Group Reads -> December 2025 -> Nomination thread (1920s - Won by The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield)

[Nigeyb]

It's time to nominate for our December 2025 group read


You are invited to nominate anything written in, or set in, the 1920s


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]

Here's a few that came up in a search that might offer some fun thought starters....


"The Life and Death of Harriett Frean" by May Sinclair (1922): A compelling and poignant psychological portrait of a woman whose life is dominated by the expectations of others, showcasing Sinclair's innovative narrative style.

"Beau Geste" by P.C. Wren (1924): A classic adventure novel about three English brothers who join the French Foreign Legion, known for its thrilling plot and examination of loyalty and sacrifice.

"Decline and Fall" by Evelyn Waugh (1928): Waugh's hilarious and biting first novel, a satirical send-up of the English public school system and the "Bright Young Things" set.

"Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence (1928): A controversial and scandalous novel for its time, it explores a relationship that defies class boundaries and challenges social norms around love and sexuality.

"A Passage to India" by E. M. Forster (1924): A critical examination of British colonialism in India, exploring the deep-seated cultural and racial tensions between the two societies.

"The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth von Arnim (1922): A charming and escapist novel about four very different English women who rent a medieval castle in Italy for a month, finding personal transformation.

"The Well of Loneliness" by Radclyffe Hall (1928): A groundbreaking and highly controversial novel that was banned for its portrayal of a lesbian protagonist. It is an important work in LGBTQ+ literary history.

"The Story of Ivy" by Marie Belloc Lowndes (1927): A gripping crime novel that was a bestseller in its day. It is a powerful and unsettling psychological thriller about a woman driven to murder.

"The Constant Nymph" by Margaret Kennedy (1924): A huge bestseller in its time, this novel follows the life of a young, free-spirited girl from a Bohemian family who falls in love with a composer, exploring the clash between artistic and conventional life.

"Dusty Answer" by Rosamond Lehmann (1927): This debut novel was a popular and critical success. It is a coming-of-age story that explores a young woman's awakening desires and complex family relationships.

"The Cask" by Freeman Wills Crofts (1920): A foundational text of the "Golden Age" of detective fiction, this novel is known for its meticulously detailed and realistic police procedural.

"Vile Bodies" by Evelyn Waugh (1930): Published at the very end of the decade, this book is so quintessential of the 1920s that it's often included in lists of the era. It's a cynical and hilarious satire of the young, wealthy socialites of London's "Bright Young Things.”

"The Secret Adversary" by Agatha Christie (1922): While many know her Poirot and Marple books, this novel introduces the detective duo Tommy and Tuppence. It's a light-hearted spy thriller that captures the adventurous spirit of the period.

"Brown on Resolution" by C.S. Forester (1929): A thrilling tale of a British sailor stranded on a Pacific island who single-handedly battles a German cruiser during World War I. It's an adventure story that delves into themes of duty and courage.

[Daryl]

I nominate Vile Bodies. :)

[Nigeyb]

I've just started going through my list


Decline and Fall is an old favourite that I haven't read for years and would love to revisit it

Beau Geste sounds fascinating, and a rip roaring read but perhaps a bit too Boys Own

Lady Chatterley’s Lover is a book I've never read and feel this could be a great opportunity to put this right

A Passage to India looks like another classic read - a beautifully told tale by all accounts

The Well of Loneliness looks insanely good.



I'm going to have to stop there. Too much choice already.

Decisions, decisions


And these are all available for pennies on Kindle


I'll be back with a decision

[Nigeyb]

Daryl wrote:


"I nominate Vile Bodies. :)"


Thanks Daryl

We read it back in December 2018 but that's fine. It wouldn't be the first time we'd reread a book. Here's the discussion....


https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Daryl]

Oh sorry, I thought we had to pick from that list.

Can I nominate something else? If so, I nominate Passing. I hope you guys haven’t discussed this one yet. I searched it up and the book didn’t come up, correct me if I’m wrong.

[Roman Clodia]

We haven't read Passing in the group yet - a good one to discuss for sure.

Having stepped away from Virginia Woolf for this period (!), I'm toggling between The Man in the Brown Suit and Toni Morrison's Jazz - two very different books!

