Have you ever read Bleak House? One of my favorite depictions of a (hilariously) bad literary mother is Mrs. Jellyby from Bleak House. Your post is actually inspiring me because I've actually had an essay in my drafts for months on Dickensian motherhood that I need to polish up :)
Also I read Helena a few years ago and loved it, and you've inspired me to pick it up again sooner rather than later!
I love Bleak House. What an image of Mrs. Jellby writing letters about doing good works in Africa when her children are dirty and untended and getting their heads stuck in fences. (When my daughter once got her head stuck in the stair railing at home -Why do small children think to do this?!- I thought both, "Poor baby, I'll help you," and "This is like that Jellyby child in Bleak House." 😅)
I recently read Helena. There were a few highlights for me, mainly the ending. It was an interesting character study, but I can't say I enjoyed it as a book.
I am ashamed to admit I have only read two Dickens novels. I own a bunch and keep putting him off even though I enjoyed what I’ve read. And happy to help spark the writing! One of the loveliest bits about Substack is the inspiration I get from others-this post was inspired by other literary mother/fathers posts I read.
I’ve read about half of these books. You’re inspiring me to reread them, and to get started on the ones I have not read. Your post also reminds me of how much I love Willa Cather, and that it’s time to reread all her books. Thank you!!
When I was in high school in the sixties, we were urged to read her books. I read one or two then, but didn’t fully appreciate her writing until I was in my twenties. I think I own all of her books now. In a couple of weeks I’ll be on vacation, and I’m thinking that’ll be a good time to get reacquainted with her!
I wish I had read her over some other books in high school. Then again I definitely feel like I wouldn’t have appreciated her as much as I do as an adult/having the kinds of responsibilities her characters have. She’s a good summer/vacation read-not too long and with a love of the land/seasons
This is along the lines of an essay I’ve been thinking up for some time! Literature as an Examination of Conscience. Lewis’ fiction sends me to confession way quicker than a standard examination. But also Kristin Lavransdatter is a huge one for me. I think my faults and failings are similar enough to Kristin’s that I feel that book on a deep level!
I’ve been wanting to read Helena for a while, maybe I’ll finally get to it!
Also I love Close Reads and Frankenstein is awesome, but wow, what an intense postpartum read!
I totally agree about Lewis. And I haven’t tackled her yet. I know I need to but it hasn’t been the right time yet. Is there a time of year you prefer reading Kristin Lavransdattar? And it’s a quick read-somewhere between novella and novel so it’s easy to pick up!
Kristin is huge so it always feels like such a feat to even start reading, but the pay off is so worth it! I would definitely consider it a winter read. But honestly I think I read it in the spring the first time and then assigned it for book club in the summer so I guess my seasonal reading doesn't always win out!
I'm going to ask for Helena for my next birthday so it is on the shelf and I can read it soon!
The subtitle to this essay is perfect! I always reach for a novel over a parenting book for this reason 😂 and these are great choices! "What have I done?" is indeed a question I asked myself after I had my first 😅 And Marmee is totally my fictional patron saint of motherhood. Her conversation with Jo about anger was especially convicting after I read it as a mom and struggled with overstimulation rage. Your reflection Helena makes me want to go reread it! I read it before I had children and I have very little memory of it, but it sounds like it would provide fruitful reflection after all the life changes that parenthood has brought. And Silas Marner 😍 totally an undersung classic and such a beautiful image of fatherhood.
For ones I'd add--I love the image of motherhood at the end of My Antonia. And I also read Maura Laverty's Never No More recently which was marvelous with a really wonderful relationship between a granddaughter and her grandmother who's raising her.
Aw thanks! One of those unexpected fit of inspiration moments. Glad it wasn’t just me asking that. And I almost covered that conversation because it’s the other major “talk” she has that I really love. It’s really lovely. Comes into its own much more in the second half. Finding so many Silas Marner fans coming out of the woodwork lately-it’s great. And I adore Willa Cather-excellent choice. Haven’t heard of that book/author but will add to my list! The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is another lovely granddaughter/grandmother relationship book
Oooh, love this!
Have you ever read Bleak House? One of my favorite depictions of a (hilariously) bad literary mother is Mrs. Jellyby from Bleak House. Your post is actually inspiring me because I've actually had an essay in my drafts for months on Dickensian motherhood that I need to polish up :)
Also I read Helena a few years ago and loved it, and you've inspired me to pick it up again sooner rather than later!
