The Flowering Thorn: A Novel
By: Margery Sharp
Rating: 5 of 5
Recently, I’ve been reading more and more books set in post World War I Europe. These are recent books which are given the advantage of 20/20 hindsight. I thought I would like to try some books that were actually written during the period and this is one of those books.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had not read any books by this author before (except for The Rescuers as a child.) At first, I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for the main character; in fact, I found her very unlikeable.
As I read, it became obvious what the title referred to. The dialog, the plot, and the characters found their way into my heart. Woven in the story is a social commentary of the time as well.
This book was published in 1934 and covers a period from 1929 to 1934. It is primarily the story of Miss Lesley Frewen (rhymes with bruin) and how she moves to the country after living the first 28 years of her life as a privileged young woman and is enmeshed in the social life of post World War I London.
Watching her struggle with her new life, which she brought on herself by a change from a sudden whim, was a joy to behold. At the back of my mind was the knowledge that within a few years, England would be embroiled again in a horrific world war, but seeing that the characters and the author did not know or acknowledge it. It was a bittersweet experience.
The book is funny, sharp, and biting. I enjoyed it so much, I have purchased several other books by this author to read in the future.