MARIANA, published in 1940, is a hilarious coming-of-age novel by Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens.
It follows Mary Shannon’s path to adulthood in the 1930s, but opens in a much more haunting moment- Mary, now an adult, is stranded in an isolated cottage in Essex during World War II.
Over the radio, she hears the devastating news: her husband’s ship has been sunk. The phone lines are dead, and it’s too late to get back to London. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, she retreats into the only place that feels safe – the past.
The foreword quotes Barton saying, “Mariana will be fun for those who like to look through other people’s snap-albums.” And guess what? That’s me!
I normally collect vintage photos, never full albums- but I couldn’t resist buying the one belonging to Mary (what a coincidence – she shares a name with the protagonist!)
Mary was 12 years old in 1930, and her photo album from 1930 to 1935 is filled with handwritten notes and charming snapshots. And while reading Mariana, I couldn’t help but think of her.
Swipe left to see a few photos from Mary’s album – because let’s be honest, there’s something fascinating about glimpsing into the past.
I devoured Mariana and loved it so much! Do you enjoy coming-of-age stories? Any recommendations?