Honeycomb

This is the third book in Pilgrimage, a set of 13 novellas published by Virago in 4 volumes, and telling the life story of Miriam Henderson. Miriam began her teaching career at 17, working in small boarding schools in Germany and England. In Honeycomb, she takes a position as governess for a wealthy family. She is warmly welcomed, and even invited to join certain social functions. She is not quite family, but not quite a servant either. The reader is privy to all Miriam’s thoughts, whether she is appreciating beauty in the garden, expressing self-doubt, or realizing that frequently her intellect outstrips that of her employer.

Meanwhile, two of Miriam’s sisters are engaged and as their wedding day draws near, Miriam contemplates her show more own future and the possibility of marriage freeing her from the need to support herself financially. But at the same time, her mother’s already fragile health worsens and Miriam must shoulder new responsibilities. What's next for her? On to the next book ... show less

With this third volume of Pilgrimage, one senses that Richardson is solidifying her voice.