Title: The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories
Author: Susanna Clarke
First published October 17, 2006
235 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781596912519 (ISBN10: 1596912510)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Susanna Clarke, the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell”, presents a delightful collection of ten stories in “The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories”. In this imaginative world of 19th-century England, where fairies interfere with people’s lives, Clarke’s unique style and attention to historical detail will transport you to a slightly distorted version of our own world.
You will encounter familiar characters from her novel like Jonathan Strange and Childermass, as well as new and fascinating spins on historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots. This collection is a must-read for fans of Susanna Clarke and a captivating introduction to her work for new readers.
Some of these stories have never been published before, while others have appeared in highly regarded publications like the “New York Times” and anthologies. Together, they expand the enchanting world of Clarke’s imagination and provide a tantalizing glimpse into her next novel.
About the Author
Susanna Clarke, born in Nottingham in 1959, spent her childhood moving around towns in Northern England and Scotland. After attending St Hilda’s College, Oxford, she worked in non-fiction publishing for various companies such as Gordon Fraser and Quarto.
In 1990, she left London and journeyed to Turin to teach English to stressed-out executives of the Fiat motor company. The following year, she taught English in Bilbao.
In 1992, Clarke returned to England and resided in County Durham for the remainder of the year. During this time, she began working on her first novel.
From 1993 to 2003, she worked as an editor at Simon and Schuster’s Cambridge office, where she focused on their cookery list. Clarke has published seven short stories and novellas in US anthologies, including “The Duke of Wellington Misplaces His Horse,” which was initially published in a limited-edition, illustrated chapbook from Green Man Press.
Another story, “Mr Simonelli or The Fairy Widower,” was a World Fantasy Award shortlist in 2001.
Clarke currently lives in Cambridge with her partner, Colin Greenland, who is also a novelist and reviewer.
Editoral Review
In her collection of short stories, The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories, Susanna Clarke showcases her incredible talent for crafting intricate, fantastical worlds with characters that are both compelling and delightful. First published on October 17, 2006, Clarke’s collection fits into the genre of historical fiction with elements of fantasy and fairy tales, making for a unique and captivating reading experience.
The stories in this collection are set in different eras and locations, ranging from medieval England to the Napoleonic Wars. Despite the varied settings, the stories all feature magical elements or supernatural beings, such as fairies and witches.
The central theme of the collection is women asserting their agency in a world that is often oppressive and patriarchal. The stories are also connected thematically by their exploration of power, control, and the consequences that come with seeking each.
One of the standout stories in the collection is “The Ladies of Grace Adieu,” which follows the lives of three sisters as they navigate the magical world of their family’s estate. Clarke’s writing style is immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the fantastical worlds she creates.
Her characters are equally rich and complex, with their motivations and desires explored in careful detail. Another highlight of the collection is the story “Mr. Simonelli or the Fairy Widower,” which is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the titular character as he tries to cope with the death of his wife, who was a fairy.
The story examines themes of grief, loss, and the lengths people will go to in order to regain what they have lost. One potential weakness of the collection is that some of the stories are somewhat slow-paced, and may not appeal to readers who are looking for more action-driven stories.
However, for those who enjoy thought-provoking tales with complex emotional arcs, The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories is a must-read. Overall, Susanna Clarke’s The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories is a brilliantly crafted collection that showcases her unique writing style and remarkable imagination.
Fans of historical fiction and fantasy will find much to enjoy in these stories, and will likely find themselves transported to the magical worlds that Clarke creates. With her vivid descriptions and complex characters, Clarke has created a timeless collection that is sure to delight readers for years to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
