Lost Girls: Love, War and Literature: 1939-51

In the 1940s, a group of young women known as the Lost Girls lived in Blitz-era London. They were associated with the literary magazine Horizon and its charismatic editor Cyril Connolly. The Lost Girls were bright, beautiful, independent-minded women with tough upbringings who made the most of their lives in a highly uncertain environment. They had affairs with Lucian Freud, married George Orwell, and became the mistress of the King of Egypt. Their story is a genuine missing link between the first wave of newly-liberated young women of the post-Great War era and the Dionysiac free-for-all of the 1960s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The 2019 Times Book of the Year, "Lost Girls," is a captivating read that you won't want to miss. The Sunday Times hails it as a remarkable work and a significant addition to the extraordinary wartime history of literary London. Literary Review questions, "Who were the Lost Girls?" At least a dozen young women roamed the streets of Blitz-era London, claiming this title. However, "Lost Girls" focuses on just four remarkable individuals: Lys Lubbock, Sonia Brownell, Barbara Skelton, and Janetta Parlade. These women were the epitome of chic, glamorous, and bohemian, equally at home in a rat-infested maisonette or enjoying a meal at the Ritz. They left their mark on English literary and artistic life in the 1940s, with three of them having affairs with the renowned Lucian Freud. One of them married the renowned George Orwell. Another became the mistress of the King of Egypt, enduring a flogging on the steps of the Royal Palace. All four were associated with the celebrated literary magazine, Horizon, and its charismatic editor, Cyril Connolly.

While Lys, Sonia, Barbara, and Janetta had distinct and sometimes explosive personalities, they collectively formed a unique segment of the war-time demographic. These bright, beautiful, independent-minded women hailed from challenging backgrounds, driven to seize every opportunity and make the most of their lives in a constantly uncertain environment. Their world was characterized by the buzz of bombings, the clandestine cocktail parties behind blackout curtains, the sight of severed hands on the pavement in Bloomsbury Square, the rustling of telegrams slipping through letterboxes, and hurried goodbyes to loved ones who might never return. They lived in the moment, cherishing every pleasure before it vanished. Yet, even as their trail traversed vast expanses of war-time cultural life, it ultimately led back to Connolly and his amorous web-spinning.

Connolly's life was intertwined with the Lost Girls, and his influence played a significant role in shaping their experiences. He was a captivating figure, known for his wit, charm, and ability to captivate those around him. His relationships with the women were complex and multifaceted, ranging from romantic partnerships to friendships. The book delves into the intricate details of their lives, exploring their triumphs, challenges, and the enduring impact they had on each other and the world around them.

"Lost Girls" is a captivating tale that offers a glimpse into the lives of these remarkable women during a tumultuous period in history. It sheds light on their relationships, their artistic endeavors, and their enduring legacy. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, literary history, or simply intrigued by the lives of extraordinary individuals, this book is a must-read. So, grab a copy and immerse yourself in the world of the Lost Girls, where glamour, art, and love intertwine in a tale that will leave you captivated until the very last page.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472126849