[Roman Clodia]

Ah, just realized this is a December nomination so in the spirit of holidays I'm nominating The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) by Agatha Christie This is one of her thrillers rather than detective stories and one of my favourites with her deft humour well on show:

Pretty, young Anne came to London looking for adventure. In fact, adventure comes looking for her—and finds her immediately at Hyde Park Corner tube station. Anne is present on the platform when a thin man, reeking of mothballs, loses his balance and is electrocuted on the rails.

The Scotland Yard verdict is accidental death. But Anne is not satisfied. After all, who was the man in the brown suit who examined the body? And why did he race off, leaving a cryptic message behind: "17-122 Kilmorden Castle"?

Twisty, clever, and intriguing, The Man in the Brown Suit showcases Agatha Christie once again at her very best.

[Nigeyb]

Thanks both



A couple of corkers to get the ball rolling


Nominations...

Passing by Nella Larsen (Daryl)
The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) by Agatha Christie (RC)

[Kathleen]

I know we're reading short stories elsewhere, but I've been wanting to get to this collection for ages, and it might be a good month to read stories, when we may not have as much time to dig into a novel.

So if okay, I'll nominate The Garden Party and Other Stories
by Katherine Mansfield



I've read two of the most popular ones, and loved them.

Here's a blurb from https://warblerpress.com/
"Published in 1922, The Garden Party and Other Stories is Katherine Mansfield’s third and most acclaimed collection of short stories. In addition to the title piece, it includes fourteen other masterful stories, including “At the Bay” and “The Daughters of the Late Colonel.” Set in post-World War I Europe and New Zealand, Mansfield captures the psychology and inner lives of her characters through free indirect discourse and sudden moments of realization and insight."

[Vesna]

I'd like to nominate Crome Yellow (1921) by Aldous Huxley because Barbara Pym, whose Crampton Hodnet I read earlier this month, said on more than one occasion that this Huxley's early novel inspired her to become a novelist.

ETA: Let me give a better link to the novel because the above one is the GR default but leads to the Portuguese blurb - Crome Yellow

[Roman Clodia]

Ooh, two more great recommendations! I've seen Chrome Yellow mentioned in relation to Pym too - and Katherine Mansfield is one of my obsessions.

[Sam]

We hardly need another nomination but I think nominations often make it to TBR's, so I nominate The Informer by
Liam O'Flaherty James Tait Black winner 1925

[Nigeyb]

What a glittering array of nominations - thanks all - they are all enticing



And just to add to the choices I have decided to nominate Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Perhaps I'm the only person here never to have read it? Either way it feels like a book I should have read and, a glance at the reviews, suggests it still stands up with many of my GR friends lavishing it with five stars. I'm guessing there's plenty to discuss too.


Nominations...

Passing by Nella Larsen (Daryl)
The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) by Agatha Christie (RC)
The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield (Kathleen)
Crome Yellow (1921) by Aldous Huxley (Vesna)
The Informer by Liam O'Flaherty (Sam)
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence (Nigeyb)

[Susan]

If I am not incorrect, Crome Yellow was seen at the time as a dig at Ottoline Morrell, whose biography I still have to read.

[Nigeyb]

Correct Susan


Crome Yellow is Huxley's first novel and is the first of the three "house party" society novels, followed by Antic Hay (1923) and Those Barren Leaves (1925).

Crome Yellow is a thinly veiled satire of Ottoline Morrell's celebrity gatherings at Garsington Manor, which, once published, led to a rift between Lady Ottoline and Huxley lasting for many years

[Roman Clodia]

Ooh, I must read that, even if it doesn't win.

[Blaine]

I remember trying to read Crome Yellow in my teens (an old paperback copy was in the bookcase of our house and the back page blurb sounded interesting) and totally not getting it. Abandoned after one chapter.

Dad's comment, "perhaps too adult for you," was about as infuriating as could be to teenage Blaine.

[Nigeyb]

I think you'd find it pretty accessible now Blaine.

