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The Awakening of Claudia Faraday
'It got better, in time, though to be truthful it always felt more of a duty than a pleasure: a little like homework, satisfying when over, and done well, but never exactly enjoyable. But then nobody had ever suggested it could be otherwise.'
This was the view of Claudia Faraday, 1920s respectable wife and mother of three, on the subject of sex. That is until an unexpected turn of events shakes her out of her torpor and propels her back into the world revitalised and reawakened, where she discovers, as Marie Stopes might have said: Approached in the right way, even homework can be fun.
This was the view of Claudia Faraday, 1920s respectable wife and mother of three, on the subject of sex. That is until an unexpected turn of events shakes her out of her torpor and propels her back into the world revitalised and reawakened, where she discovers, as Marie Stopes might have said: Approached in the right way, even homework can be fun.
294 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2019
About the author
Patsy Trench
9 books6 followersBorn in the UK to an Anglo/Irish father and Australian mother, I've worked in the theatre all my life, as an actress, scriptwriter, script editor, playscout, and now a teacher of theatre and organiser of theatre tours for overseas visitors to London (Covid permitting).
Book writing is a recent occupation. So far: three non fiction books about Australia and its colonial beginnings, four novels about women in the past asserting their independence in unusual ways, and a collection of short stories about love in adversity.
Book writing is a recent occupation. So far: three non fiction books about Australia and its colonial beginnings, four novels about women in the past asserting their independence in unusual ways, and a collection of short stories about love in adversity.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 19, 2020
A coming-of-age story set in the 1920s where the protagonist, Claudia, shakes off the shackles of a prim, well-to-do lady and discovers the joy of sex.
At the very beginning of the novel, the writer makes it clear that this story is based on truth – Claudia’s personal diary entries. This immediately appealed to me and made Claudia a more realistic and more endearing character. I had not go too far into the chapters before I sympathised with her and I think establishing this emotion so quickly was because I knew she had been a real person.
This is not too graphic as Claudia discovers that sex is not just about producing children. She has been in a lonely marriage and, having her daughters recently wedded and moved away, Claudia has the opportunity to discover who she really is. On this basis, the premise of the story of self-discovery isn’t too original however, the theme of love – loving yourself and the act of – dominates the narrative. Claudia embarks on a journey of emboldenment and learns as much about her own body as she does of living in the 1920s…
…Because this is a period of change for society. Claudia witnesses the Bohemian ways with one daughter, open marriages and late night parties. Gone are the restrictions of social class and behaviour as Claudia literally loosens up and becomes more open-minded to the changes happening around her – even down to fashion and appearance.
I found the book generally rather interesting because of the historical and social themes. Claudia is a likeable character and you want her to find happiness, especially when it is revealed how absent her husband has become. At times I thought the narrative a little slow and I wished the plot would move forwards a bit quicker, such as when Claudia attends her daughter’s party in London. However, it is all part of her ‘awakening’ and it was entertaining to see how Claudia’s awareness changes over the story.
Offering something a little different from other books, I think this would appeal to fans of the 1920s or historical fiction. Indeed, the role of women is interesting to consider as Claudia realises she does not have to be trapped by social expectations. It’s an usual story that provides a different perspective on what it means to be a woman.
With thanks to Prefab Publications and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At the very beginning of the novel, the writer makes it clear that this story is based on truth – Claudia’s personal diary entries. This immediately appealed to me and made Claudia a more realistic and more endearing character. I had not go too far into the chapters before I sympathised with her and I think establishing this emotion so quickly was because I knew she had been a real person.
This is not too graphic as Claudia discovers that sex is not just about producing children. She has been in a lonely marriage and, having her daughters recently wedded and moved away, Claudia has the opportunity to discover who she really is. On this basis, the premise of the story of self-discovery isn’t too original however, the theme of love – loving yourself and the act of – dominates the narrative. Claudia embarks on a journey of emboldenment and learns as much about her own body as she does of living in the 1920s…
…Because this is a period of change for society. Claudia witnesses the Bohemian ways with one daughter, open marriages and late night parties. Gone are the restrictions of social class and behaviour as Claudia literally loosens up and becomes more open-minded to the changes happening around her – even down to fashion and appearance.
I found the book generally rather interesting because of the historical and social themes. Claudia is a likeable character and you want her to find happiness, especially when it is revealed how absent her husband has become. At times I thought the narrative a little slow and I wished the plot would move forwards a bit quicker, such as when Claudia attends her daughter’s party in London. However, it is all part of her ‘awakening’ and it was entertaining to see how Claudia’s awareness changes over the story.
