Mix words like perambulation, amanuensis and colloquy, a bright but naïve young woman who must earn her keep, the working mind of Henry James, and titillating bits of information about the James brothers and you have The Typewriter's Tale.
Unless you are a devotee of Henry
…more James you might not be drawn to this novel. I was slow to become involved and thought of giving up after the first twenty pages. But I am glad I persisted. The language became endearing, the innocent typewriter Frieda grew in development and Henry showed some depth beyond his loquaciousness. The supporting characters of Edith Wharton and Morton Fullerton add a bit of derring-do, and together with the household staff give the reader just enough insight into caste conscious early 20th century England to supply atmosphere.
I help select books for our retirement community library. With limited funds, I would not pick this although Michiel Heyns did a good job of writing a Jamesian novel. (less)