A Calamity of Mannerings

LoveReading4Kids Says

What an absolute hoot! Set in 1924, and galloping with coming-of-age giddiness, and the promise of parties and life-changing romance, Joanna Nadin’s A Calamity of Mannerings simply brims with vim. 

Told in a diary format, it also boasts whip-smart writing that conjures the spirit of the era and its protagonist’s inner life, such as this early gem, one of a plethora of hilarious references to the male member: “It is a curse to be born a girl…In 1924, merely being in possession of a P-E-N-I-S still seems to guarantee one supremacy, regardless of talent or even aptitude”.  

Alas, following the recent death of their darling Papa, the Mannering sisters’ lack of penises has plunged them deeper into financial precariousness - blasted patriarchal laws dictate their mother must relinquish Radley Manor to their late father’s closest male relative. Namely, gay cousin Valentine.  

With the family compelled to move in with Grandma, diarist Panth resolves “to find myself a purpose!” Jittery about her future, she channels her energy into penning a romantic novel. At the same, time real-life romance might also be on the cards. Could Buck, a notoriously wild (and wealthy) American, hold the key to Panth’s heart (and her family’s fortunes)?

Or what about her dear friend Freddy, a Cambridge medic who’s known her since childhood? And will Panth ever realise her dream of becoming a Bright Young Thing?  

Also taking in sexual awakening, same-sex love, and a glorious sense of living your best life, A Calamity of Mannerings offers readers a rollicking roaring 20s story world that’s decidedly difficult to leave.

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen is a writer, reviewer and workshop presenter whose lifelong love of books began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
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