Group Reads -> August 2023 -> Nomination thread (1920s - won by Leadon Hill by Richmal Crompton)

[Nigeyb]

Every month we discuss a book on a specific era or a theme. This book will be the winner of a group poll.


Our August 2023 theme is the...


1920s


Please nominate a book either written in the 1920s or set in it or about the era, and that you would like to read and discuss. It could be fiction or non-fiction

Please supply the title, author, a brief synopsis, and anything else you'd like to mention about the book, and why you think it might make a good book to discuss.


Happy nominating

[Nigeyb]

This is an interesting list of the 1920s path less travelled...



11 Forgotten Books of the 1920s Worth Reading Now

https://lithub.com/10-forgotten-books...


Dorothy Canfield Fisher's The Home-Maker (1924) particularly piqued my interest but most of them intrigued me.

More about The Home-Maker....

Dorothy Canfield Fisher, an education advocate and early supporter of the Montessori methodology, was also an accomplished popular novelist. The Home-Maker addresses gender and marriage roles via the plight of Evangeline Knapp, a woman who fears staying at home to raise her children, but whose life changes dramatically when her husband Lester is maimed. They reverse roles—the wife entering the business world, while Lester successfully raises their two children. Like all family issues, The Home-Maker is much deeper than it appears at first glance, deftly exploring society’s labels and their impact on people’s lives.

An authority no less noted than Eleanor Roosevelt once claimed that Canfield Fisher was one of the ten most influential women in the nation, but much of her work across adult and young adult fiction and nonfiction is no longer read.

Not a nomination I hasten to add. Not yet anyway

[Ben]

My father was a real fan of Sinclair Lewis, and we had three of his books in our home library, attractively bound in dark blue with gold lettering. I read two of them, Arrows it's, about an idealistic young doctor, and It Can't Happen Here, about America sliding into home grown fascism. Both were excellent. But I've never read his best known book, Babbit, which will be my nomination.

Babbitt is a satirical novel about American culture and society that critiques the vacuity of middle class life and the social pressure toward conformity. The controversy provoked by Babbitt was influential in the decision to award the Nobel Prize in Literature to Lewis in 1930.

[Nigeyb]

Ben wrote:


"I've never read his best known book, Babbitt, which will be my nomination"

Thanks Ben

It's also one of the 11 on the list I link to above


Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt (1922)

Sinclair Lewis proves that a Nobel Prize winner can be forgotten. He may be the most famous (and bestselling) writer of his age that is largely unread today. Even worse, scholars have relegated Lewis to the trash heap. Yet, when I read Babbitt, I am left scratching my head over how far Lewis’s reputation has fallen.

In the midst of Trump’s America, one finds the novel a tutorial on middle America, a blueprint for not only how the reality show huckster came to power, but the secret desires that leave so many people (especially middle class corporate managers) existentially hollow. The gaping hole at the center of the novel (and so many people today) is the futility of the American Dream, not only in the elusive chase, but ever believing that achieving it will ultimately deliver happiness or satisfaction. We all know George Babbitt, his hometown boosterism and civic pride is the stuff of countless mid-sized cities and small towns. Babbitt’s plight provokes the reader and asks that we search for a something more authentic from life.

[Roman Clodia]

That's an interesting list: I'd been thinking about Nella Larsen's Passing which is about far more than race but gets a bit pigeon-holed.

I'm also thinking about Woolf's Orlando but I know not everyone is a fan of hers.

Still pondering ...

[Chrissie]

Thanks, Nigeyb. There are several that interest me.

RC, . Passing I've read and given four stars.

[Roman Clodia]

Aw, 1920s was also Winnie-the-Pooh!

My other possible nomination is The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield but as we've already discussed, short stories are not to everyone's taste.

[Jill]

We have also read The Garden Party, but not the others in that collection

[Rosina]

I was tempted to suggest one of my favourites, The Enchanted April, but I see we read it in 2019 (which is probably how I found it in the first place).

So, instead, I will nominate Queen Lucia, which I haven't read, although I remember the series from the TV, many years ago. The first of the Mapp and Lucia series, it was published on 1st January 1920, so just scrapes in.

[Chrissie]

The Bourbon King: The Life and Crimes of George Remus, Prohibition's Evil Genius, mentioned in Nigeyb's link, is free at Audible for Audible-plus members in the UK. It's read by Joe Barrett, who's a good narrator.

[Roman Clodia]

This is not a nomination but looks good for anyone interested in the 1920s avant-garde: When Paris Sizzled: The 1920s Paris of Hemingway, Chanel, Cocteau, Cole Porter, Josephine Baker, and Their Friends.

Which reminds me that I've long wanted to read something on Josephine Baker - anyone have any recommendations?

And this looks good too: Flappers: Six Women of a Dangerous Generation

[Alwynne]

Thanks for the Louise Brooks image Nigey, love her films.

[Roman Clodia]

As this will be an August read, something lighter might be good:
The Other Typist

A haunting debut novel set against the background of New York City in the 1920s…

Confessions are Rose Baker’s job. A typist for the New York City Police Department, she sits in judgment like a high priestess. Criminals come before her to admit their transgressions, and, with a few strokes of the keys before her, she seals their fate. But while she may hear about shootings, knifings, and crimes of passion, as soon as she leaves the room, she reverts to a dignified and proper lady. Until Odalie joins the typing pool.

As Rose quickly falls under the stylish, coquettish Odalie’s spell, she is lured into a sparkling underworld of speakeasies and jazz. And what starts as simple fascination turns into an obsession from which she may never recover.

[Kathleen]

What an interesting list--thank you Nigeyb.

What stood out to me was the play listed at the end: The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice. It sounds like an odd one, so this is not a nomination, but I did add to my tbr!

[Nigeyb]

Thanks for the comments and the nominations


Nominations so far...

Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (Ben)
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (Roman Clodia)

[David]

What a brilliant topic - so many options!

I read Babbitt in high school, which means I'm due for a re-read. I've been meaning to revisit Upton Sinclair in any event. The Other Typist sounds fascinating too.

Loads of great ideas throughout this thread so far!

[David]

One of my first thoughts when I heard 1920s was early Soviet modernism. Yury Olesha's Envy, translated by Marian Schwartz, is available from NYRB Classics. That could be a good one to read as a group.

I've also had my eye on The Strudlhof Steps by Heimito von Doderer, translated by Vincent King. An evocative foray into 1920s Vienna could be fun. It might be a bit long for a group read, but I'd be open if there's interest.

I've never read When Washington Was in Vogue: A Lost Novel of the Harlem Renaissance by Edward Christopher Williams. A classic of the early Harlem Renaissance could be of interest here. Cane Jane Toomer by Jean Toomer could be a good one too, if a mashup of short fiction and poetry, collected into loose novel form, sounds interesting.

There's LOTE of course, by the incomparable Shola von Reinhold, set in the 1920s among the Bright Young Things generation. It's an examination of that time through fiction, using an intersectional lens.

I also have Katrina Dodson's new translation of Mário de Andrade's Macunaíma: The Hero with No Character staring at my from my shelf, available from New Directions (US) and Fitzcarraldo (UK) if early Brazilian modernism appeals.

Do these spark any interest?

[Roman Clodia]

I've not read any Upton Sinclair but he's an interesting character in Joyce Carol Oates' fantastical The Accursed.

[David]

Another idea, in the vein of Sinclair and perhaps Olesha, would be Living, set in Birmingham (UK). I'm sure we have Henry Green fans in the group.

[Roman Clodia]

I'd like to read Cane at some point. And yes, LOTE would be an interesting group read given the interest in the Bloomsbury group here - I've read it but it would stand up to a re-read as I ended up rushing it.

I think Green's Living is on our buddy reads for early 2024?

[Kathleen]

I've been looking at some newer books set in the 1920's, and think I'll throw this 2019 novel I've been meaning to read into the mix, for something different.

I nominate:
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

From Wikipedia:
Library Journal calls the book "a stirring historical fantasy set in the Roaring Twenties and steeped in Mayan mythology. ... Lavish clothes; jazzy music; and ruminations on life, death, fate, and the cosmos combine with blood-drenched nightmares, grisly religious rituals, and road-trip high jinks ... Snappy dialog, stellar worldbuilding, lyrical prose, and a slow-burn romance make this a standout." She likens its appeal to the works of Naomi Novik, Nnedi Okorafor, and N. K. Jemisin.

[Nigeyb]

David, we’ve got Loving, Living, and Party Giving all planned in for 2024


Green fest 🙌🏻

[Susan]

I would like to nominate Leadon Hill published in 1927 and written by Richmal Crompton author of the Just William books.

A deeply engaging portrait of village life with a matchless cast of characters, Leadon Hill bursts with all the light exuberance of Richmal Crompton's Just William.

The quiet English village of Leadon Hill is ruled by Miss Mitcham - a tiny, sharp old woman who sees and hears everything from behind her lace curtains, and brutally tears apart the lives and reputations of those who cross her.

Amongst her victims is Marcia Faversham, wife to the fussy and uninspiring John and mother to three young children - sporty, overconfident Hugo, gentle Moyna, and little Tim who has been weakened by polio. When John leaves for a four-month fishing trip, Marcia dares to hope for a little tranquility, but changes are afoot in Leadon Hill; the house next door has been let to Helen West, a young, bohemian woman from Italy, and Miss Mitcham sets out to make her life very unpleasant indeed . . .

[Nigeyb]

Thanks all - think I've got them all. Please holler if not



Nominations so far...

Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (Ben)
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (Roman Clodia)
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Kathleen)
Leadon Hill by Richmal Crompton (Susan)

[Rosina]

I nominated Queen Lucia ...

And I'll stick with that, though I am tempted by the Richmal Crompton ...

[Jan C]

I'll nominate The Great Fire: One American's Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century's First Genocide, also known as Smyrna, September 1922: One American's Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century's First Genocide by Lou Ureneck.

I started it this spring. That's when I discovered the two titles.

[Nigeyb]

Rosina wrote:


"I nominated Queen Lucia ...

And I'll stick with that, though I am tempted by the Richmal Crompton ..."

Thanks Rosina

I loved Queen Lucia - I never got to the end of that series

[Nigeyb]

I've decided to nominate...



Leave It to Psmith (1923)

by

P.G. Wodehouse


It's the final outing for the wonderful Psmith and I recall laughing heartily the last time I read this book


Ronald Psmith (“the ‘p’ is silent, as in pshrimp”) is always willing to help a damsel in distress. So when he sees Eve Halliday without an umbrella during a downpour, he nobly offers her an umbrella, even though it’s one he picks out of the Drone Club’s umbrella rack. Psmith is so besotted with Eve that, when Lord Emsworth, her new boss, mistakes him for Ralston McTodd, a poet, Psmith pretends to be him so he can make his way to Blandings Castle and woo her. And so the farce begins: criminals disguised as poets with a plan to steal a priceless diamond necklace, a secretary who throws flower pots through windows, and a nighttime heist that ends in gunplay. How will everything be sorted out? Leave it to Psmith!

[Nigeyb]

Nominations so far...


Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (Ben)
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (Roman Clodia)
Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (Rosina)
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Kathleen)
Leadon Hill by Richmal Crompton (Susan)
The Great Fire: One American's Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century's First Genocide by Lou Ureneck (Jan)
Leave It to Psmith (1923) by P.G. Wodehouse (Nigeyb)

[Nigeyb]

David wrote:


"Do these spark any interest?"

An intriguing list and all of them new to me

Please go ahead and choose one that you think would make a good read David

[Roman Clodia]

We've been talking a bit about Mapp and Lucia in relation to Barbara Pym so it would be interesting to re-read the first of the series which I too love.

[David]

Nigeyb wrote: "An intriguing list and all of them new to me

Please go ahead and choose one that you think would make a good read David"

I'll go with the Bright Young Things! I nominate LOTE by Shola von Reinhold, published by Jacaranda in the UK and Duke University Press in the US.

[Ben]

I'm so impressed by the variety of books this group comes up with.

[Nigeyb]

Thanks Ben, and thanks for the nomination David, another goodie


I'll leave get the poll up in around 24 hours so this is your last chance to nominate



Nominations


Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (Ben)
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (Roman Clodia)
Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (Rosina)
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Kathleen)
Leadon Hill by Richmal Crompton (Susan)
The Great Fire: One American's Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century's First Genocide by Lou Ureneck (Jan)
Leave It to Psmith (1923) by P.G. Wodehouse (Nigeyb)
LOTE by Shola von Reinhold (David)

[Susan]

A lot of nominations this month!

[Alwynne]

David wrote: "Nigeyb wrote: "An intriguing list and all of them new to me

Please go ahead and choose one that you think would make a good read David"

I'll go with the Bright Young Things! I nominate [book:LOTE..."

That's a great choice, although it's actually set in the present day with sections harking back to the 1920s. The von Doderer is definitely interesting but fun isn't a word I'd ever associate with it, and I think the Andrade is worth reading but not the easiest read.

[WndyJW]

So many promising books! I neither nominate nor vote because I’m such a fickle reader, but I agree with Ben, this group always has so many good suggestions!

[Nigeyb]

Time to vote...


https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...



Nominations

Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (Ben)
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (Roman Clodia)
Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (Rosina)
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Kathleen)
Leadon Hill by Richmal Crompton (Susan)
The Great Fire: One American's Mission to Rescue Victims of the 20th Century's First Genocide by Lou Ureneck (Jan)
Leave It to Psmith (1923) by P.G. Wodehouse (Nigeyb)
LOTE by Shola von Reinhold (David)

[Roman Clodia]

I'm torn between LOTE, Lucia and my nomination...

[Rosina]

I'm sticking with my nomination - until the race hots up.

[Roman Clodia]

Yes good reminder Rosina that we can change our votes if our first choice isn't getting anywhere

[David]

There are more than a few I'd like to see win. This is a strong list.

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "I'm torn between LOTE, Lucia and my nomination..."

I'm stuck too, also very tempted by Psmith, love Wodehouse. And Ben's case for the Sinclair Lewis was very persuasive. Also fancy the Crompton and the Moreno-Garcia, actually they're all very tempting in different ways. I've read Lucia, Lote, and Psmith before though.

[Roman Clodia]

I've only read Wodehouse's Jeeves so am tempted by Psmith as I see it's set in Blandings...

[Nigeyb]

I will read Leave It to Psmith soon whatever. I hope my memory is accurate because I recall finding some sections hilarious and it a delight from first to last

[Alwynne]

Roman Clodia wrote: "I've only read Wodehouse's Jeeves so am tempted by Psmith as I see it's set in Blandings..."

I'm not a huge fan of the Blandings books but I think the Psmith series is pretty good.

[Rosina]

Psmith was one of the first Wodehouses I remember reading, as a child. I now have it as an audiobook, and would be happy to relisten.

[Nigeyb]

It appears we might have a buddy read in the offing. Rosina, Let's do it if it doesn't win. RC and Alwynne we'd love for you to get involved too if you feel inclined.

[Roman Clodia]

Yes, I'll join a buddy of Psmith - I just read a library sample and it looks delightful.

[Nigeyb]

Yessssss