Other Fiction Hall, Radclyffe: The Unlit Lamp, IMP, v.1, 8 Dec 2007.

[Patricia]

The novel was first published in 1924 and was actually Hall’s first, though was not published until after ‘The Well of Loneliness’ (--already uploaded).

Set in the early 20th century, it is the story of Elizabeth Ogden, a bright and independent girl, who wishes to go to university and train as a doctor. However, she will have to overcome her parents’ objections. Her father is a blustering, retired military man and her mother is a neurotic, self-centred and manipulative snob. She repeatedly uses emotional blackmail to appeal to the girl’s sense of duty. Elizabeth eventually succumbs to the path of least resistance, and is finally abandoned by her supportive friends after numerous attempts to dissuade her from a misplaced sense of loyalty to her mother.

Yes, it is a bit earnest, if not actually grim. But those with emotionally demanding parents may well find it cathartic. (Anyway, I did.)

The text recently appeared on PG Australia. I have corrected a few typos against my paper copy (now destined for the charity shop) as well as adding a ToC, curly quotes and photograph of the author.

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