Mary Elizabeth Braddon

[Carolan]

Just started reading Aurora Floyd, Not far in yet but damn good so far. Have read and would recommend Lady Audley's Secret too. Braddon is a sensation novelist who challenges Victorian social and sexual codes and the feminine ideal. Black mail,bigamy, passion,violence, the power struggle between the sexes. If you like Wilkie Collins and similar novels of this era, you are bound to enjoy these.

[Meg]

Carolan have you come across Persephone books yet? They comprise of reclaimed female fiction from Victorian times to the nineteen fifties which focus upon social/sexual issues and politics of the times. They provide a very rich seam of such writing that from the sound of the above I think you might like. They're collectibles - lovely plain grey covers and 'endpapers' in fabric patterns of the time.

We happen to have a selection in the shop.... but I genuinely think you might get on with them (if you don't already know about them).

[Carolan]

think i may be popping in soon...

[Meg]

think i may be popping in soon...

Yes do. Ask Beth to point you in their direction (if I've tickled your fancy). They're usually in pride of place but we've had to feature some sale stock so we temporarily moved them.

[lucie brown]

sounds right up my street too. Just got a little Robert Parker to polish off first by way of diversion...