Have you ever stumbled upon a forgotten gem in a dusty corner of a bookshop and wondered how such brilliance could have slipped through the cracks of literary fame? That’s exactly how I felt when I first encountered the works of Sylvia Townsend Warner, who was born on this day December 6, 1893. This remarkable 20th-century English novelist, poet, and short story writer has been unjustly overlooked for far too long. Today, we’re going to embark on a journey to rediscover her literary masterpieces and explore why her works deserve a prominent place on our bookshelves.
Lolly Willowes: A Feminist Fantasy
Let’s start our journey with Warner’s debut novel, Lolly Willowes. Published in 1926, this book was nothing short of revolutionary for its time. Imagine a middle-aged woman in the 1920s deciding to leave her comfortable London life to become… a witch!
“One doesn’t become a witch to run around being harmful, or to run around being helpful either, a district visitor on a broomstick. It’s to escape all that – to have a life of one’s own, not an existence doled out to you by others.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates the novel’s feminist spirit. Warner’s protagonist, Laura Willowes, rejects societal expectations and chooses a path of independence and self-discovery. The novel blends social critique with elements of fantasy, creating a unique reading experience that feels surprisingly modern even today.
The Corner That Held Them: A Medieval Tapestry
Next, let’s time-travel to medieval England with The Corner That Held Them. This 1948 novel showcases Warner’s versatility as a writer. Set in a 14th-century convent, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of nuns during the time of the Black Death.
What’s remarkable about this novel is its structure. There’s no central protagonist or conventional plot. Instead, Warner weaves a rich tapestry of daily life, small dramas, and historical events. It’s like peering through a window into a long-gone world, brought vividly to life by Warner’s meticulous research and imaginative power.
Mr. Fortune’s Maggot: A Tale of Cultural Clash
In Mr. Fortune’s Maggot, Warner takes us on a journey to a fictional South Pacific island. The novel follows Mr. Fortune, a well-meaning but naive English missionary, as he attempts to convert the island’s inhabitants to Christianity.
This book is a masterclass in subtle social critique. Warner deftly explores themes of colonialism, cultural misunderstanding, and the nature of faith. The “maggot” in the title refers to an obsessive fancy – in this case, Mr. Fortune’s misguided belief in his mission. As the story unfolds, we see how this “maggot” transforms both Mr. Fortune and the islander he tries to convert.
Summer Will Show: A Historical Romance with a Twist
Summer Will Show is perhaps Warner’s most ambitious novel. Set against the backdrop of the 1848 French Revolution, it tells the story of Sophia Willoughby, an English aristocrat who falls in love with her husband’s mistress during the tumultuous events in Paris.
This novel is a tour de force of historical fiction, political commentary, and unconventional romance. Warner’s depiction of revolutionary Paris is so vivid you can almost smell the gunpowder and hear the crowds. But it’s the complex relationship between Sophia and Minna that truly sets this book apart, challenging societal norms and exploring themes of sexuality and personal freedom.
The Art of the Short Story
While Warner’s novels are remarkable, her short stories are equally deserving of praise. Collections like The Museum of Cheats and A Garland of Straw showcase her ability to create fully realized worlds and characters in just a few pages.
Warner’s short stories often blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, infusing everyday situations with elements of magic realism. They’re like little literary bonbons – rich, satisfying, and leaving you craving more.
Warner’s Literary Style: A Blend of Precision and Poetry
What makes Warner’s writing so captivating? It’s her unique blend of precise observation and poetic language. She has an eye for detail that brings her settings and characters to life, whether it’s the musty corners of a medieval convent or the bustling streets of revolutionary Paris.
But it’s not just about description. Warner’s prose often has a lyrical quality that elevates her writing beyond mere storytelling. Consider this passage from Lolly Willowes:
“London life was very full and exciting […] But in London there would be no greenhouse with a glossy tank, and no apple-room, and no potting-shed, earthy and warm, with bunches of poppy heads hanging from the ceiling, and sunflower seeds in a wooden box, and bulbs in thick paper bags, and hanks of tarred string, and lavender drying on a tea-tray.”
It’s this kind of vivid language that makes reading Warner such a joy.
Themes That Resonate Today
Despite being written decades ago, Warner’s works tackle themes that feel incredibly relevant today:
- Feminism: From Lolly Willowes’ rejection of societal norms to Sophia Willoughby’s journey of self-discovery, Warner’s female characters are complex, independent, and ahead of their time.
- Nature: Warner’s love for the natural world shines through in her writing, often serving as a counterpoint to the constraints of society.
- Sexuality: Warner explores diverse sexualities and relationships with a frankness that was rare for her time.
- Social Critique: Whether it’s the subtle jabs at colonialism in Mr. Fortune’s Maggot or the exploration of class dynamics in Summer Will Show, Warner’s social commentary is sharp and insightful.
- Magic Realism: Long before the term became popular, Warner was blending the ordinary and the fantastical in her unique style.
Why Rediscover Warner Now?
In an age where we’re constantly reassessing our literary canon and seeking out overlooked voices, Sylvia Townsend Warner’s works offer a treasure trove of discovery. Her novels and stories are not just historically interesting – they’re genuinely entertaining, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted.
So, dear reader, I invite you to take a journey into Warner’s world. Pick up Lolly Willowes or dive into one of her short story collections. I promise you’ll find writing that is by turns funny, poignant, and always deeply human.
Have you read any of Sylvia Townsend Warner’s works? Share your thoughts and favorite passages in the comments below!
Azrael
Who chooses the music, turns the page,
Waters the geraniums on the window-ledge?
Who proxies my hand,
Puts on the mourning-ring in lieu of the diamond?
Who winds the trudging clock, who tears
Flimsy the empty date of calendars?
Who widow-hoods my senses
Lest they should meet the morning’s cheat defenseless?
Who valets me at nightfall, undresses me of another day,
Puts tidily and finally away?
And lets in darkness
To befriend my eyelids like an illusory caress?
I called him Sorrow when first he came,
But Sorrow is too narrow a name;
And though he has attended me all this long while
Habit will not do. Habit is servile.
He, inaudible, governs my days, impalpable,
Impels my hither and thither. I am his to command,
My times are in his hand.
Once in a dream I called him Azrael.
-Sylvia Townsend Warner
Curated by Jennifer
