On describing what you have written and published to sister Tamsin...She declared that cruel matron (shall we call her Thomas?) got her just desserts later. Apparently murdered by her Norwegian lady-friend and lover. I hope very much that there's some sort of justice there!
In this chapter I feel more keenly both the sense of aloneness and also the sense that you were not alone in the depth of tears, homesickness, and I imagine, though may be wrong, never understanding how this could be happening. Your last sentence brought me to tears and also a warm smile.
This is such a vivid, cleverly crafted re-creation of childhood experience Emma, and funny - those brothers! I totally agree, it would make a wonderful radio book of the week.
Thank you Helen. It’s great to have the audio endorsed - particularly as I’m really enjoying doing it. Makes me feel even more connected to lovely readers like you. Those brothers will reappear at some point. Probably in the Blue Nile.
This is a fantastic chapter. I love the image at the beginning of "The Four Marys." The contrast between the jolly japes tone of that comic strip and the coldness of the girls standing under the striplight having their hair chopped is powerful. I also remember the Basildon Bond writing paper and the tiny thin towels. Strange that these two objects burn so bright in the memory of boarding school.
Oh those last few lines! The redemption from loving that small child and knowing that she will not endure the brutal stripping of inner emotions that we all went through. So powerful, thank you Emma.
Remembering so clearly the letter-writing on Sundays and the edit/censorship, and the compulsory writing case. Mine was faux crocodile skin. Air mail pre-paid thin blue paper for parents overseas. Your writing is so evocative, and I'm sorry it was so terrifying for you. I think I loved it all, but William (your era) loathed Du & Be from start to finish I think. Where can I find your audio version?
Thank you so much Edward, and for sharing your letter writing memory - it validates mine! Oh, yes, those blue prepaid airmail letters ... I remember them well. Re the audio, the audio link should be showing up under the picture of the Four Marys where it says Listen to the audio version here. I've tried to paste it into this comment, for you but have failed. I'm hoping it works for subscribers who just read/listen straight from receiving the posts in their emails, but maybe you have to go on to the Substack website or app to get it. Let me know if you still have difficulty and I will investigate further.
First time Emma that I listened to you read a chapter. Would really recommend this to others. So beautifully written and read - it should be Book of the Week on Radio 4. I loved the physical details - the writing case, the handbag. I was there with you in the dorm.
Dear Emma,
On describing what you have written and published to sister Tamsin...She declared that cruel matron (shall we call her Thomas?) got her just desserts later. Apparently murdered by her Norwegian lady-friend and lover. I hope very much that there's some sort of justice there!
Best Edward
In this chapter I feel more keenly both the sense of aloneness and also the sense that you were not alone in the depth of tears, homesickness, and I imagine, though may be wrong, never understanding how this could be happening. Your last sentence brought me to tears and also a warm smile.
This is such a vivid, cleverly crafted re-creation of childhood experience Emma, and funny - those brothers! I totally agree, it would make a wonderful radio book of the week.
Thank you Helen. It’s great to have the audio endorsed - particularly as I’m really enjoying doing it. Makes me feel even more connected to lovely readers like you. Those brothers will reappear at some point. Probably in the Blue Nile.
This is a fantastic chapter. I love the image at the beginning of "The Four Marys." The contrast between the jolly japes tone of that comic strip and the coldness of the girls standing under the striplight having their hair chopped is powerful. I also remember the Basildon Bond writing paper and the tiny thin towels. Strange that these two objects burn so bright in the memory of boarding school.
The audio is amazing. So beautifully produced.
Oh those last few lines! The redemption from loving that small child and knowing that she will not endure the brutal stripping of inner emotions that we all went through. So powerful, thank you Emma.
Yes, exactly! Thank you Debby.
Remembering so clearly the letter-writing on Sundays and the edit/censorship, and the compulsory writing case. Mine was faux crocodile skin. Air mail pre-paid thin blue paper for parents overseas. Your writing is so evocative, and I'm sorry it was so terrifying for you. I think I loved it all, but William (your era) loathed Du & Be from start to finish I think. Where can I find your audio version?
Thank you so much Edward, and for sharing your letter writing memory - it validates mine! Oh, yes, those blue prepaid airmail letters ... I remember them well. Re the audio, the audio link should be showing up under the picture of the Four Marys where it says Listen to the audio version here. I've tried to paste it into this comment, for you but have failed. I'm hoping it works for subscribers who just read/listen straight from receiving the posts in their emails, but maybe you have to go on to the Substack website or app to get it. Let me know if you still have difficulty and I will investigate further.
First time Emma that I listened to you read a chapter. Would really recommend this to others. So beautifully written and read - it should be Book of the Week on Radio 4. I loved the physical details - the writing case, the handbag. I was there with you in the dorm.
Thank you so much Melissa! I'm really enjoying doing the audio - great to know it's on a par with R4!
Goodness! Thank you for this, Edward. I had no idea this is how Cruel Matron met her end. I wrote what had filtered through to me in Chapter 8 https://thedryingrooms.substack.com/p/the-drying-rooms-chapter-eight?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2 but would welcome knowing more from Tamsin if she’s happy to share emmabutsy@googlemail.com
Thank you so much for this, Dawn.