Offering something a little different from other books, I think this would appeal to fans of the 1920s or historical fiction. Indeed, the role of women is interesting to consider as Claudia realises she does not have to be trapped by social expectations. It’s an usual story that provides a different perspective on what it means to be a woman.
With thanks to Prefab Publications and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
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This was an interesting story about a woman spicing her love life in the 1920s, and I enjoyed reading it!
I really liked the characters in the story. Dougie and Claudia make a cute couple and I liked their chemistry. It was fun to see if Claudia would give in to her temptation and take the next step with him. Moreover, I also like Claudia’s interactions with her daughters. Each daughter had a contrasting personality that set them apart, and it was nice to see how they got along with Claudia. Personally, I thought Harriet was a complex character and the author wrote her very nicely. Similarly, Prue turned out to be one of those characters you love to hate. Both Harriet and Prue spiced up the story in a good manner. I also liked the small mystery surrounding who Perceveral was. Additionally, even though Gerald appears briefly, I liked him as he did the honorable thing.
The only reason why I did not give this 5 stars is because the story surprised me by how sexual it got. Usually when you pick a historical fiction taking place in the 1920s, you don’t expect it to be so raunchy. The story felt very modern for my taste and for some reasons I couldn’t picture the characters behaving that way during that era. There are swingers, gay relations and infidelity highlighted in the story. I would have loved the story if the author set the tale in modern times.
But, apart from that, this was delightful to read and I like to see how the series continues.
September 16, 2020
Welcome to the Roaring 20s! When a middle-aged empty nester takes a look at her lonely and unexciting life, she opens her mind and her body to new experiences.
Claudia is a self-centered, lonely, and surprisingly passionate person. Having followed society's rules as a loving wife and doting mother, she is left alone to deal with an empty house and a "husband who did not think about her, was not interested in her or what went on in her life". What is a woman of a certain age to do? When a young friend of her husband visits her and stays the night, her eyes are opened to new pleasures she has never known which begins a new journey of finding herself. Who can blame her wanting to enjoy life in the 20s where everything is changing: fashion, hairstyles, new identities, and the joys of sex? Even her own daughters are experimenting and enjoying life in their own unique ways.
Claudia is not a likable person but the reader will see her change and unwind slowly to become more aware of what is around her and what she wants giving the reader hope that she may make the right decision.
Overall, this is an intriguing and philosophical look into a woman's awakening after being what society wanted from her all of her life. I didn't know if I was going to like it at first, but I cheered for Claudia and was unexpectedly happy with her choice at the end.
Thank you to Ms. Trench for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Claudia is a self-centered, lonely, and surprisingly passionate person. Having followed society's rules as a loving wife and doting mother, she is left alone to deal with an empty house and a "husband who did not think about her, was not interested in her or what went on in her life". What is a woman of a certain age to do? When a young friend of her husband visits her and stays the night, her eyes are opened to new pleasures she has never known which begins a new journey of finding herself. Who can blame her wanting to enjoy life in the 20s where everything is changing: fashion, hairstyles, new identities, and the joys of sex? Even her own daughters are experimenting and enjoying life in their own unique ways.
Claudia is not a likable person but the reader will see her change and unwind slowly to become more aware of what is around her and what she wants giving the reader hope that she may make the right decision.
Overall, this is an intriguing and philosophical look into a woman's awakening after being what society wanted from her all of her life. I didn't know if I was going to like it at first, but I cheered for Claudia and was unexpectedly happy with her choice at the end.
Thank you to Ms. Trench for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
September 18, 2020
Let’s talk about sex.
Got your attention huh? Yeah I know.
But honestly, you gotta read this book. It’s about Claudia Faraday who is married, has raised her children and is now an “empty nester” in the roaring 1920’s. Rarely seeing her husband who was never really interested in her pursuits, Claudia lived her life never really getting “the big deal” about sex. But then, when an unexpected convenience arrises, Claudia finally has the opportunity to see what she was missing. And then Claudia’s sexual revolution begins and she completely embraces her new and exciting education.
Patsy Trench writes a fun, easy and totally relatable story that translates well to current day. It’s a wonderful perspective on sex from the middle aged married woman with children who felt she had a role to play as a wife, instead of considering her own needs and pleasure as a woman. To be honest, it’s a page turner that I know every woman can identify with in their own way and will absolutely love. (And a few men would benefit from picking it up too). With a really great cast of characters and a brilliant plot, I honestly have to repeat myself and say “you gotta read this book.” Highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Patsy Trench, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, and Prefab Publications, for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Got your attention huh? Yeah I know.
