Upstairs People - Softcover
A young daughter sees through her mother's self-dramatization and pretensions when she is warned against people who do not see what a wonder it is to be alive. The author's first book, "The Ha-Ha", won the James Tait Black Memorial Award and was produced on television and stage.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly:
Dawson carefully crafts this World War II-era novel set in London. Alma Gerber, a young girl, slowly discovers the shocking cruelty of her mother, whom her children have nicknamed Cossey. From the beginning, disturbed by Cossey's reminiscences of WW I and her strict upbringing, Alma suspects ``something funny about our mother.'' As the global war rages, Alma does battle on the home front as Cossey nearly destroys everyone in the family through acts ranging from marital infidelity to ordering the lobotomy of Alma's older sister, Vivian. Dawson artfully captures the minutiae of a repressive, sexist, classist England in the '30s and '40s, with details such as signs posted in railway stations and snippets of songs children learn (``We are but little children weak / not used to any high degree''). Alma's witty child's-eye view of adult conventions lends some humor to a dark story. In the final chapters, however, Cossey becomes too terrible to be believed or understood.
Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherVirago Pr
- Publication date1991
- ISBN 10 0860689980
- ISBN 13 9780860689980
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages184
- Rating
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Upstairs People
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR005537463
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fair. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR006689884
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Upstairs People
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Virago 12/07/1990
(1990)
ISBN 10: 0860689980
ISBN 13: 9780860689980
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Softcover
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780860689980
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Inscription on the first page, typically just a name but may include a dedication or a brief personal message. Seller Inventory # CHL9473029
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Upstairs People
Published by
Virago 12/07/1990
(1990)
ISBN 10: 0860689980
ISBN 13: 9780860689980
Used
Softcover
Quantity: 1
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780860689980
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