Sylvia Townsend Warner
Lolly Willowes
Lolly Willowes
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Laura Willowes, known as "Lolly" to her relatives, is an invisible woman. She lives with her father in the countryside, until his death leads her to move in with her brother and sister-in-law, who live in London. She subsumes herself in being a good daughter, a good sister, and a good aunt: the perfect, dutiful spinster who can be counted on to do anything and complain about nothing.
But one cold, dreary, autumnal day, Lolly is struck by a great longing: Surely there is more to life than this? In an instant she resolves to leave London, her family, and her old life behind. Who wants to be a helpmeet when you can live alone, independently, in a tiny, remote village?
This resolution—and the panic it instills in Lolly's family—will lead to an even more surprising revelation: that Lolly Willowes would rather sell her soul to the Devil than become "dear old Aunt Lolly" ever again.
I've read this book before and decided I wanted my own copy; there are parts I enjoy reading over and over. The language and the mood it sets are both excellent. It tells the story of a woman who is expected to stay quietly in her place, both in society and in her family, But she wants more than that, and something is calling her to kick over those expectations and make a real, meaningful life for herself. Is it the devil? It may very well be, but even that entity isn't following expectations. It's a beautifully written story, not rapidly paced but to be read as one examines a fine piece of jewelry. There are many facets to be enjoyed in this story.
The print is too small for me to read.