Latchkey Ladies by Marjorie Grant

 This is a moving and memorable novel about young women trying to be independent in London at the end of The First World War. The book has several varied characters, including flirtatious Petunia, lively Maquita, and two sapphic headmistresses. However, it revolves around the complicated Anne Carey, a strange character.

Anne struggles with her depressing 'latchkey' existence, although she enjoys her nights at the women's club with her interesting friends. She falls in love with Edward Dampier, a poetic, sensitive type, who is married with children, unfortunately. Anne can't seem to find any purpose in life and puts all her faith in Edward in a way, never a good idea. What makes this very awkward is that she actually likes Rose, his wife, and his children, but she continues with the affair anyway. It's almost blatant, really, and one wonders why Rose doesn't see what is going on under her nose.

Anne seemed to me to lack spirit, although she is quite valient about the situation that she finds herself in, considering her financial difficulties and the attitudes of the time. The book is beautifully written, and the love affair is very romantic. Marjorie Grant is also excellent at describing the lack of Christian empathy and hypocrisy prevalent in some of the Christian characters of the book.

I received this free ebook from Edelweiss in return for an honest review.