But honestly, you gotta read this book. It’s about Claudia Faraday who is married, has raised her children and is now an “empty nester” in the roaring 1920’s. Rarely seeing her husband who was never really interested in her pursuits, Claudia lived her life never really getting “the big deal” about sex. But then, when an unexpected convenience arrises, Claudia finally has the opportunity to see what she was missing. And then Claudia’s sexual revolution begins and she completely embraces her new and exciting education.
Patsy Trench writes a fun, easy and totally relatable story that translates well to current day. It’s a wonderful perspective on sex from the middle aged married woman with children who felt she had a role to play as a wife, instead of considering her own needs and pleasure as a woman. To be honest, it’s a page turner that I know every woman can identify with in their own way and will absolutely love. (And a few men would benefit from picking it up too). With a really great cast of characters and a brilliant plot, I honestly have to repeat myself and say “you gotta read this book.” Highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Patsy Trench, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, and Prefab Publications, for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 16, 2019
Claudia Faraday may well get a name for herself. She's no Phryne Fisher or Lady Chatterley - she's far too subtle and mature - yet this middle-aged 1920s empty nester finds herself in the midst of a sexual awakening that seems decades ahead of its time. Along the way she encounters icons of the inter-war years; lusty suitors who may (or may not) come up with the goods for a lady of a certain age in need of a little stimulation, for both body and soul; and ruminates on the major issues for women of her generation, and the next, not by talking about men, but by opening her eyes to the lives of several fascinating contemporary women. What I loved most about this intriguing book is how it took me back to a time when people genuinely weren't able to recognise sexual diversity, to the point when it went completely unchallenged for its sheer shock value; and in those days, women enjoying sex certainly counted as sexual diversity. A witty, easy read replete with the requisite well-preserved older men the genre seems to demand, while also managing to land a mild feminist punch. I came to cheer for Claudia's triumphs as much as I grumbled at her self doubt, because she takes the journey to working out what attracts her, instead of simply living as a thing of beauty waiting to attract others.
October 6, 2020
The Awakening Of Claudia Faraday
It got better, in time, though to be truthful it always felt more of a duty than a pleasure: a little like homework, satisfying when over, and done well, but never exactly enjoyable. But then nobody had ever suggested it could be otherwise.’
This was the view of Claudia Faraday, 1920s respectable wife and mother of three, on the subject of sex. That is until an unexpected turn of events shakes her out of her torpor and propels her back into the world revitalised and reawakened, where she discovers, as Marie Stopes might have said: Approached in the right way, even homework can be fun.
The Awakening of Claudia Faraday is a delightful little novel which consistently confounds expectations. The cover, with its silhouetted protagonist could be for a new spy series, the pink writing could signal traditional “chick lit” (urgh – what a bind of a brand that is), the “Roaring Twenties” strap line makes it sound like a PG Wodehouse romp and the blurb description could be anything from a Jilly Cooper bonkbuster to a serious and measured study of the sexual awakening of upper middle class women in the early part of last century.
And, in the end, this rather sad, rather charming novel is a little of all of these things, (although spy thriller is a stretch. The only revelations here are of the human heart and mind, it is a little lacking in unmasked super villains to be fair.
Penetrating Pathos
It is sad. This is a quite and understated sadness of withering dreams and slipping youth. Claudia is a lovely protagonist. A gentle and well intentioned woman who, in her sixth decade, is only beginning to question her wants and desires.
Trench writes with such a penetrating pathos of the boredom of a newly empty nest that the reader’s heart aches for our heroine, so used is she to being of service to others that she is not even the lead character in her own story.
“And so the weeks passed, September into October, and no omnipotent author stepped in to liven up the shapeless plot that was Claudia’s life. She was back to counting the creaks as she ascended the stairs on her way to her bedroom.”
I spent a huge amount of time in the novel feeling desperately sad for Claudia. The Twenties were in distinct danger of not only failing to roar for her but also to go out with barely so much as a whimper.
It was clear that not only sex, but also any agency had been ground out of the character: by society; by men; by her friends; by her mother. This fundamentally sweet woman hadn’t noticed the hypocrisy of everyone else and so was facing the outgoing sands of time in baffled and barely articulated sorrow.
Charming Oddities
This gentle gloom is alleviated by the light touch, page turning writing skill and the assortment of charming oddities which surround her.
