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What’s new in the bookshop?

21 Jun

 

 

We wandered over to the book seller the other day to see if something new had appeared on the shelves recently. Lo and behold, we managed to get our hands on a newly-published novel that’s already begun to stir up buzz in England. Our review below.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was penned a number of years ago but was only recently published this year. At the story’s centre is Elizabeth Bennett, the most intelligent and independent of her five sisters. When she meets the rich and standoffish Mr. Darcy, she is immediately put off by his behaviour. As their lives continue to intersect, however, we begin to wonder if first impressions might have, in fact, been mistaken, possibly ruining the potential for a epic romance.

I loved this book. Though we have no Pemberleys in York, I could absolutely relate to the trials and tribulations of the Bennetts and think a lot of the girls here in York would feel the same; I, too, worry about becoming a poor spinster without finding a good husband to support me. I, too, feel quite stuck in my station and lot in life (shh, don’t tell my mother) and dream of escaping it. I, too, get quite bored with the same old officers hanging around our town all the time.

Though, as a writer and avid reader, I identify most with Elizabeth, I asked my friend Ayre (she to whom I’d reluctantly surrendered the book once it was purchased) what she thought: “Sure, the Elizabeth and Darcy stuff was OK, but I was more fascinated by the Lydia and Wickham part– running away with a forbidden man! How thrilling!”

So there you have it. Women of York, get thee to the bookshop and demand a copy of Pride and Prejudice. You won’t regret it.

Summer Playlist

19 Jun

Summer’s in full swing, and the lilt of the fife seems to be a constant soundtrack to our days here in York. Here are our picks for your listening pleasure:  

The British Grenadiers:  Yeah, yeah, we know. It’s not the newest song, but what a summer classic! Fortunately, York’s got some of the best snare drummers around.

General, Glorious, Great, Granny Born-dear Here’s one out of Philadelphia’s comic newspaper The Tickler.  Get it? Born-dear?

The war is commenc’d, And the army condens’d Devoid both of eating and fear They look for the presence; Of all soldiers, the essence, Of glorious, great, granny Born-dear. Some soldiers are freezing, Some coughing, some sneezing, Some laugh and cry out with a sneer, He never will come, for No one hates a drum more, Than glorious, great, granny Born-dear.

The Bold Canadians We love this rousing new number, supposedly by Cornelius Flummerfelt to celebrate the conequering of Detroit. It just makes a guy want to raise a pint to his fellow man!

Come all ye bold Canadians, I’d have you lend an ear Unto a short ditty Which will your spirits cheer, Concerning an engagement We had at Detroit town, The pride of those Yankee boys So bravely we took down. The Yankees did invade us, To kill and to destroy, And to distress our country, Our peace for to annoy, Our countrymen were filled With sorrow, grief and woe, To think that they should fall By such an unnatural foe. Come all ye bold Canadians, Enlisted in the cause, To defend your country, And to maintain your laws; Being all united, This is the song we’ll sing: Success onto Great Britain And God save the King.

Favourite summer jams? Leave a  comment.

1813 Summer Fashion Report: Ladies

11 Jun

Why hello, lovely Yorkites. Isabella here with your style report: what’s hot, what’s not and, as usual, all the hot items from the London catalogues.

Doesn’t she just look lovely in this jacconet muslin walking dress? The shortness makes it less cumbersome when you’re taking a June stroll along the French riviera (or, along the docks here in York) and the matching jacket gives it all the romance you want to attract that special someone. I’m a fan of this new parasol trend–you’ll look like a ray of sunshine under that sky-blue silk.

I’m in love with this Venetian crepe evening dress. The roundness of the sleeve, the satin demi-bodice, the gossamer… so smitten.

I couldn’t resist another evening dress, especially one this beautiful. This Grecian round robe is made of lilac or apple blossom crepe, worn over a white satin petticoat. I think the white beads and drops a la militaire are simply stunning. The ivory fan and white satin slippers are examples of perfect styling.

WHAT’S IN: Parasols, Circassian Wrappers, yellow, green, white, orange, pink, crepes, satin slips, velvet, scarcenet, jacconet muslin.

Ta Ta,

I

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