Reading Party

Sarah Addleshaw is the first female academic at her college in the 1970s, and she is faced with impulsive love affairs and a dramatic challenge when asked to accompany a mixed group of students on the annual college trip to Cornwall.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2018
Publisher: Muswell Press

The 1970s marked a significant era of change as Oxford's male institutions finally began to welcome women into their academic fold. Among the pioneering figures was Sarah Addleshaw, a young, spirited, and determined woman who embarked on a term as the first female academic at her college. In a remarkable achievement, she held the prestigious title of her college's sole female "Fellow." However, Sarah's journey as a don was not without its challenges. She was plagued by impulsive love affairs, which engulfed her in a whirlwind of passion and intrigue, encompassing not only people but also places and the ideas that danced within her head.

Throughout her first exhilarating year as a don, Sarah's life was a tapestry of romantic entanglements and personal revelations. She found herself drawn to various individuals, each with their unique charm and allure. However, it was the Reading Party that held the most dramatic impact on her life. Invited to accompany the first mixed group of students on the annual college trip to Cornwall, Sarah found herself irresistibly drawn to one of them, a suave American named Tyler.

Torn between her professional obligations and her deep-seated personal feelings, Sarah faced her greatest challenge to date. She found herself caught in a web of temptation and uncertainty, navigating the delicate balance between her moral convictions and her desires. The Reading Party served as a turning point in Sarah's journey, a moment of reckoning that tested the boundaries of her integrity and self-discovery.

As Sarah spent more time with Tyler, she found herself drawn to his charm, wit, and intelligence. Their conversations were filled with intellectual stimulation and shared passions, and Sarah felt a sense of connection that she had never experienced before. However, she knew that her relationship with Tyler could jeopardize her career and reputation. She was a don, responsible for the academic and personal development of her students, and she could not afford to be distracted by personal matters.

Despite the obstacles that lay before her, Sarah refused to give up on her love for Tyler. She knew that their relationship was worth fighting for, and she was determined to find a way to make it work without compromising her principles. She confided in her friends and mentors, seeking their advice and support.

In the end, Sarah's decision to pursue her love for Tyler proved to be a watershed moment in her life. It taught her the importance of following her heart and pursuing her dreams, even in the face of adversity. Through her struggles, Sarah emerged stronger and more resilient, ready to face any challenges that came her way.

The 1970s were a time of immense change and transformation, and Sarah Addleshaw's journey as the first female academic at her college was a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Her story continues to inspire women and men alike, reminding us that love, passion, and integrity can coexist harmoniously in our lives, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 154 x 246 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781999811723