The loyal housemaid Lily – fairly consistently having to let her hand fly to her mouth after yet another misplaced observation of her mistress – is a cutie, old friend and occasional sparring partner Prue, seems to be made up of equal parts scandalous affairs in hot climates and terrible driving.
The absentee husband Gerald sounds what used to be called a perfect pill. Having ruined sex for her, then impregnated her three times scooting off overseas for archaeological digs, he could only make it to one of their children’s weddings.
The children themselves add colour and charm to the rather drab world of their mother. Jessica has a horsey laugh, a disordered house and is a flapper with a jolly husband with an alliterative name; Harriet is a Bohemian with a penchant for interior design and a wayward husband while the youngest daughter, Flora is all horse breeding and country air.
It is not a difficulty to spend time in the world of these delightful characters. It is especially easy when Claudia is making her slightly waspish observations such as:
“It was invariably the revolutionaries who managed to consume most of other people’s wine, and their food, while looking down on them from some lofty moral plinth upon which they had placed themselves.”
In conclusion, The Awakening of Claudia Faraday is a nice little novel filled with excellent characters, charming locations and the quiet desperation of some of our fellow citizens. I can’t wait to meet up with them again.
You can buy the book here:
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ClaudiaF
And you can join me on my blog for other reviews of this type here:
https://wp.me/p4pQjs-5X
It got better, in time, though to be truthful it always felt more of a duty than a pleasure: a little like homework, satisfying when over, and done well, but never exactly enjoyable. But then nobody had ever suggested it could be otherwise.’
This was the view of Claudia Faraday, 1920s respectable wife and mother of three, on the subject of sex. That is until an unexpected turn of events shakes her out of her torpor and propels her back into the world revitalised and reawakened, where she discovers, as Marie Stopes might have said: Approached in the right way, even homework can be fun.
The Awakening of Claudia Faraday is a delightful little novel which consistently confounds expectations. The cover, with its silhouetted protagonist could be for a new spy series, the pink writing could signal traditional “chick lit” (urgh – what a bind of a brand that is), the “Roaring Twenties” strap line makes it sound like a PG Wodehouse romp and the blurb description could be anything from a Jilly Cooper bonkbuster to a serious and measured study of the sexual awakening of upper middle class women in the early part of last century.
And, in the end, this rather sad, rather charming novel is a little of all of these things, (although spy thriller is a stretch. The only revelations here are of the human heart and mind, it is a little lacking in unmasked super villains to be fair.
Penetrating Pathos
It is sad. This is a quite and understated sadness of withering dreams and slipping youth. Claudia is a lovely protagonist. A gentle and well intentioned woman who, in her sixth decade, is only beginning to question her wants and desires.
Trench writes with such a penetrating pathos of the boredom of a newly empty nest that the reader’s heart aches for our heroine, so used is she to being of service to others that she is not even the lead character in her own story.
“And so the weeks passed, September into October, and no omnipotent author stepped in to liven up the shapeless plot that was Claudia’s life. She was back to counting the creaks as she ascended the stairs on her way to her bedroom.”
I spent a huge amount of time in the novel feeling desperately sad for Claudia. The Twenties were in distinct danger of not only failing to roar for her but also to go out with barely so much as a whimper.
It was clear that not only sex, but also any agency had been ground out of the character: by society; by men; by her friends; by her mother. This fundamentally sweet woman hadn’t noticed the hypocrisy of everyone else and so was facing the outgoing sands of time in baffled and barely articulated sorrow.
Charming Oddities
This gentle gloom is alleviated by the light touch, page turning writing skill and the assortment of charming oddities which surround her.
The loyal housemaid Lily – fairly consistently having to let her hand fly to her mouth after yet another misplaced observation of her mistress – is a cutie, old friend and occasional sparring partner Prue, seems to be made up of equal parts scandalous affairs in hot climates and terrible driving.
The absentee husband Gerald sounds what used to be called a perfect pill. Having ruined sex for her, then impregnated her three times scooting off overseas for archaeological digs, he could only make it to one of their children’s weddings.
The children themselves add colour and charm to the rather drab world of their mother. Jessica has a horsey laugh, a disordered house and is a flapper with a jolly husband with an alliterative name; Harriet is a Bohemian with a penchant for interior design and a wayward husband while the youngest daughter, Flora is all horse breeding and country air.
It is not a difficulty to spend time in the world of these delightful characters. It is especially easy when Claudia is making her slightly waspish observations such as:
“It was invariably the revolutionaries who managed to consume most of other people’s wine, and their food, while looking down on them from some lofty moral plinth upon which they had placed themselves.”
