The Romance of a Shop

The Romance of a Shop (1888) is a novel by Amy Levy that explores the concept of the New Woman and the realities of Jewish life in nineteenth-century London. The novel follows the lives of four sisters who launch a photography business after their father's death. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, they find success and solace in their mutual resolve to survive and care for one another.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Romance of a Shop (1888) is a novel by Amy Levy, published just a year before her untimely demise. This groundbreaking work marks the debut of a pioneering writer and feminist whose poetry and prose delve into the concept of the New Woman while shedding light on the realities of Jewish life in nineteenth-century London. The atmosphere of desolation that permeated the house seemed to have somehow infiltrated the garden, where the trees bloomed with vibrant blossoms or were adorned with the delicate green of young leaves. Perhaps the melancholic effect was enhanced or even created by the poignant figure that leisurely walked up and down the gravel path just before the house, a young woman who was slight in stature, not tall, bareheaded, and dressed in deep mourning.

Following the sudden passing of their father, sisters Fanny, Gertrude, Lucy, and Phyllis find themselves with meager inheritance and little hope for the future. On the verge of despair, they unite their efforts and establish a photography business, each contributing their unique skills to ensure their survival. As Lucy embarks on an apprenticeship with a local photographer, her sisters purchase and prepare their own studio in anticipation of her return. Despite their best efforts, they face challenges in convincing customers that a shop owned by women can command the same prices as those run by men. Through unwavering determination and a touch of luck, the Lorimers find success as funeral photographers, thanks to their connection with a prominent artist.

However, their plans are disrupted by romance, illness, and war, testing the strength of their bond. In the face of adversity, the sisters find solace in their unwavering resolve to not only survive but also provide and care for one another. This edition of Amy Levy's The Romance of a Shop is a timeless classic of British literature, meticulously designed with a captivating cover and professionally typeset manuscript.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 133 x 210 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513132471