The Typewriter's Tale is an enjoyable novel especially for readers who know something of the famous James siblings—Henry, William, and Alice. In the process of rewriting his novels for a new edition, Henry James is one of the novel's central characters. The author of The
…more Typewriter's Tale Michiel Heyns gives the word "typewriter" two meanings—the machine itself as well as the person who takes dictation and types for a living. That character is Frieda Wroth from whose point of view the novel is told. As Mr. James's "typewriter," she is privy to the everyday occurrences in the household, including the entertaining of Henry's guests. Thus the reader gets acquainted not only with the habits of Henry James but also those of his frequent guests, Edith Wharton, Morton Fullerton, and finally Hugh Walpole. We learn about Henry's problems with the publishing industry, about the eating habits of several members of the James family, and about how Frieda's spiritualism operates via the machine as she imagines conversations with Morton Fullerton. The novel is not fast paced yet is a compelling read. (less)
