I read this as part of a theme of reading about inter-war social history. In this context this is a very interesting and thorough appreciation of both author, her era as well as wider English idiosyncracies. I have not read any of the William books but had come across and enjoyed a number of Crompton's other books and articles. The shape of this biography is very interesting. Cadogan weaves persoanl and literary lives together as warp and weft, giving the book a value and greater texture than if either threads had been treated separately or in some other juxtapositioning. At most twists and turns in Crompton's life example from the oeuvre are used as illustration and context. Only occasionally is this device a bit laboured or over used. Other sources are used too, correspondence, diaries and memories of friends and living relatives.
Cadogan's style is straightforward and easy to read, much of the language mirroring the generosity and self effacing characteristics of its subject. Of particular value the descriptions and attitudes towards Crompton's polio and wonderful humane relationships with all generations of her family, her attitude to changes in society and her natural conservatism and conventionality. As a result this gentle person, who loved her life and celebrated its simplicity by citing Roast Beef and Eclairs as favourite foods to riding a bicycle through 1930's Bromley with her 'dead' leg at right angles to the pedal leaves a meaningful impression. Yes an era passed, but so of her time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its sense of character and place, it goes well with other things we readily recall from the middle decades of the last century and as a witness to that period the life of this delightful lady cannot be bettered.
Charming but not boring - Enjoy!!
