In between reading some absolutely marvellous books for our #fitzcarraldofortnight, I spent many happy hours this month reading a fantastic new books from Faber and Faber – “Square Haunting”, by Francesca Wade.
The book is a look at the lives of five inspirational and pioneering women at a point where they intersect; all five spent time living in Mecklenburgh Square, Bloomsbury and all had varied and wonderful lives. The book was highly anticipated, and didn’t let me down – it will be one of my books of the year, for sure, and it’s hard not to just turn into a gushing idiot when writing about it! 😀
The women concerned are H.D., Dorothy L. Sayers, Jane Harrison, Eileen Power and Virginia Woolf; and the book is a triumph. You can read my full review here!
Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings 
Feb 27, 2020 @ 09:35:37
Karen, that was a lovely post, and the book sounds just my sort of thing. Reminded me that I have HD’s Her among the unread Viragos, so I’ve just got it out.
Feb 27, 2020 @ 10:03:43
Thank you! 😀 It really is a wonderful read – erudite and incredibly readable at the same time. I have several HD Viragos too which are calling at the moment!
Feb 27, 2020 @ 11:42:02
Super review, Kaggsy. This book really appeals to me. 😊
Feb 27, 2020 @ 11:43:13
Thanks Paula! As I hope I made clear, I loved this one to bits and can’t recommend it highly enough! 😀
Feb 27, 2020 @ 15:31:55
Wow. Impressive. And the cover is so beautiful. Your year seems wonderful, full of many great books.
Feb 27, 2020 @ 16:00:18
It is an excellent book (and yes, very beautiful!) I have had a wonderful reading uear so far! 😀
Feb 27, 2020 @ 17:08:42
Since I used to work in that area, for 15 years, I feel that I must read this and your review on Shiny New Books just made it even more certain.
Caroline
Feb 28, 2020 @ 10:27:45
Definitely – if you’re familiar with the area it will resonate even more! It is a wonderful read – loved it!
Feb 27, 2020 @ 19:36:24
I have this waiting. I had thought I would get to it this month, but not managed it. Looking forward to it though. I had a flick through and it looks fabulous.
Feb 27, 2020 @ 20:30:40
I think you’ll love it Ali – such a wonderful read. I was sold because it included Woolf, really, but Sayers too! And all of the women are inspirational. Such a good book!
Feb 27, 2020 @ 21:38:52
Like Ali, I have a copy of this in the TBR and am very much looking forward to having the headspace to read it. I don’t think heard a bad word against it yet!
Feb 28, 2020 @ 10:26:59
It’s great, Jacqui – I loved it and can’t praise it highly enough!
Feb 27, 2020 @ 22:07:48
I’m not sure I have ever read a group biography. Sounds good!
Feb 28, 2020 @ 10:26:39
It is indeed! I’ve read group bios of e.g. the Bloomsberries, where there is an obvious link, but this was a more unusual take on the format. And it was fascinating, because there were so many connections between these women which weren’t obvious!
Feb 28, 2020 @ 02:50:48
Want to read this book so much and your review made me want to even more.
Feb 28, 2020 @ 10:25:38
It’s just wonderful – so fascinating, so beautifully written and so evocative!
Feb 28, 2020 @ 16:55:38
Sounds like I must have it!
Feb 28, 2020 @ 20:36:29
Definitely! Brilliant and absolutely fascinating!
Mar 04, 2020 @ 17:28:32
I saw this book described earlier in the year and meant to make a note of the title so I could get it but forgot -and then of course couldn’t find it again. Thank you for reminding me why I wanted to buy this and rescuing my useless memory…..
Mar 04, 2020 @ 19:02:19
LOL! It *is* quite brilliant, I think – highly recommended!
Dec 31, 2020 @ 07:25:54
Jan 22, 2021 @ 09:23:05
This does sound fascinating, what a great concept and admirable that Wade somehow manages to pry open the doors into these lives. Great review.
Jan 22, 2021 @ 10:00:17
Thank you! It’s definitely still one of my highlights of last year – such a great read and so brilliantly researched and written. It’s a book that deserves all the praise it’s had!