I love Bleak House. What an image of Mrs. Jellby writing letters about doing good works in Africa when her children are dirty and untended and getting their heads stuck in fences. (When my daughter once got her head stuck in the stair railing at home -Why do small children think to do this?!- I thought both, "Poor baby, I'll help you," and "This is like that Jellyby child in Bleak House." 😅)
Oh and Mr. Skimpole! Talk about bad parenting!!
I recently read Helena. There were a few highlights for me, mainly the ending. It was an interesting character study, but I can't say I enjoyed it as a book.
It’s definitely an unusual novel/narrative. The end is for sure the best part
I am ashamed to admit I have only read two Dickens novels. I own a bunch and keep putting him off even though I enjoyed what I’ve read. And happy to help spark the writing! One of the loveliest bits about Substack is the inspiration I get from others-this post was inspired by other literary mother/fathers posts I read.
I’ve read about half of these books. You’re inspiring me to reread them, and to get started on the ones I have not read. Your post also reminds me of how much I love Willa Cather, and that it’s time to reread all her books. Thank you!!
I’m so happy you’re feeling inspired to read these titles! Willa Cather is truly a gem, I wish I had found her sooner
When I was in high school in the sixties, we were urged to read her books. I read one or two then, but didn’t fully appreciate her writing until I was in my twenties. I think I own all of her books now. In a couple of weeks I’ll be on vacation, and I’m thinking that’ll be a good time to get reacquainted with her!
I wish I had read her over some other books in high school. Then again I definitely feel like I wouldn’t have appreciated her as much as I do as an adult/having the kinds of responsibilities her characters have. She’s a good summer/vacation read-not too long and with a love of the land/seasons
This is beautiful. I’m going to re-read Emma and Sense and Sensibility now!
Oh thank you!
This is along the lines of an essay I’ve been thinking up for some time! Literature as an Examination of Conscience. Lewis’ fiction sends me to confession way quicker than a standard examination. But also Kristin Lavransdatter is a huge one for me. I think my faults and failings are similar enough to Kristin’s that I feel that book on a deep level!
I’ve been wanting to read Helena for a while, maybe I’ll finally get to it!
Also I love Close Reads and Frankenstein is awesome, but wow, what an intense postpartum read!
I totally agree about Lewis. And I haven’t tackled her yet. I know I need to but it hasn’t been the right time yet. Is there a time of year you prefer reading Kristin Lavransdattar? And it’s a quick read-somewhere between novella and novel so it’s easy to pick up!
Kristin is huge so it always feels like such a feat to even start reading, but the pay off is so worth it! I would definitely consider it a winter read. But honestly I think I read it in the spring the first time and then assigned it for book club in the summer so I guess my seasonal reading doesn't always win out!
I'm going to ask for Helena for my next birthday so it is on the shelf and I can read it soon!
The subtitle to this essay is perfect! I always reach for a novel over a parenting book for this reason 😂 and these are great choices! "What have I done?" is indeed a question I asked myself after I had my first 😅 And Marmee is totally my fictional patron saint of motherhood. Her conversation with Jo about anger was especially convicting after I read it as a mom and struggled with overstimulation rage. Your reflection Helena makes me want to go reread it! I read it before I had children and I have very little memory of it, but it sounds like it would provide fruitful reflection after all the life changes that parenthood has brought. And Silas Marner 😍 totally an undersung classic and such a beautiful image of fatherhood.
For ones I'd add--I love the image of motherhood at the end of My Antonia. And I also read Maura Laverty's Never No More recently which was marvelous with a really wonderful relationship between a granddaughter and her grandmother who's raising her.
Aw thanks! One of those unexpected fit of inspiration moments. Glad it wasn’t just me asking that. And I almost covered that conversation because it’s the other major “talk” she has that I really love. It’s really lovely. Comes into its own much more in the second half. Finding so many Silas Marner fans coming out of the woodwork lately-it’s great. And I adore Willa Cather-excellent choice. Haven’t heard of that book/author but will add to my list! The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is another lovely granddaughter/grandmother relationship book
The Summer Book has been on my to read list for a while :) I've only read her moomin books haha