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James Rutherford's avatar

I'm glad to find this right after reading The Tortoise and the Hare--what a superb introduction to a neglected author.

Henry Oliver's avatar

thanks! I have a whole dissertation if you want it

Rafe Meager's avatar

Adding the Tortoise and the Hare to the list now for sure. I'm often surprised to see twitter users astounded that a person's affair / side chick / mistress might be less attractive than their established partner because that displays such ignorance of how sex and love actually happen in real life. It seems to me like from what you said Jenkins was also intially ignorant of it and then felt betrayed by her experience, *but then engaged with her disappointment and betrayal and made art about it*, which makes all the difference. Totally excited to read it.

Henry Oliver's avatar

Yes exactly and that is what makes her so good! Theres a line on the book something like sexual attraction is a mystery and most women don’t get that it’s not about looks. Reminded me of the way men often say “women dress up for each other not men”. Or as Anthony Powell said, just look around, there’s *such* a diversity of sexual preference and interest

June Girvin's avatar

Thank you for this. Another mid-century woman writer that I need to get to know. 'Harriet' is available from Persephone Books, so I shall probably start there.

Henry Oliver's avatar

Beware. Harriet is **dark**

June Girvin's avatar

Yes, I gather. I don't mind bleak, as long as kit isn't totally relentless.

Henry Oliver's avatar

lmk how you get on...