It’s September, which means it’s officially Spinster September! It’s the brainchild of Nora (@pear.jelly on Instagram) and it’s a celebration of all the wonderful spinsters of literature. You know I love a novel about spinsters, whether it’s a joyful one where she’s reclaiming her independence or a morose one where she’s all melancholy. It’s all my jam.
My suggestions could be endless, so instead I’m going to go very route one – sharing the books I own that have the word ‘spinster’ in the title! Here we go…
Spinster by Sylvia Ashton-Warner
There’s more than one Sylvia BLANK-Warner on the block for Spinster September! This is a New Zealand novel about a teacher that I was given back in about 2011 but haven’t read yet – it’s the one I’m hoping to read during this month.
Patricia Brent, Spinster by Herbert Jenkins
Oh my gosh I LOVE this novel so much. You might not usually think of Patricia Brent as a spinster, since she is in her mid-20s – but she is feeling the judgement of the old ladies in her boarding house. So she pretends she is engaged and off to meet her fiance. When she is followed, she sits next to a man and welcomes him as her affianced, hoping (successfully) that he plays the part. And, of course, they fall in love. It’s so silly, but a total delight.
Spinsters in Jeopardy by Ngaio Marsh
I bought this murder mystery novel quite recently, on the strength of the title (and having enjoyed one or two other Ngaio Marsh books). Not read yet.
The Indignant Spinsters by Winifred Boggs
Winfired Boggs wrote Sally on the Rocks, a brilliant and surprisingly modern-feeling 1910s novel now reprinted in the British Library Women Writers series. So I had high hopes for this brilliantly titled novel about three sisters who assume fake identities to try and get eligibly married. Sadly, it doesn’t live up to the excellence of the title, or the sophistication of Sally on the Rocks. It felt, instead, like quite disposable romantic fiction.
The Magnificent Spinster by May Sarton
People love this novel, don’t they? I’ve read it, and even done a Tea or Books? episode on it, but I don’t remember a single thing about it. Time to revisit?
What will you be reading during Spinster September?
Love this list. I’m going to check if any of them are on Audible. My favourite characters in books are aunts, Young or old single or Married, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Elliott , PG Woodhouse, Intelligent and entertaining female characters. for a start. Would love to hear more favourites., Especially in contemporary fiction. Dislike patronising quirky writing though. I am visually impaired and find I prefer listening to any nobles with strong characterisation. Tom.. Not good on. Set a new ones these days unless it is exceptionally well read.
Thanks for your comment, Bridget. Nobody does aunts better than P.G. Wodehouse, I agree! Though also really fun ones in Aunt Mame by Patrick Dennis and Travels With My Aunt by Graham Greene.
Oh Simon – I have enough books lined up to last me the rest of the year (and that is only the piles, I am not counting the shelved books I have not read) and I had decided not to join in with any more challenges unless I could do so without resorting to the library or book shopping. Then I was reminded of Spinster September and, before I know it (oh weak willed one), I have ordered 3 books from the library featuring spinsters:
Kate Bolick, Spinster
Miss Mackenzie Anthony Trollope and
English Spinster, Esther Meynell
Ooo I’ve not read any of those, and in fact have only heard of the Trollope. Well done for giving into temptation!
I tried the Sylvia Ashton-Warner recently and couldn’t get on with it, but I do wonder if it’s just not the right time at the moment, so I’ll be really interested to know how you find it!
Well… I’m with you. I haven’t really enjoyed the experience, and it’ll be going to a charity shop.
The Magnificent Spinster has been on my shelf for ages! Maybe this September! 😉
I prefer Sarton’s non-fiction, but I do want to read more of her fiction – The Small Room (about a teacher) is my favourite of those so far.
Wonderful books all of them! I will endeavour to find a spinster to read about: I can’t think I don’t have any on my bookshelf!
There must be some hiding away, yes!
I just read Charlotte M. Yonge’s 1864 novel Hopes and Fears, with the subtitle “Scenes from the Life of a Spinster.” I should have kept it for September!
I’ve also got Dea Birkett’s Spinsters Abroad, for some real-life spinster Victorian travelers.
Oh how was the Yonge? She’s one of those names we all know, but I haven’t read anything by her.
Paul Scott draws some wonderful spinsters in his Raj Quartet. Also Judith Hearne by Brian Moore.
What a great idea, Spinster September, and I am right now reading a wonderful biography about Jane Austen written by Lucy Worsley. Jane never married and she was one of the greatest writers of all time.
Thanks for the inspiration. I enjoyed Lucy Worsley’s book about Agatha Christie and have now added this one to my library requests!
Oh Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne is a masterpiece, isn’t it? Brilliant novel.
Good list. This is my first time finding Spinsters in September. I’ve got a list ready for next week.
Excellent!
Ah ha! You can kill two birds with one stone with Spinster by Sylvia Ashton-Warner because you can add it to my #YearOfNZLit:)
PS When’s the next Club read, and what year is it?
Hijacking Simon’s comments section to say 1970, and runs from 14-20th October! 🤣
Thanks!
And the Ngaio Marsh! Very NZ heavy (though I suspect the Marsh is set in the UK).
Some great options, Simon – I shall be going down the GA crime route… 😉
Ah perfect!
Great list.
I’m in the mood for a Miss Silver mystery. I might have time to read one.
Barbara Pyms has great spinsters too.
And there’s Cousin Bette by Balzac.
What about Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day?
Miss Mackenzie is a wonderful book.
You can’t go wrong with Miss Silver. Or Miss Read’s Fairacre village stories……
Some great options there, absolutely
A well-timed posting as I have recently read The New House by Lettice Cooper, a Persephone publication. It features two spinster of different generations and how the younger woman tried to break free of a carer role. It is a savvy read and I can recommend it.
Hm… interesting. I didn’t even know there was a Spinster’s September. But… I do dislike the word ‘spinster’ because… it just feels so… pejorative. Unwed isn’t any better. How about… unfettered? Just saying.
Back in the 1950s, my aunt, who was quite a well-known businesswoman, was interviewed on TV and asked what it was like to be a spinster. She replied she liked being single but she had never spun in her life.
I think the week is hoping to try and reclaim the name!
Before I was married, my (male) housemates nicknamed me Spinny, short for spinster, and the name has stuck ever since. I did get married within two years but somehow the name still stayed with me – somehow, I was not so keen on ‘Spousey’! I am not sure how I would feel about being called Spinny if I wasn’t married now I am definitely of maiden aunt age though!
Oh funny! Hopefully with affection :D
It turns out quite by accident that a spinster features in An Ordinary Lunacy by Jessica Anderson which I’ve just reviewed (after a prompt from Guy at : His Futile Preoccupations): Possie is a character straight out of the 19th century exploited domestic service role but updated to show how lack of education and work experience in the real employment world blocks off opportunities to escape.
They do pop up all over the place, don’t they!
Lovely to see Hargreaves getting in on the act here!
Patricia Brent, Spinster sounds right up my street. In fact, I think it’s been recommended to me before, possible in relation to boarding house novels, which I know we both enjoy. I’ll have to chase it down!