Latchkey Ladies

Latchkey ladies live alone or in shared rooms in London at the end of the First World War. They are determined to use their new freedoms and tread a fine line between independence and disaster.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 195 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Handheld Press

Marjorie Grant's 1921 novel, "Latchkey Ladies," delves into the lives and choices of modern women living in London at the end of the First World War. The latchkey ladies, who reside alone or in shared rooms, are determined to embrace their newfound freedoms while navigating a delicate balance between independence and disaster. Among them are Maquita Gilroy, a Government clerk with a sharp wit and a strong sense of self-preservation; Anne Carey, a bored and restless woman who seeks meaning in her life; Philip Dampier, a married man whose plays she admires; Petunia Garry, a young and beautiful chorus girl with questionable morals; and Gertrude Denby, an Admiral's daughter who finds herself tired of living in hired rooms.

Fear grips Maquita as she wakes up in the wee hours of the morning, trembling with anticipation. She knows that she is expecting a child, a revelation that fills her with both fear and determination. Maquita is a strong-willed woman who has faced many challenges in her life, and she is determined to face this one head-on. She sits up in bed, facing her fear squarely, and resolves to be a good mother to her child.

Anne, on the other hand, is drifting between jobs, bored with her fiancé, and longing for something to give her life meaning. She meets Philip, a married man whose plays she admires, and they begin a passionate affair. Anne is drawn to Philip's charm and intelligence, and she finds herself falling deeper in love with him. However, she knows that their relationship is doomed, as Philip is already married and has a family.

Petunia, a beautiful teenage chorus girl with no background and dubious morals, is swept up by an idealistic country squire, determined to mould her into what he wants his wife to be. Petunia is naive and easily influenced, and she falls under the spell of the country squire's charm. However, she soon realizes that he is controlling and abusive, and she tries to escape from his grasp.

Gertrude, an Admiral's daughter and an endlessly patient companion to an irritating employer, is so very tired of living out her life in hired rooms. She longs for a sense of independence and adventure, but her conservative upbringing has held her back. Gertrude is determined to break free from the expectations of her family and pursue her own dreams.

As the war comes to an end, the latchkey ladies face new challenges and opportunities. Maquita becomes a single mother, struggling to provide for her child and maintain her independence. Anne finds herself torn between her love for Philip and her loyalty to her fiancé. Petunia, after a difficult escape from the country squire, finds work as a dancer and begins to build a new life for herself. Gertrude, with the support of her family, pursues her passion for art and becomes a successful artist.

"Latchkey Ladies" is a powerful and moving novel that explores the lives and choices of modern women in a time of great change. Through the characters of Maquita, Anne, Petunia, and Gertrude, Grant paints a vivid portrait of the struggles and triumphs of women in the early 20th century. The novel is filled with humor, tragedy, and hope, and it remains a timeless masterpiece of women's literature.

In conclusion, "Latchkey Ladies" is a must-read for anyone who loves women's literature and wants to explore the lives and choices of modern women in a time of great change. Marjorie Grant's novel is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 145 x 215 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912766628