Elizabeth of the German Garden: A Biography of Elizabeth Von Arnim

Jennifer Walker's thorough and meticulous biography brings to life the woman usually known as Elizabeth von Arnim. She was born Mary Annette Beauchamp and, although she married a Prussian nobleman at a young age and lived a life very similar to that of her fictional alter ego Elizabeth, Walker argues that Mary should be appreciated as more than a writer of 'charming' books. Always interested by controversial topics about women's emancipation, or the politics of love and marriage, Mary wrote novels which reflected her own struggles in life. A brilliant evocation of its period, the biography features cameos by many famous figures - from H.G. Wells to E.M. Forster - and makes a compelling case for Mary to be recognised more widely as the show more creative and challenging writer that she was. It's a passionate book and Walker's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Highly recommended for anyone who's enjoyed The Enchanted April, Elizabeth and her German Garden, or any other of 'Elizabeth von Arnim's' books.

To see my full review, please visit my blog:
http://theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/elizabeth-of-german-garden-jennifer.h... show less