The Newspaper of Claremont Street

by Elizabeth Jolley

This is the story of an old cleaning woman—known as “Weekly” or “The Newspaper” to the residents of Claremont Street for whom she works—who dreams of escape from the parasitic demands of both her past and her present.

Genres: Fiction, Australia, Classics, 20th Century, Literature

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1981

About the author

Monica Elizabeth Jolley was an award-winning writer who settled in Western Australia in the late 1950s. She was 53 years old when her first book was published, and she went on to publish fifteen novels (including an autobiographical trilogy), four short story collections, and three non-fiction books, publishing well into her 70s and achieving significant critical acclaim. She was also a pioneer of creative writing teaching in Australia, counting many well known writers such as Tim Winton among her students. Her novels explore alienated characters and the nature of loneliness and entrapment.

Honours:
1987: Western Australian Citizen of the Year
1988: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to literature
1989: Canada/Australia Literary Award
1997: Australian Living Treasure

Reviews

[Marchpane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Newspaper of Claremont Street is a steely little novella, affecting and archly funny, although I’m not entirely convinced it deserves to be called an ‘Australian classic’. If I hadn’t just recently read The Door by Magda Szabo, I probably would have found this story of a gruff house cleaner and her clingy, snobbish client more striking/disturbing.

The rendering of the characters’ accents—Weekly’s broad Strine and Nastasya’s Russian—is so cartoonish I found myself disconnecting from them, and thus was a bit distanced from the story as a whole.

It is however a good character study, and pointedly shows up class strictures in so-called ‘classless’ Australian society. The wickedness of the ending took me totally by surprise!

I’m keen to read more by Jolley, as this one really suffered from being too similar to The Door for me, and to find out if her work gets darker than this (I hope so).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what a little jewel of a short novel. There is all of her genius here - words fail me in how to describe how good this is. Jolley keeps us on tenterhooks the whole way through as to whether Weekly - our lonely heroine will manage to buy and enjoy the farm she so rightly deserves. In the first half I resented the allusions to Weekly's past life, the brother, Victor who thought of no-one except himself and exploited the two women who loved him, his mother and older sister, Weekly; I resented these intrusions because I so wanted only good things for Weekly. And it was actually painful to read about her past deprivations and the mean, selfish brother, with his cultivated accent.

There are lessons about life in this short story - for me I think the most evocative is that sense of doing what is right no matter how hard it seems in the moment, and secondly how we pay for decisions in our past for which we cannot forgive ourselves - all of that is there as we follow Weekly in her arduous life. She is an old lady who cleans the houses of the rich people in Claremont Street, but they all respect and fear her, because she knows all the inside details of their lives, but of course Weekly is too circumspect to divulge any of these secrets. Her trade in news is for outside events only; the sort of stories that would be covered in the Weeklies. We follow Weekly in her round of daily living, and we watch as she saves each small amount and then she dreams of a small farm in the country.

Here is a short extract from the delightful chapter 11 when Weekly discovers that her life-long savings will not buy any part of the farm in the valley she has found, however, the agent suggests somewhere more affordable:

'If you're prepared to go out say, fifty miles,' Mr Rusk said gently, 'at a little place called White Gum Crossing, near there, there's a nice little five acres, with a tin shack for tools. Some of its what they call river flats, flooded in winter, you could grow pears there. And it would be within your price range,' Mr Rusk spoke seriously to the old woman even he was not sure whether she was all right in the head.

And so with a sinking heart we follow Weekly on her first visit out to the new dream home:

At last she arrived at the place. It was more lovely than she had expected and fragrant and quite different from the valley. This difference gave her a surprise. A great many tall old trees had been left standing, white gums and red gums and jarrah, and the tin shack turned out to be a weatherboard cottage. She was afraid she had come to the wrong place.
'It must be someone's home,' she thought to herself as she peered timidly through the cottage window and saw that it was full of furniture. Disappointment crept over her as she turned away stepping on the purple pigface which was growing everywhere. She climbed the broken steps at the back of the cottage and, from the high verandah, she looked down the sunlit slope of the land and across a narrow valley to a hay field between big trees. It was like the things she had read about, only far more beautiful because of the stillness and fragrance. These are not put into the advertisements. There was such a stillness that Weekly felt more than ever that she was trespassing, not only on the land, but into the very depths of the stillness itself."

And so Jolley leads us delicately into sharing the same hopes and fears experienced by her lonely, sad character, Weekly. I just love Jolley; she is the best advocate for the poor, the marginalised, the dispossessed and displaced. And I love her for allowing us to share so completely in Weekly's life.

