of the women's division, Clara Driscoll is responsible for keeping everything on schedule and within budget. But in the lead-up to the most important exhibition of her career, not only are her girls becoming increasingly difficult to wrangle, she finds herself obsessed with a new design: a dragonfly lamp that she has no idea will one day become Tiffany's signature piece. Brought together by chance, driven by their desire to be artists in one of the only ways acceptable for women in their time, these "Tiffany Girls" will break the glass ceiling of their era and for working women to come.
The Bookbinder by Pip Williams
Call Number: FICTION Williams
It is 1914, and as the war draws the young men of Britain away to fight, women must keep the nation running. Two of those women are Peggy and Maude, twin sisters who live on a narrowboat in Oxford and work in the bindery at the university press. Ambitious, intelligent Peggy has been told for most of her life that her job is to bind the books, not read them--but as she folds and gathers pages, her mind wanders to the opposite side of Walton Street, where the female students of Oxford's Somerville College have a whole library at their fingertips. Maude, meanwhile, wants nothing more than what she has: to spend her days folding the pages of books in the company of the other bindery girls. She is extraordinary but vulnerable, and Peggy feels compelled to watch over her. Then refugees arrive from the war-torn cities of Belgium, sending ripples through the Oxford community and the sisters' lives. Peggy begins to see the possibility of another future where she can educate herself and use her intellect, not just her hands. But as war and illness reshape her world, her love for a Belgian soldier--and the responsibility that comes with it--threaten to hold her back.

Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "Bloomsbury Girls" by Natalie Jenner

"Bloomsbury Girls" by Natalie Jenner

QUICK LINKS

CONNECT WITH US

Westwood Public Library

Main Library

Islington Branch