“Let” indeed. A few years ago, I got this funny sticker, “Let women run shit,” but immediately realized - however well intentioned, the men who’d created it didn’t even recognize their assumption of control. It’s wild to be a gender your whole life and know in your bones people hate you for it.
I am in awe of how each chapter deepens and each character deepens. Seeing their outsides and then seeing their insides. And also 😡 at the pervasiveness of the word ‘let’. Even now.
I'm in awe of the way you get Greenham to play so many roles here - as a backdrop, as a comparison between then and now, and, above all, as a prism through which to develop and explore different characters. And all the while, moving forward the plot. It's quite mesmerising.
as I read this book, I’m reminded of this song. Or maybe as I listen to this song I’m reminded of the book. Either way it seems to resonate. Thought you might be interested. Paris Paloma’s “labour”.
Thanks so much for putting that in front of me. Just listened to it. It’s perfect for Kate, for this novel, and reminded me I’ve been meaning to share the Greenham songbook. Thanks.
In any social/protest movement it seems a rule that the most fully committed to the cause end up dominating and look down at those who won't commit all the way. That was well drawn by the Annabel/ Kate exchange.
“Let” indeed. A few years ago, I got this funny sticker, “Let women run shit,” but immediately realized - however well intentioned, the men who’d created it didn’t even recognize their assumption of control. It’s wild to be a gender your whole life and know in your bones people hate you for it.
I am in awe of how each chapter deepens and each character deepens. Seeing their outsides and then seeing their insides. And also 😡 at the pervasiveness of the word ‘let’. Even now.
Yup. It makes me wild.
“I’m happy to let you on condition that enough is enough. This has to be the end of it. I can’t be expected to bring up the girls on my own.”
Like I do? Kate had thought, watching him do up his pyjamas.
Every time I read exchanges like the above, my blood just boils for her.
I got a lot out of my system, writing their marriage.
Can I tell you how much I burn every time Simon uses the word "let." So much insidiousness captured in a single syllable. Talk about compression.
I'm in awe of the way you get Greenham to play so many roles here - as a backdrop, as a comparison between then and now, and, above all, as a prism through which to develop and explore different characters. And all the while, moving forward the plot. It's quite mesmerising.
I agree! Your brain is baffling Eleanor.
Place as character, that was one of the aspects I was reaching for. And it was so many different things to so many different people. Thanks J.
as I read this book, I’m reminded of this song. Or maybe as I listen to this song I’m reminded of the book. Either way it seems to resonate. Thought you might be interested. Paris Paloma’s “labour”.
Just listened. Great song. Perfect for Kate, as Eleanor says.
Thanks so much for putting that in front of me. Just listened to it. It’s perfect for Kate, for this novel, and reminded me I’ve been meaning to share the Greenham songbook. Thanks.
I’ll listen …
In any social/protest movement it seems a rule that the most fully committed to the cause end up dominating and look down at those who won't commit all the way. That was well drawn by the Annabel/ Kate exchange.