‘Miss Mole’, de E. H. Young, una “novela doméstica” británica sobre la ambivalencia de los sentimientos, J.M. Guelbenzu, Babelia 29.11.2023: https://elpais.com/babelia/2023-11-29/miss-mole-de-e-h-young-una-novela-domestic...

James Tait Black Memorial Prize

Confessional: In the beginning, I didn't care for Hannah Mole. In the beginning I was questioning myself, was I supposed to like Hannah Mole? Possibly not, since this was included in the More Book Lust chapter called "Viragos." After finishing the book and with careful consideration, I think I am supposed to see Hannah as an independent, plucky, middle aged woman who barges through life with integrity, wit and humor. She had a prejudice against nonconformist ministers, tells small lies (don't we all?), and keeps secrets. The more Miss Mole's personality blossomed, the more I admired her. Plucky! As my grandmother used to say. ( )

Miss Hannah Mole is a single woman of a certain age who earns her living as a housekeeper, companion or governess. But this isn't the usual story of such a person. Miss Mole is witty, outspoken, with a unique sense of fashion. It becomes obvious that there is more to tell about Hannah's life. Is it her sense of fun that leads us astray? There is definitely a secret. Little by little, crumbs of information are revealed but Young keeps the reader - and her characters - guessing to the final pages.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Virago Modern Classic and will be on the lookout for more by E.H. Young who had an interesting life herself. ( )

"She was grateful to Fortune who, in making her a servant, had remembered to give her freedom and happiness in herself.", 15 April 2016

This review is from: MISS MOLE (Timeless Wisdom Collection Book 1576) (Kindle Edition)
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Miss Hannah Mole is a spinster nearing forty who earns her living as a companion/ housekeeper. But while some might become quashed and depressed in such circumstances, the outspoken and humourous Miss Mole's personality shines through on every page:
"In nearly twenty years of earning her living...she had lost all illusions except those she created for herself, but these appeared at her command and stirred by her late adventure, she was ready to find another in the approach of each person she met." Whether it's savouring the beauties of the world around her or teasing her stuck-up cousin Lilla, she finds delights and interest in her rather mundane life.
The novel follows her new situation working for the family of a pompous widowed minister. And then it seems a past love might be catching up on her...
Quite a densely written book, but an extremely memorable one. ( )