(Because the selection of matching book covers for this vintage series isn't the greatest, I'll be adding my own matching fan art covers to my reviews.)

I'd never heard of this English author before I stumbled upon this work of autobiographical fiction from 1930, originally published serially. While I could tell soon enough that this "diary" is indeed one of humor, it took a little while for me to get into the style and rhythm of the Provincial Lady's vignettes about her everyday life.

Once I got used to the style, the reading became funnier and funnier to me.

Even through my amusement, though, I would feel for the Lady during her awkward and discouraging moments. Her monetary troubles. Her worries about her looks and health and fashion. Her doubts about her motherhood and household capabilities.

I'd also feel touched at times when one experience or another of pleasure or kindness would make the Lady jot in her diary "Am touched." I found her brief accounts of actively playing with her two young children to be pretty adorable (even if it would once result in her hair and clothing being mussed in the sudden presence of unexpected guests), and so many of her sentiments jibed with me.

Like her figuring she'll think up a great answer/comeback to deliver on a subject—at some time after the conversation has long been over, and it'd be inappropriate by then to go spouting off her answer. While she's sitting in church or something. And her wondering how much she sacrifices the truth, not expressing what she really feels and thinks, for the sake of not rocking the social boat.

Now, one particular moment portends a war that she doesn't know is coming: when the Lady meets a lady who makes an offhand mention that something bad must be imminent concerning the Jewish people. Besides that, I couldn't help my little inward cringe at the one appearance of the outdated term for the Romani people. And some light reference to "Jamaica children" got an eye-roll from me, despite any non-malicious intent that may have been behind it.

There's also a lightly handled event that isn't too detailed but still cringey for animal lovers. Like the thought of what eventually happens to stray animals at certain animal pounds.

Even so, on the whole, this was an enjoyable old-fashioned read for me. I'm curious enough to go further into the series. ( )

Published in 1930, Diary of a Provincial Lady is a humorous, laugh-out-loud account of a wife and mother in the English countryside. Although this is fiction, it was based on E. M. Delafield's experiences. I first came to this book a couple of years ago and got up to the part in which the lady's husband disposes of some kittens. I couldn't go on with the rest and the husband annoyed me. This time however I was in the mood to enjoy it's merits. She writes in such a way describing everyday situations which is great fun and very amusing.
https://readableword.wordpress.com/2021/05/29/the-diary-of-a-provincial-lady-by-... ( )

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, but over 90 years ago! ( )

I enjoyed reading this book in which the narrator is self-deprecating while dealing with life events that we all must have at some point: expenditures greater than income; unruly children (with occasional showing of good manners); want for fulfillment; poor domestic outcomes; and trying to keep up pretenses when classes are valued. The narrator tries to balance honesty with civility which is very difficult at times. The lens through which this diary is written finds humor even when life isn't what was expected. ( )

La dama de provincias vive en una preciosa casa de campo, tiene dos hijos encantadores y un marido que, cuando está con ella, acostumbra a dormitar tras las páginas del Times. Lleva un diario que le sirve para poner un poco de distancia con las cosas que le suceden; en él escribe sobre sus esfuerzos para equilibrar la economía familiar y lidiar con su temperamental cocinera y la sensible institutriz francesa de sus hijos; así como sobre su lucha constante por mantener a raya a su engreída vecina, Lady B., y sus denodados esfuerzos por estar siempre a la altura de las circunstancias.