Thank you for this fascinating account of Mary’s life. I read her novels in real time, as each was published in the 1980s, through my child-bearing years, so have wonderful memories of reading them in the quiet hush and low light of those night-feeding times. Such enticing titles...The Vacillations of Poppy Carew...I mean what young woman in the 1980s wouldn’t want to read that!
We still live in Devon and would often see Mary walking around Totnes back then, and I’m sure I remember seeing her wearing the Kaffe Fassett ‘Temples’ cardigan. I had the same one. I still have those original copies (and the cardigan) and you prompt me to get them off the shelf and re-read almost forty years on.
Oh, this is excellent to hear, Grace! I love the image of you reading them in those early days of night-time feeds! I can imagine that they were perfect for that 😍 I often speak about her books to people and get blank stares, so it's lovely to hear I'm not alone in my love of her writing 😀 what a treat to have seen her, and such a lovely part of the UK. I think I know the cardigan you are referring to! I hope you enjoy returning to her novels--I find that they are timeless and never disappoint. Thank you for reading 😀
What a lovely article about one of my favourite authors! I love her candour and eccentric characters. I have only read The Camomile Lawn but this has inspired me to explore the rest of her oeuvre. Thank you, Kate 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing this newsletter! Yet another author to add to my list :) Wesley sounds like a fantastic writer, it's reassuring to know that even the greats struggle with confidence when it comes to their writing - and how amazing that she published her first book at 70 years old. I love her story.
I love the stories of the people who were in their older years when they have wonderful creative leaps. Another that comes to mind: The Paper Garden: Mrs. Delany Begins Her Life's Work At 72 by Molly Peacock
This was so interesting Kate - harnessing peacocks is my favourite of the Mary Wesley books I have read. I think a reread is definitely in order and an investigation of the rest of her catalogue of work.
Yes! Harnessing Peacocks has some brilliant characters, too. I think if you enjoyed HP, you would like An Imaginative Experience, as it has some similar themes. Definitely reread, and then enjoy her other books--I am almost envious that you have them all to explore for the first time! 😀
I’ll put that one at the top of my list - actually I’ve just seen that the audible version is read by Samuel West so that is quite tempting. BorrowBox doesn’t seem to have any Mary Wesley books so I will pop in the library tomorrow and see what they have.
This is such a great piece. I didn’t realise how fantastic she was, such a positive, spirited writer. Brilliant write up.
Absolutely! Thank you for reading 😀
Thank you for this fascinating account of Mary’s life. I read her novels in real time, as each was published in the 1980s, through my child-bearing years, so have wonderful memories of reading them in the quiet hush and low light of those night-feeding times. Such enticing titles...The Vacillations of Poppy Carew...I mean what young woman in the 1980s wouldn’t want to read that!
We still live in Devon and would often see Mary walking around Totnes back then, and I’m sure I remember seeing her wearing the Kaffe Fassett ‘Temples’ cardigan. I had the same one. I still have those original copies (and the cardigan) and you prompt me to get them off the shelf and re-read almost forty years on.
Oh, this is excellent to hear, Grace! I love the image of you reading them in those early days of night-time feeds! I can imagine that they were perfect for that 😍 I often speak about her books to people and get blank stares, so it's lovely to hear I'm not alone in my love of her writing 😀 what a treat to have seen her, and such a lovely part of the UK. I think I know the cardigan you are referring to! I hope you enjoy returning to her novels--I find that they are timeless and never disappoint. Thank you for reading 😀
What a lovely article about one of my favourite authors! I love her candour and eccentric characters. I have only read The Camomile Lawn but this has inspired me to explore the rest of her oeuvre. Thank you, Kate 🥰
Thank you, Vanessa! I hope you enjoy exploring the rest of her novels--you are in for a treat! 😀
Thank you so much for sharing this newsletter! Yet another author to add to my list :) Wesley sounds like a fantastic writer, it's reassuring to know that even the greats struggle with confidence when it comes to their writing - and how amazing that she published her first book at 70 years old. I love her story.
I know! Her story always gives me hope that it's never too late to achieve your creative ambitions 💕
I love the stories of the people who were in their older years when they have wonderful creative leaps. Another that comes to mind: The Paper Garden: Mrs. Delany Begins Her Life's Work At 72 by Molly Peacock
Me too, Kathryn! It shows that it's never too late to start anything, especially creative pursuits 😀
As Julia Cameron says, in the Artist's Way:
“But do you know how old I will be by the time I learn to really play the piano / act / paint / write a decent play?"
Yes . . . the same age you will be if you don't.”
Another new one for me and I’m quite intrigued! (American “quite” 🙃) Thanks for a great post. Love a Christmas novel so maybe for later in the year.
Thanks, Kate! Would love to hear what you think if you try any of her novels 😀
This was so interesting Kate - harnessing peacocks is my favourite of the Mary Wesley books I have read. I think a reread is definitely in order and an investigation of the rest of her catalogue of work.
Yes! Harnessing Peacocks has some brilliant characters, too. I think if you enjoyed HP, you would like An Imaginative Experience, as it has some similar themes. Definitely reread, and then enjoy her other books--I am almost envious that you have them all to explore for the first time! 😀
I’ll put that one at the top of my list - actually I’ve just seen that the audible version is read by Samuel West so that is quite tempting. BorrowBox doesn’t seem to have any Mary Wesley books so I will pop in the library tomorrow and see what they have.