Victorians! discussion
This topic is about
The Fate of Fenella
Archived Group Reads 2025
>
The Fate of Fenella (Week 1)
date
newest »
newest »
Well, I expected a choppy, if not exactly rough journey through this ‘novel,’ but rather than use the ship on the ocean analogy, it seems more appropriate for me to say that I feel I have been on a couple of loops of a roller coaster.The authors have all attempted their own style of humour in each of the chapters, all of which has contributed to a slight slapstick feel to the action so far.
There were a lot of ‘F’s’ in the opening chapter, probably reflecting the free and easy lifestyle of Fenella Ffrench. Even flirting with the coach driver was not beneath her. And yet, the more the story went on, the more I felt that the bad reputation Fenella had acquired might not be fully deserved. Reverting to her maiden name at the hotel might have been considered scandalous, but it also revealed her desire for independence.
Is Frank as faint-hearted as society thinks he is, or has he played his full part in the swift breakdown of their marriage? His liaison with Lucille seems every bit as scandalous as Fenella’s shenanigans with her soldier?
There is no doubt that Fenella, in her relatively short life, has enjoyed throwing conventions to the wind, and maybe, with the format of this novel as it is, the authors could be pushing the boundaries as well.
Mod
Ch. 1- Helen Mathers, "Fenella"
Ch. 2- Justin McCarthy, “Kismet”
Ch. 3- Frances Eleanor Trollope, “How it Strikes a Contemporary”
Ch. 4- Arthur Conan Doyle, "Between Two Fires"
For more information on each author: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fat...
Mod
Yes! A roller-coaster of Fs! Very astute!
I find it interesting to hear the voice of each writer through their styles, humor, and the choices each makes in how the characters are portrayed.
From Chapter 1.’ Down the steep incline in George’s smartest style, past the Crown Hotel, that should surely be at the top of the hill, not the bottom, and so to the Pump-room, where with a clash and a clatter he draws up, scanning the crowd of people, who, having drunk their nauseous doses inside, are dawdling and gossiping in true Harrogate fashion before they disperse.’
The Crown Hotel is still there at the bottom of the hill, not much changed in outward appearance from the time of Fenella.
And close by is the Pump Room, now a museum, where you can still drink a ‘nauseous dose’ of Harrogate water which pours out of a tap in the wall.
Here is a brief history of the Pump Room.
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/...
Mod
I've been pleasantly surprised that the various styles of the authors meshed so well. So far, the story seems to be heading in the direction of a misguided romance, when all could be resolved by sitting down and having an adult conversation! I sometimes get a little annoyed by these romances, but I'll keep reading just for the sheer novelty of reading so many writers in one novel.
I've never tried to participate in a book group before, so I don't know how they work. I just downloaded a copy of the book and sat and read it. Ahead of time. Silly me. Anyhow, I'm enjoying seeing how the group reading process works, now I'll read it a again at a much more sedate pace and mull over the comments. I may even get up the courage to weigh in at some point with a comment of my own.
By the end of chapter one, it looks as though we are reading the plot resolution, rather than the plot opening. Fenella must have been aware that Harrogate was a favourite of Frank's. If she really wanted to avoid him she would have gone elsewhere. And then along comes Castleton and I thought he must be the little lawyer that Fenella mentions to Frank's annoyance.The author of chapter two adds whole new dimensions to the tale. I can imagine him laughing out loud at how has shaken up the complacent readers who thought they had the measure of the story.
Mod
Yes! The fact that they mesh is a very pleasant surprise. I expected a much bumpier ride. Fun, but bumpy.
Mod
That’s a very good point about Fenella choosing a retreat where Frank might show. And then driving through town on the outside of the carriage where she would be seen! I did not catch that. But consciously or unconsciously, she may be ready for a reconciliation. I certainly enjoyed their little flirtation. (While it lasted)
Mod
’ Down the steep incline in George’s smartest style, past the Crown Hotel, that should surely be at the top of the hill, not the bottom, and so to the Pump-room, where with a clash ..."
Ugh! Following your link brought home the fact that the “healing” waters which brought out the ton were sulfurous! I never think of that! I always imagine something vaguely citrusy or smelling/tasting of minerals like limestone. Who smells rotten eggs and thinks: “I’ll try a swig of that.” ???
Renee wrote: Ugh! Following your link brought home the fact that the “healing” waters which brought out the ton were sulfurous! I never think of that! I always imagine something vaguely citrusy or smelling/tasting of minerals like limestone. Who smells rotten eggs and thinks: “I’ll try a swig of that.” ..."Yes, the water is horrible.
Interestingly, I have a connection with another product of the water. My brother, before he retired, was involved in the production of Harrogate Spa suphur soap, ( He was the chemist who checked the chemical composition of the soap during manufacture.) The soap has a reputation for helping to alleviate skin problems. Unlike the water the soap is something much more pleasant to use.
https://harrogate-sulphur-soap.com/ab...
Mod
https://donsnotes.com/products/octago...
This is a fun read so far! I've been reading some heavy books lately and this book is a nice dose of comic relief.I've never been to England, but I have been to Aachen, Germany-a place where people went to drink the waters(also sulphury). The smell is memorable-enough to make me not want to try them.
Mod
Feel free to post your thoughts as you read. You can use the questions below or not. Happy Reading!
The Fate of Fenella (Chapters 1-4)
**Trigger Awareness: Right at the beginning of chapter one, we are quickly acquainted with the prejudices and language of its time.**
Summary
The beautiful, 24 year-old Fenella Ffrench is visiting the spa town of Harrowgate with her son, Ronny Onslow. She is living independently as a “widow” with no nurse for Ronny, nor maid for herself. During a drive through town, Fenella is joined by Lord Frank, who seems to be an old friend. They engage in somewhat flirtatious conversation until Frank is hailed by a passerby (Castleton), who refers to him as “Onslow,” and outs him to the reader as Fenella’s estranged husband. Fenella departs.
Soon afterwards, Lord Castleton observes Fenella talking to Clitheroe Jacynthe, a famous barrister with a nephew who is close in age to Ronny. Jacynthe declares himself in love with Fenella, and she rejects him. Castleton gossips to Jacynthe about Fenella’s past. We learn of her upbringing, romance and marriage to Lord Francis Onslow, and the jealousy which drove them to separation. Jacynthe decides to leave town and begins packing his bags.
The story picks up with Lord Francis and his thoughts on the breakdown of his marriage. As he walks, he is surprised to find he has been followed to Harrowgate by his mistress, Mademoiselle Lucille de Vigny. Lucille stirs up trouble with gossip and embraces him. Of course, Fenella arrives in that moment! Words are exchanged, and Frank leaves with Lucille. Stung, Fenella rushes to ask Jacynthe not to leave town.
Questions:
•Do you find the story easy to follow?
•How are you affected by the differing writing styles?
•What do you make of the characters as they have been presented so far?