[Maria Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margie is the rarely used name for 'Newspaper' or 'Weekly', a cleaning woman who knows all about what goes on in other people's houses. Once again, Elizabeth Jolley focuses on an immigrant to Australia, Margie having arrived as a young girl with her mother and brother along with a sister who is elsewhere in service. The novel focuses almost entirely on Margie herself. A life in service is the backbone of her experience - but now, old and in pain, she has her own room in Claremont Street and cleans all the homes, gathering knowledge, while no one seems to know much about her. She uses her capacity as the street's 'Newspaper' to keep her own life private - it's easy to misdirect attention by naming something going on, terrible or shaming in a minor way. For much of the novel sympathy for the character builds, though she's not altogether pleasant - yet she seems to have a good heart, unable to entirely ignore an appeal for help. I wonder then if Elizabeth Jolley had in mind the ending when she began to write - it left me feeling unsettled. Though all the while I was reading I was willing the character on to achieve some form of happiness, I couldn't feel at ease with the way she achieved her contentment. Which is really rather brilliant.

[Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it's a short story, it took me some time to get into it. Nevertheless, in the end, I appreciated the world the author portrayed—the fate of a working-class woman, an Englishwoman who, after emigrating with her mother and younger brother to Australia for a better life, cleaned middle-class homes. A seemingly tolerant world, yet one full of prejudices and class divisions. The character of a former Russian tsarist aristocrat, who reminisces about a childhood full of luxury while living in old age practically alone and in poverty, was a brilliant counterpoint. And the twist involving her murder was perhaps shocking but, in its own way, a fitting conclusion to Weekly’s story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1981 The Newspaper of Claremont Street is classic Jolley: it features a lonely character alienated from and yet trapped in the society around her; a resilient character who transcends the expectations that the reader forms about her fate.

As I said in the Sensational Snippet that I posted last week, it is an elderly cleaner who is the ‘newspaper’ of Claremont Street. Her real name is Marguerite Morris, but everyone in the street knows her as ‘Weekly’ because she shares the news from up and down the street: everything from the state of Mr Kingston’s health to Leila Chatham’s wedding presents and the fragile bride’s premature return from a honeymoon.


On her way home from work, she went in the shop at the end of Claremont Street and sat there, taking her time, seeing who was there and watching what they bought. No one needed to read anything, the Newspaper of Claremont told them all stories and kept them up to date with the news. No one needed to bring a shopping list because Weekly knew what they needed to buy. (p.12)

Weekly is an uneducated charwoman who has never married and her life is lonely and hard. She has watched the people of Claremont Street grow old as she has, and she sees the chasm between their lives and hers.

To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2018/06/04/t...

[Cphe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual novella length story with definite macabre undertones. Enjoyed the descriptions of the Aussie bush and could well understand the affinity with wanting to own land. Had difficulty though fully appreciating the main character Mrs Morris a.k.a the Newspaper of Claremont Street.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m rereading some Australian classics and this is one of my favourites. In this book Jolley skilfully exposes the Australian class system of the mid to late 20th century. “Weekly Newspaper” is the gently mocking nickname of a woman who lives and works as cleaner and general kitchen hand in Claremont Street, Perth. The patrons who employ Weekly are obliged to continue to do so; they donate their no longer used items to her and even compete with each other to do so. The street is central to Weekly’s world but as she ages she begins to desire an out.
The story jumps back and forth between Weekly’s her aspirations, her current work, the patrons and her life in England where she grew up. She is remorseful about what befell her brother, but the reason is withheld until near the end of the book, nevertheless she is sad as she is alone and she seems to have more acquaintances who use her rather than any real friends.
Her family historically were household staff for well-to-do families. Though her mother had warned her about her brother who spoke with a cultured accent and had dubious habits. Weekly appears to have left her family behind when she migrated but her means of employment is similar however here, she appears to have more control over her own future.
As a person who enters nearly all of the middle-class houses, Weekly, sees and hears everything that happens in her street and the local residents rely on her to impart what she knows. Weekly chooses what to reveal and when, however she herself, remains anonymous
Elizabeth Jolley migrated with her husband and children, from England to Western Australia in 1959, but was not published until the 1970’s then went on to write another nineteen novels.
Jolley ‘s ability to tell a story succinctly but with crisp clarity is what I really appreciate in this book and I do enjoy her macabre sense of humour which is so quick and subtle. I recommend this evocative book of a woman finally succeeding to live her dream.

[Calzean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another little Jolley gem that mixes charm with a dark side.
Weekly is the local char woman. She cleans in the various houses of the well-to-do and spends an hour or so at the end of each day in the local general store dispensing gossip. She lives frugally and has a grand plan to buy a small piece of land.
She has a heart of gold helping others and fears her plans may go astray when she starts caring for the overly demanding Natasha. But the little old lady Weekly is more adept than expected and shw gets to live happily ever after.

[Hermien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was... adequate? Having attended a university that has a lecture theatre named after the author, perhaps my hopes were set too high. I can see how some people might find it refreshing to have a story that's just simple but my God I haven't felt so unsatisfied since I dated men. I am thoroughly underwhelmed. 2 stars because the idea behind it is nice and I could actually force myself to read it.

[Raquel Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uma história simples, bem escrita, sobre alguém a quem a vida nunca sorriu mas que persegue um sonho. Bonitas descrições e a personagem vai crescendo um nós ao longo da narrativa. No final estava à espera de algo mais concreto, mas gostei do livro.