There isn't much of a plot though and lots of intellectual humour. Modern readers probably also miss many of the allusions to then-contemporary figures and the of-the-moment satire

[Nigeyb]

I just popped into the library and got Decline and Fall out. I realised it's probably about 20 years since I last read for the 3rd or 4th time and it's something of a favourite so I'll be reading it again very soon. I love the absurd, amusing, and wonderfully plotted, razor sharp satire of 1920s high society. Bring it on.



I also looked at a copy of The Well of Loneliness. I hadn't realised it was such a whopper. About 530 pages including additional material about the trial. I'd love to read it but the heft put me off. I may get it on audio instead - the reviews are through the roof on Audible and Ell Potter's narration gets many plaudits. Has anyone read it?

The Well of Loneliness will go down in history as one of the world’s first published novels to depict a lesbian relationship.

After publication in 1928, it was banned for obscenity before going on to become an international best seller.

It tells the story of Stephen Gordon, an Englishwoman from an upper-class family who is ostracised for falling in love with another woman, Mary Llewellyn.

Groundbreaking in its day, Radclyffe Hall’s novel ultimately makes a very clear plea in regards to homosexuality: 'Give us also the right to our existence'.

In this exclusive production, Audible’s breakout star Ell Potter (Winter Dark, Winter Rising) breathes new life into the classic novel.

[Roman Clodia]

I've been meaning to read Well of Loneliness forever if you ever want a buddy? Not immediately though, have too much I've committed to.

[Susan]

I was listening to The Secret Life of Books which recently did a mini series on Virginia Woolf. She stood up for The Well of Loneliness but drew the line when Radlyffe Hall wanted her, and others, to say it was a great book. Apparently, she thought it was a pretty bad book, although she agreed that Hall had the right to publish it.

[G]

I’ve heard mixed reviews, but I’d be up for a buddy, if we did it after the end of the year. I have too much on to try it before that.

[Roman Clodia]

I've heard that it's the subject that makes it worth reading, not necessarily the writing. Interesting it was banned while Proust was publishing his own work full of lesbian, gay and bi affairs!

[Nigeyb]

Sounds good


Someone please remind us in 2026!

I'm daunted by the length but with the encouragement of the RTTC massive I'll get involved. It probably is all about the historical significance of the book rather than its literary merits but then again plenty of modern readers seem to find plenty to enjoy and appreciate

[Roman Clodia]

Do we want to pencil it into the 2026 schedule? Maybe Dry January when there's minimal socializing?

[Nigeyb]

Roman Clodia wrote:


Do we want to pencil it into the 2026 schedule? Maybe Dry January when there's minimal socializing?"

Done

Although I tend to find January quite busy

It's my birthday amongst other things

And every month is dry for me these days

Still I'm sure I'll fit it in!


I've set up the thread, added it to the schedule, and put it on our RTTC bookshelf

See y'all in January 2026

[Roman Clodia]

Wonderful, thanks. (And sorry, didn't mean to push my January assumptions on everyone). I recently reread Woolf's Orlando (1928) with my real-life book group so this will be an interesting contrast.

[Kathleen]

I'm so glad you decided on Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Nigeyb. That will be a must for me if it wins or becomes a buddy read, and I too have never read it.

[Nigeyb]

Double hurrah


Thanks Kathleen

Thanks RC - no apology necessary 🤠

[Sam]

I am trying to decide between four of the nominees right now and it would be six, but I have read one and am reading something else by the other author already.

[Nigeyb]

It's never easy Sam


I usually vote for my own choice until I realise it's not going to win then hop onto my second choice and when that is out of the running etc etc

Luckily the selections are usually of such high quality that it doesn't really matter - I'm there for the discussion (unless I've read the book in the last few years, or it's by an author that I know I don't like, or sometimes when it just doesn't appeal)

[Nigeyb]

I'll get the poll up on Monday morning UK time so plenty of time for anyone still considering adding to the current embarrassment of riches...


Nominations...

Passing by Nella Larsen (Daryl)
The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) by Agatha Christie (RC)
The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield (Kathleen)
Crome Yellow (1921) by Aldous Huxley (Vesna)
The Informer by Liam O'Flaherty (Sam)
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence (Nigeyb)

[Jan C]

I have 3-4 of these. Not sure if I still have Crome Yellow or if I got rid of it recently. So I probably won't nominate anything.

