Wild Words Newsletter
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Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023, this trailblazing novel continues to captivate readers with its frank portrayal of female friendship, sexuality, and the complexities of women's lives. Described as 'juicy, shocking, witty, and almost continually brilliant' by Cosmopolitan, Mary McCarthy's masterpiece remains as relevant today as it was upon its initial publication.
The narrative follows the lives of eight Vassar graduates, collectively known as 'the group', as they navigate the challenges of post-university life. We first encounter these women at a friend's wedding in New York, only to reconvene seven years later at her funeral. Fresh-faced and idealistic, they had once vowed to eschew the stifling conventions of their parents' generation and lead liberated, fulfilling lives. But who among them truly achieved this lofty goal, and at what cost?
Monica Ali's new introduction adds a contemporary perspective to this enduring classic. As noted by Elizabeth Day in The Guardian, the characters grapple with issues that resonate powerfully with modern readers: sexual liberation, contraception, career aspirations, marital fidelity, and the delicate balance between loyalty to one's spouse and to one's friends. At its core, 'The Group' is an unflinching examination of women striving to carve out their place in a world still bound by gender limitations.
Praised by Sarah Waters as 'honest, engaging and sharp as a tack', and hailed by the Sunday Times as 'lively, vivid and exceedingly entertaining', this landmark novel continues to inspire and provoke thought six decades after its initial publication. Its enduring relevance is a testament to McCarthy's keen insight into the human condition and the timeless struggles of women seeking autonomy and fulfilment.
Book ISBN: | 9780349018058 |
Book Author: | Mary McCarthy |
Book Format: | Hardback |
Book Imprint: | Virago Press Ltd |
Book Publisher: | Little, Brown Book Group |
Book Dimensions: | 136 x 206 x 38 cm |
Book Publication Date: | 2023-08-03 |
Book Pagination: | 448 pages |
Book Weight: | 600g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’