[Dlhmoore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short little book by an Australian author. It's really a novella having only 116 pages. This was given to me by a friend who thought I would enjoy it.

The story is about a woman who works all of her life cleaning houses for people, but who has a life long wish. In the end she gets what she's always wanted and she is satisfied. It's a well written little story with a lot to think about.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compassionate, sometimes witty short novel about ‘Weekly’, Claremont Street’s cleaning lady, who works hard and saves her earnings towards the dream of escaping, to buy a rural property. ‘Weekly’ has been cleaning houses for thirty years. Residents of Claremont Street can rely upon her for the news - bits and pieces of gossip,snippets from the papers. ‘Weekly’ is not malicious or unscrupulous. ‘Weekly’s plans for retirement become complicated when she helps out recently widowed Nastasya. It becomes clear that Nastasya is a dependent. She should be in a nursing home. Weekly allows Nastasya to live with her, but it isn’t long before she regrets her decision.

A very satisfying reading experience.

This book was first published in 1981.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great story of a cleaner in an Australian city saving to buy her dream. Loved the visuals of Australia in (I'm guessing) the 1970s. The characters were interesting, and the descriptions of the country and bush reflected how beautiful I know them to be. I liked the reflections on her younger life, and how many things were left unsaid but presumed to be the case. I like the space made for readers to fill in gaps of information. Very clever.

[Felicity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I get a huge surprise from a book! Found this buried on a shelf in a Street Library. I knew nothing about it, only recognising the author name. Once I started to read, I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written, great characters with a poignant story. This is a story about life, normal, everyday boring life with people who have no importance but it shines!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Newspaper of Claremont Street is an older lady who does housework for the locals. In her work she learns tidbits of information which she shares with the locals. She longs to own property, a valley that she visits in free time. Nastasya comes into her life and makes it a little challenging. Overall it’s a nice Sunday read of character development if you curl up with a cup of tea.

[Kaija Strautins · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a gift that took me a while to get to. I really didn't enjoy it, so was glad it didn't take me too long to read. Didn't care about the characters, plot or most of the writing, and that's the only things to like.

[Angela Holtzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very likable characters. Hitchcockian ending!

[Heather Slutzkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing little story, with unexpected (if inevitable) ending!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusual and quite touching- a glimpse into the lonely, self-sufficient Weekly, the 'newspaper of Claremont', who cleans houses and knows everyone's business.

[Zed · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Newspaper of Claremont Street is a simple story on the surface about one woman's objective in life and how she bides her time studiously working away towards her goal. It was a page turner, with many secrets and complexities to be revealed. I was always wanting to know what was going to happen, how it was all going to play out. In the end it was a strange book.

The main character, Weekly, is a quirky, memorable character. Sometimes she's admirable, other times deplorable.

An interesting read, full of dark humour, and wonderfully written.

*I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways*

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an odd tale, and not what I'd expected -- I didn't realize that Jolley was known for the macabre (well, maybe I would have if I'd read the cover blurb first...)

Though this novel is short, it contains a great deal of texture. Weekly's backstory is fully drawn, as is her character. She works very hard, with a goal in mind, and despite her ridiculousness in the eyes of others, she has an inner life that they know nothing about. The story provides a glimpse into a lonely life, and what keeps someone like Weekly going despite hard circumstances. The writing is measured, the pace quite deliberate. I think this reflects the pace of Weekly's life; keep your head down, work hard, follow routine, until you're able to make your big break.

This is a brief but intriguing story of a unique character. It's worth searching out for all the social observations and for the character of Weekly herself.
Full review here

[Ed Eleazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jolley's novella presents an excellent characterization of Margarite Morris,"The Newspaper of Claremont Street. Quiet and understated, this book takes you into the inner workings of a loner, a person who was not born with all the breaks, but one who works and saves to buy a small bit of land that she can call her own. Jolley does an excellent job of showing us how this British immigrant in Australia takes on the culture of he adopted land and shows us, as well, how the "New Chums" often fail to accept the suffering and dedication that living in Australia demands. Anyone who pretends to understand Aussie Lit. must read this book.

[Susie Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this one but it left me a bit unsatisfied. It seemed old fashioned and stiff? I am slowly re-visiting the Elizabeth Jolley books on my shelf and this hasn't put me off but I remember others as being more enjoyable reads.

[(Mark) EchoWolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining novel with an unexpected and interesting ending.
Set in Perth, Western Australia, and written in a quirky style that requires some reading adjustment.
The old women are odd, and the novel illustrates class distinctions.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expanded version of an early Jolley short story. Great character development, but the last chapter seemed completely superfluous; end of the penultimate one would've made a much better finale.

[Felicity · Rating 1 out of 5]

Odd.

[Wendy Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, dry , and full of uncomortable truths

[Tineke Van der Eecken · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Australian version of The Help. Language and pace are somewhat dated but overall a well crafted narrative with great characters.

[Jennifer Rolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gem of a book. I loved the depiction of the main character and the artful direction of the unfolding of the plot. Very well written book. Such insight.