The Privet Hedge

by J.E. Buckrose

This book explores the social, economic, and psychological changes that shaped England in the early 20th century, as seen through the lives of two elderly sisters living in a small seaside town. As the world around them rapidly modernizes, the sisters cling to the traditions and values of the past, struggling to make sense of a society that seems to have left them behind. Through their experiences and interactions with the people around them, the book delves into themes of nostalgia, progress, and the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving world. The author provides a nuanced and insightful portrayal of a society in flux, capturing the beauty and poignancy of a bygone era while shedding light on the enduring themes of human experience.

305 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1921

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

"She and her sister had thought, like so many others, that they could escape change by living in one place, but it had followed them, as it always inexorably does"

This was an interesting one; published in the early 1920's, it's main theme is change and the 'servant problem', and there were huge changes afoot at this time; the war is over and those people who would once have been expected to go into service are re-thinking their options.

Mrs Bradford, and her sister Miss Ethel are living in a largish house surrounded by a privet hedge, it did stand by itself, but the fields surrounding it have been sold for development and new houses are being built; on top of this, their live-in maid has left to get married and her niece, Caroline, who was supposed to take her place, has other ideas about her future, she decided she wants to work in an office and better herself.

Caroline also has decided that she can do better than the boy she has been stepping out with, things get a bit complicated when the sister's nephew, who plans to marry Laura Temple takes a shine to Caroline. The barriers between the classes are getting a bit blurred.

An enjoyable and very easy read. She reminded me a little of Dorothy Evelyn Smith.

[Austen to Zafón · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was good, with many pithy observations about women, aging, relationships, and status. I liked the post-WWI setting that highlighted the social upheaval and the progress servant-class women were making. I would have liked it more though if it had focused on the fate of the older sisters, which had more depth and possibility than the tepid love story. Love stories are a dime a dozen and this one might have been even cheaper than that if it hadn't had Mrs. Bradford and her spinster sister Ethel to raise its value.

[Chrystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

"You're always talking about what people did when you were young," said Caroline, turning away abruptly.
"I know that. Things is very altered since my day," said Mrs. Creddle. "But there's some things—"
"I've no patience with people like you, aunt," said Caroline. "You know everything has changed, and yet you go on expecting girls to be the one thing that hasn't. It isn't common sense."

This short novel is about the social changes that occurred in England between the two world wars. The young ladies from the lower class were expected to go into service, but were now starting to take charge of their futures, becoming more independent, getting training to go into secretarial jobs instead. Caroline is one of these young ladies, growing up in a seaside village, expected to become a live-in maid to two old ladies who live in an old genteel house which is being encroached upon by newly built bungalows. Although shielded from these new "eyesores" by a thick privet hedge, the two old ladies cannot shield themselves from the changes coming to their village.

Will Caroline find the independence she craves? Or will she become what is expected of her, go into service, then marry one of her own class?

This was a short novel which wanted to say a lot but didn't reach very deep. I will probably forget it completely in a week.