Lat night before bed I watched the highlights of the fourth day of the third Test Match between England and Sri Lanka. The match finished early.
I completed my reading of this, the sixth story in the Folio Society selection by Maria de Zayas.
To my mind, the fact that disaster came to each of three sisters in other parts of Europe is actually incidental to the usual theme of men’s deceptions. Each of their stories could have taken place in the author’s own home country.
One sister delayed her marriage by delaying it for year on condition that he should woo her “with music and gifts and other such attentions… [she] wanted to grow to love her husband for the way he treated her, and to to find out something about his character and habits.” She thought: “Can they really believe that it would be better for a woman to marry a man she has never seen or spoken to, and who may be ugly, stupid, disagreeable and bad-tempered, so that later on she finds out that he hates her and ends up in despair at having thrown herself away on a man, because she did not find out first what he was really like?”
The main different consequence of the moves were “the grief at being separated from [their] own beloved homeland” which their husbands did not appreciate, yet, in other ways treated them with similar treachery to that they would have experienced in Spain.
Here is Eric Fraser’s faithful illustration to this story.
Seeking a little light relief from Maria de Zayas and prompted by FALL IS TAPPING ON OUR SHOULDERS; READING AGATHA CHRISTIE
I read most of Agatha Christie’s 4.50 From Paddington, and should be able to review it tomorrow.
This evening we dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare.
Fascinating and love the title.
Thanks very much, Cindy
It looks like it was written yesterday
Indeed. Thanks very much, Sylvie
I agree, it is a good title. Light relief does sound like it is in order after reading a number of Maria de Zayas’s works.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
The illustrations are fascinating, Derrick. I had wrongly assumed that you are referring to marrying people from the States. Duh! 😂🫣
I can understand where you would need to read something lighter after these tales.
Thank you very much, Merril
Definitely, lighter reading sounds like a great counterpose. Thumbs up to Chinese Takeout!
Thank you very much, Donna
Ooh! A good balance…some Agatha Christie! I always enjoy her books and the movies made from her stories. 🙂
YAY for take-away! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
Yes, a dose of Agatha Christie is just what you need. Thanks for the mention.
Eric Fraser’s illustrations are very detailed and full of character, Derrick …
Marvelous assortment of titles, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Pat
Defintely understood why you would want to read something lighter, Derrick. Hooray for Chinese take-away!
I enjoy your reviews and sharing of the drawings.
I just started reading an Agatha Christie book, my first one
The illustrations are fantastic. As for the title, currently (re)reading and Dorothy Sayers is fun, as is, so they say. “the Englishman’s natural distrust of foreigners…”
Thanks very much, Brian
I’ve read 4.50 From Paddington several times!
That is the best recommendation, Liz. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Hmmm…still so actual!
Yes. Thanks very much, Riba
The illustrations are wonderful
Thanks very much, Gary
The unfortunate lot of women which sadly hasn’t changed much for many
Quite so. Thank you very much, Sheree