Lark: Introduction by Booker Prize-Winning Author Penelope Lively

Two girls of our age have a chance to have a lark on their own in 1919, but their guardian has gambled away their money. They embark on a series of misadventures to earn their living and stave off male admirers, hoping to secure their independence. Penelope Nesbit's novel is a wry, charming delight.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A captivating and immensely enjoyable novel, infused with the delightful Nesbit touch, penned by Penelope Lively. From the very introduction, the reader is transported into a world of youthful exuberance and boundless possibilities. Here, two girls of their age stand poised to embark on a lark entirely their own, free from the constraints of chaperones, rules, and societal expectations. However, as they confront the reality of their circumstances, Lucilla raises a sobering concern: "No present income or future prospects," she remarks. It is 1919, and Jane and her cousin Lucilla have just bid farewell to their school days, only to discover that their guardian has squandered their hard-earned money, leaving them with nothing more than a modest cottage nestled in the picturesque English countryside. Determined to survive and secure their independence, the orphaned cousins resort to a series of misadventures. They venture into the realm of entrepreneurship, cutting flowers from their front garden and selling them to unsuspecting passers-by, all while navigating the challenges of inviting paying guests who vanish without a trace. Amidst these escapades, they valiantly strive to fend off the persistent attentions of male admirers, determined to carve out a path of self-sufficiency and independence. To encounter any Nesbit novel, previously unread, is akin to receiving a heartfelt letter from a dear friend whom you had long believed lost in the annals of time. The New York Times, in its review, aptly describes the book as a "wry, charming delight," while The Pool praises it as a "wry, charming delight of a book." Penelope Lively's writing prowess shines brightly, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and the indomitable spirit of adventure while infusing it with a touch of nostalgia and wit. This delightful novel serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Nesbit's storytelling, reminding readers of the power of imagination, the importance of friendship, and the triumph of resilience in the face of adversity.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241983485