Weather In The Streets

The Weather in the Streets is a powerful novel by Rosamond Lehmann that explores the themes of clandestine love and the complexities of human relationships. It was ahead of its time when first published and shocked readers with its searing honesty and passionate portrayal of love. The novel is included in the VMC 40th anniversary series of books.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

One of the most remarkable British writers of the twentieth century, Rosamond Lehmann's The Weather in the Streets is a captivating tale of love and longing. With its brilliant dialogue and intense passages of elation and despair, the novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous relationship between Olivia Curtis and her enigmatic lover.

Lehmann legitimised a type of writing that took on deep personal themes, exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Her portrayal of women was particularly noteworthy, as she filtered her stories through a woman's feelings and perceptions, offering a unique and insightful perspective.

The Weather in the Streets follows Olivia Curtis, a ten-year-older woman who has experienced a failed marriage and is now struggling with her weight, sadness, and apparent lack of wisdom. A chance encounter on a train with a man who enchanted her as a teenager leads to a forbidden love affair and a new world of secret meetings, brief phone calls, and snatched liaisons in anonymous hotel rooms.

Years ahead of its time when first published, this subtle and powerful novel shocked even the most stalwart Lehmann fans with its searing honesty and passionate portrayal of clandestine love. The novel's exploration of the complexities of human emotions, the power of desire, and the consequences of forbidden love make it a timeless masterpiece.

Books included in the VMC 40th anniversary series showcase the diverse and talented writers of the twentieth century. From Antonia White's Frost in May to Patricia Highsmith's Deep Water, these works offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of different characters and periods.

Lehmann's The Weather in the Streets is a testament to her talent as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of human relationships. Her portrayal of Olivia Curtis is nuanced and complex, drawing the reader into her world and making them feel her pain, joy, and longing. The novel's exploration of the complexities of love and desire is both powerful and relatable, leaving a lasting impression on those who read it.

In conclusion, Rosamond Lehmann's The Weather in the Streets is a remarkable work of literature that deserves to be celebrated and admired. With its brilliant dialogue, intense passages of elation and despair, and its exploration of deep personal themes, the novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of great literature. Whether you are a fan of Lehmann or a newcomer to her work, this novel is a must-read that will leave you pondering the complexities of love and desire long after you have turned the last page.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 178 x 142 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349010366