[Nigeyb]

The poll's up


Time to vote...

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/3...



Nominations...

Passing by Nella Larsen
The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) by Agatha Christie
The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield
Crome Yellow (1921) by Aldous Huxley
The Informer by Liam O'Flaherty
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence

[Nigeyb]

The Man in the Brown Suit out in front...



The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) by Agatha Christie - 2 votes, 33.3%

The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield - 1 vote, 16.7%
Crome Yellow (1921) by Aldous Huxley - 1 vote, 16.7%
Passing by Nella Larsen - 1 vote, 16.7%
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence - 1 vote, 16.7%

The Informer by Liam O'Flaherty - 0 votes

[Nigeyb]

All change now, a three way tie at the top but only by one vote from the three titles behind.....


The Man in the Brown Suit (Colonel Race, #1) - 2 votes, 22.2%
The Garden Party and Other Stories - 2 votes, 22.2%
Lady Chatterley’s Lover - 2 votes, 22.2%

Passing - 1 vote, 11.1%
Crome Yellow - 1 vote, 11.1%
The Informer - 1 vote, 11.1%

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/3...

[Nigeyb]

The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield is now out in front by one vote

[Nigeyb]

The Garden Party And Other Stories cruising ahead....



The Garden Party and Other Stories - 4 votes, 33.3%

Crome Yellow - 2 votes, 16.7%
Lady Chatterley’s Lover - 2 votes, 16.7%
Passing - 2 votes, 16.7%

The Man in the Brown Suit (Colonel Race, #1) - 1 vote, 8.3%
The Informer - 1 vote, 8.3%


https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/3...

[Roman Clodia]

Yes, I switched my vote - lots of movement in this month 's race as Crome Yellow is now in second place.

[Nigeyb]

I can't keep track


I'll do another update tomorrow

I was just checking out The Garden Party and Other Stories as it's a possible winner and I know nothing about it.

It's a very modest 159 pages and free on Kindle so I've "bought" it. I'm not a massive lover of short stories (a few authors aside) but given it's so short then there's no reason not to at least read one or two. The Garden Party is about 25 pages long so far as I can glean.

I've read Crome Yellow and probably wouldn't read it again but never say never....

[Roman Clodia]

We did a buddy of just the story 'The Garden Party' a few years back:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Mansfield is one of my top writers and she had such an interesting - if tragically short - life too.

[Nigeyb]

Thanks RC


Seemed to be well received

Whatever happened to Val?

[Hester]

In the end I'm voting for Katherine Mansfield , as I am a huge short story fan ... but DH Lawrence is tempting ( and another brilliant short story writer of the same period ) so would be up for a buddy read . I went to his birthplace museum in Eastwood a few weeks ago , the first of several houses he lived in there . Passing is also one I'd be interested in reading again.

[Sam]

I just want to say that Lawrence was very tempting but the length was intimidating to me since December is a big holiday month. I definitely want to read more Lawrence though.

[Roman Clodia]

Just a reminder that we did a buddy of Lady Chatterley's Lover in 2019:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Anyone is welcome to revive the old thread either as individuals or if a buddy is organized after the poll closes.

[G]

I just changed my vote.

[Nigeyb]

I think we can safely predict Mansfield's got this one in the bag....




The Garden Party and Other Stories - 6 votes, 40.0%
Passing - 3 votes, 20.0%
Crome Yellow - 3 votes, 20.0%
The Man in the Brown Suit (Colonel Race, #1) - 1 vote, 6.7%
The Informer - 1 vote, 6.7%
Lady Chatterley’s Lover - 1 vote, 6.7%

[Susan]

There is a new biography of Katherine Mansfield coming out in November Katherine Mansfield: A Hidden Life I am not fond of short stories, but might be interesting to read them alongside a biography.

[Roman Clodia]

Ooh, wonderful. Kimber is one of the leading contemporary scholars on Mansfield so while her research is validated, I hope she can write for a general audience.

The Claire Tomalin biography of Mansfield is wonderful: Katherine Mansfield: A Secret Life