In conclusion, The Awakening of Claudia Faraday is a nice little novel filled with excellent characters, charming locations and the quiet desperation of some of our fellow citizens. I can’t wait to meet up with them again.
You can buy the book here:
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ClaudiaF
And you can join me on my blog for other reviews of this type here:
https://wp.me/p4pQjs-5X
September 18, 2020
I rather enjoyed this exploration of Claudia's life when she is left alone in the family home wondering what next? Constricted by society expectations but changed in the aftermath of WW1, Claudia realises she's missing out and that a wealth of experience awaits her if she's open to it.
Claudia is a rule follower, sexually naive and prejudiced about anything she doesn't understand, but this story shows her character developing in positive ways. There are parallels with contemporary society for women who feel they are invisible after a certain age.
The witty writing is sensitive and often humorous in a self-deprecating way. The author describes the 1920s succinctly with salient historical details and real historical characters. Authentic dialogue and events that illustrate this as a time of celebration and change.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Claudia is a rule follower, sexually naive and prejudiced about anything she doesn't understand, but this story shows her character developing in positive ways. There are parallels with contemporary society for women who feel they are invisible after a certain age.
The witty writing is sensitive and often humorous in a self-deprecating way. The author describes the 1920s succinctly with salient historical details and real historical characters. Authentic dialogue and events that illustrate this as a time of celebration and change.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2025
This book is terrible. I made it to chapter 12 and gave up. This did not have to be as slow and as drawn out as it is. I went the last chapter to see how it ends. There is ZERO REASON for there to be 29 chapters in between. This book could EASILY have been half the page length to get to that conclusion.
September 29, 2025
I found it a bit boring. Could have been a great short story.
September 30, 2020
It’s never too late for a wakeup call.
Claudia Faraday is a respectable society lady in the 1920s. Being in her fifties and a husband far away, she does think of sex as a task to do, even is that specific task gave her three lovely daughters. now that her daughters are married themselves, Claudia has an empty house and too much free time.
But a random encounter suddenly stirs something and Claudia realizes that there is more to sex then just ‘something to do’.
This story is set in the 1920s but is still up to date in the 2020s… I am not the age of Claudia, but I can understand her thinking. Especially in that time, it was a taboo talking about how enjoying sex (or the lack of it). And talking about the faults in your marriage is definitely something you don’t do.
So when Claudia starts her new adventure, we saw a side of Claudia we could never imagine. Now, don’t expect that Claudia starts acting like a woman who goes around town and seduces each man she meets to satisfy her feelings. Here and there were encounters with men, but it was more than just that.
I loved reading how Claudia really opens her eyes and sees a whole new world and starts imaging things she never thought of.
For me, it was not pure a sexual awakening for Claudia, but more on an emotional level. Claudia realizes that there is so much more in life than just being married and raising your children. She also realizes that people love in different ways. During her journey, Claudia also learns to be more confident, and she learns what she truly wants.
It was nice to read how Claudia evolves in this story from a wallflower to a confident woman, chasing her dreams. I had also much fun reading how Claudia learns things of herself she didn’t know and how many things she can imagine!
A funny read, with an important message underneath!
Claudia Faraday is a respectable society lady in the 1920s. Being in her fifties and a husband far away, she does think of sex as a task to do, even is that specific task gave her three lovely daughters. now that her daughters are married themselves, Claudia has an empty house and too much free time.
But a random encounter suddenly stirs something and Claudia realizes that there is more to sex then just ‘something to do’.
This story is set in the 1920s but is still up to date in the 2020s… I am not the age of Claudia, but I can understand her thinking. Especially in that time, it was a taboo talking about how enjoying sex (or the lack of it). And talking about the faults in your marriage is definitely something you don’t do.
So when Claudia starts her new adventure, we saw a side of Claudia we could never imagine. Now, don’t expect that Claudia starts acting like a woman who goes around town and seduces each man she meets to satisfy her feelings. Here and there were encounters with men, but it was more than just that.
I loved reading how Claudia really opens her eyes and sees a whole new world and starts imaging things she never thought of.
For me, it was not pure a sexual awakening for Claudia, but more on an emotional level. Claudia realizes that there is so much more in life than just being married and raising your children. She also realizes that people love in different ways. During her journey, Claudia also learns to be more confident, and she learns what she truly wants.
It was nice to read how Claudia evolves in this story from a wallflower to a confident woman, chasing her dreams. I had also much fun reading how Claudia learns things of herself she didn’t know and how many things she can imagine!
A funny read, with an important message underneath!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews