The Carlyles at Home

[Tania]

Sorry to have this up so late.

This month we are reading The Carlyles at Home by Thea Holme

[Mela]

I have abandoned it. I couldn't keep interest, although I like such glimpses of the past.

[Tania]

Oh that's a shame. I will try to pick it up in the next couple of days.

[Mela]

Tania wrote: "Oh that's a shame. I will try to pick it up in the next couple of days."

Yes. Do try. Especially if you know anything about Thomas and Jane Carlyle. I got the feeling that if it was about someone I was connected in any way, knew anything etc. I would read it. There were really interesting parts about everyday life.

[Tania]

I don't know too much about them, but it's those every day details that had appealed to me. Hopefully I'll have better luck.

[Gina]

I'm reading it right now - I do like the everyday details! Some of it is quite silly, but isn't that everyday life? :)

[Tania]

Starting this one now.

Here is a short video tour of their house, which is now a National Trust property, and open to the public.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=85C8ngX...

[Tania]

I thought the chapter about Helen was desperately sad. Jane tried so hard to keep her on the straight and narrow, but there is only so much you can do.

[Tania]

He certainly seems a difficult man to please. He's driven mad by noise, the neighbours cocks crowing in particular, and yet refuses to shut the windows. It seems odd to me to spend a load of money on building the 'silent study' in a house he didn't own, instead of closing the windows.

[Gina]

Thanks for sharing that video tour, Tania - it was really interesting!
I enjoyed the book overall - I also thought that he seemed like a tough customer, always needing it absolutely quiet. I laughed at the back and forth between him and the girls next door practicing the piano.
And the neverending drama of finding good servants... and I agree, that chapter about Helen was really sad.
I liked the chapter about fashion, very interesting!