“People have been saying the novel is dead for as far back as I can remember. The novel will never die, but it will keep changing and evolving and taking different shapes. Storytelling, which is the basis of the novel, has always existed and always will.”
In a fit of Rosamond Lehmann enthusiasm I searched my shelves on Sunday night and found my copy of The Weather in the Streets. The Weather in the Streets is a continuation of the story began in Invitation to the Waltz and I’ve long wanted to read it, but have been afraid that it would be disappointing. Rosamond Lehmann fever has convinced me now to jump in with both feet and find out what happens to Olivia Curtis, the main character in both novels.
I reviewed Invitation to the Waltz on an old blog that is now deleted, but remembered that I archived a copy on a group project I started last year (which I think I will try to revive as a challenge in 2013 so stay tuned). You can read my thoughts here.
I’ve enjoyed reading Rosamond Lehmann’s Paris Review interview, from 1985, which you can find here. She had such an interesting life and her thoughts on writing and the women’s movement are particularly intriguing.
Thanks to Florence for reviving interest in Lehmann and her novels! It is so wonderful to see people reading an author who doesn’t get much attention these days.
P.S. Thanks for reading – You’re the best!
I’ve started a tumblr page where I can post some of my photographs. Go here to visit. I warn you: I take a lot of pictures of clouds 🙂
A Certain Fondness 
I cannot wait to discover this writer based on your blog posts! Thanks for all the great information about her. I think she was John Lehmann’s sister? I know about him because of Virginia Woolf. She published his poetry I believe or essays? And he worked for the Hogarth Press for a while. Happy reading!
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Oh, yes it looks like she was John Lehmann’s sister. A very talented family! I hope you can try one of her books – her writing is worth it.
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That quote is so interesting. I feel like it has relevence to the more current speculation about whether printed books, or reading in general, will every really die out. I’m going to add Invitation to the Waltz to my To Read list (and your other blog your reviewed it on looks intriguing, so I’ll be interested to see what you do next year!).
The photos you posted look great, too. I’ve been in a bit of a drought with my photogrpahy attempts lately, so maybe yours will help motivate me to get going again!
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I thought the same thing about that quote. And I agree with her – storytelling will never die out.
I loved my Reading Between the Wars project, but it never really got off the ground – I’m definitely going to try to revive it next year!
I adore photography and carry my camera with me everywhere. I’m trying to develop a better eye and improve my photos. I find it fascinating!
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Thanks so much for the very interesting Lehmann interview. I must get around to reading The Sea Grape soon, esp. as it doesn’t seem to have gone down very well, I’m now intrigued.
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I really enjoyed reading the interview because it helped me to see what she wanted to do with her writing. I look forward to your thoughts on A Sea Grape Tree!
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