An Intimate, Revealing Look at Women Writers: Scribbling Women
“Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives
written by Marthe Jocelyn
When I was invited to participate in Marthe Jocelyn’s blog tour for her fascinating new book, “Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives, I had no idea that having an opportunity to read and savour her words would touch me in such a positive and personal way.
For Marthe Jocelyn, it must have been a daunting task to select eleven women writers to profile. She not only describes their writing, she illuminates us about the worlds they lived in, the choices they made and their extraordinary experiences. The resulting book, is an intimate, revealing look at the lives of these remarkable women and a celebration of women’s writing in general. Carefully researched, Ms. Jocelyn provides the back stories and guides her readers to appreciate the hardships, danger, drama, heartache and triumphs these fascinating women experienced.
Respectfully and lovingly written, “Scribbling Women” provides behind-the-scene glimpses that will inspire readers to consider the story behind the author each time they read. As well, the insight will encourage women to take up a pen or keyboard to share their own dreams, ideas and observations.
Several of the stories resonated with me personally and it would be difficult to select a favourite except for the fact that I have a copy of Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management. It was in my husband’s parent’s home when we dealt with the contents just about one year ago. Held together by my father-in-law’s masking tape repair job, many of the pages are discoloured, some are loose.
Having read, “Scribbling Women”, not only do I know the previous owner of the book, I feel I have gained insight into the author and how she impacted the world around her. I am truly grateful for the information and will treasure Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management – even if If don’t have a housekeeper (as second in command) in my home.
Readers interested in “Scribbling Women” will want to learn more about this blog tour. Be sure to visit Tundra Books’ weblog and discover how to win an enormous collection of Marthe Jocelyn’s wonderful books.
As well, please visit one of these blogs and read more about “Scribbling Women”
Jo Ann at Journey of a Bookseller and Melanie at The Indextrious Reader
Update June 18, 2012 “Scribbling Women” nominated for the Norma Fleck Award For Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction
“Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives at Amazon.com
“Scribbling Women”: True Tales from Astonishing Lives at Amazon.ca
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That’s great that you kept the book! Most people tend to throw old books away or donate them to the local thrift store.
You’re right, it was really lucky. Saying good-bye to a book is always difficult.
How great to have your own old copy of Mrs. Beeton, even if it’s falling apart. I found her book kind of astounding in its breadth of know-how and also as a revealing portrait of an era not so long ago and yet a world away.
Thank you for sharing your own connection to the book.
When reading “Scribbling Women,” I was surprised to learn her age (when she wrote the book). Somehow, I had assumed that Mrs. Beeton was a matron – with many years of household management under her belt.
What a lovely coincidence for you to have one of the books that Marthe Jocelyn describes in Scribbling Women! It makes the reading so much more personal for you. I have loved to seeing so many connections throughout the week of the blog tour. Thanks so sharing your thoughts and time with the rest of us.
Thanks for commenting Sally –
It really was an ah-ha moment. I turned the page and then jumped out of my chair to grab Mrs. Beeton.
Carolyn
i wish i had found a copy of mrs. beeton’s book before i developed into a fairly bad housekeeper. i would have saved my family alot of discontent!!!
Trust me, possessing a copy of Mrs. Beeton’s has not improve my household management at all!
Cool to see a page of Isabelle’s book.
The pictures of fish are quite breathtaking but that page wasn’t loose!
Thanks for visiting Heather.
Carolyn