Hunt the Slipper

A more sophisticated version of Thirkell's Ankle Deep, this lite version of Emma-Pygmalion gets away with it by having a more forthright protagonist. At least Caroline wasn't just the typical ingenue and went for what she wanted. The passion and desires here felt more grown-up and realistic, and we'll just ignore the usual gaping age-difference and the pathetic moping Nigel.

The characters themselves felt like they had first cameoed in some larger society novel (Caroline flourishing or Nigel forlornly in the background of some party), and someone whispered, "did you ever hear about ...", and then the author eventually writes this backstory. And I'm not complaining!

It was overall entertaining and satisfying, although I could've done with show more less of Nigel's perspective. The language and plot were exactly what I expected and want from a early-century, well-educated, upper-class woman writing one of these slim volumes that Virago loves to republish. show less

Nigel Benson enjoys life's luxuries: fine food & wine, antiquities, books, and of course women. 49 and still single, he lives with his sister in a beautiful country home. One day he meets the much-younger Caroline Crome, wife of his good friend Anthony. She treats him rudely, but sparks fly when they meet again in Paris a short time later. Caroline is bored by her marriage, and she has already been unfaithful to Anthony, so an affair with Nigel seems a fait accompli. Their travel itineraries conspire against them at first, and communicating by post leaves them both mopey and dissatisfied. When they are together, Nigel is seized by jealousy of the younger men in Caroline's life. Even though she repeatedly professes her love for him, true show more happiness seems to always be just out of reach. But Anthony is clearly none the wiser:
Everyone had noticed the improvement in Caroline. It was amazing how she had changed, and in such a short time, too! All the things she used to set about with such ill grace, such as going to church, calling on the vicar's wife, etc., she now accomplished with zeal and alacrity, Margaret was no longer scolded. Slaps were a thing of the past. She was charming to Anthony's mother and had actually been seen studying a seed catalogue. Though he didn't entirely ascribe this happy change to Nigel, Anthony was sure that his influence had counted for something. (p.119)

Eventually Nigel and Caroline tire of the constant deception and sneaking around, and decide they will break the news of their affair to Anthony. Certain events require them to postpone this dramatic act, and it seems Nigel & Caroline will just learn to live with the situation.

But Violet Trefusis has other ideas, and in the novel's last 30 pages takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride. Up to this point I found Hunt the Slipper a pleasant read, but nothing really stood out. The final twists and turns left me breathless: will they stay together or won't they? The ending was emotional and cleverly done, packing an unexpected punch. show less

I found this a somewhat amusing book about vapid members of upperclass English society in the 1930s. In her Introduction, Lorna Sage describes the book as "a splendidly malicious commentary on England, and the on the aristocratic English society that she (Trefusis) had escaped...." If that's your thing -- enjoy.

Well, I didn't remember reading this novel and just reread it. None of it remained in my memory, so it obviously didn't leave an impression on first reading. I think I must have been more amused this time, as I found it quite a souffle. It follows the ups and downs of a romantic liaison between Nigel and Caroline, his neighbor's wife. Nothing serious here, but a pleasant way to while away some time.