Great share and Arnold Bennett is a favourite writer of mine. In fact, I gave my wife to be an early (but alas not a first) edition of a Man from the North as a gift on the day she accepted my marriage proposal. I've always felt an element of my own biography in that book.
Lovely read thank you Victoria, the pincers and the anvil describe the sensation perfectly, you can physically feel the tightening grip and heavy load on Arthur all the way through the story. Well at least I could anyhow. Such a surprising and sweet ending. We all need a Simeon to keep us in check as we navigate our wanderings.
Thank you for your comment, Sandra. Yes, Bennett successfully evokes Arthur's anxiety. And that best laid plans and all that... Thank goodness for Simeon!
I read Clayhanger years ago, but for whatever reason, Bennett fell off my reading list after Hilda Lessways and Anna of the Five Towns. A recent charity shop purchase of The Card reminded me of what I'd previously enjoyed, so this short story came as a welcome surprise. Thank you, Victoria.
Hi Victoria. I only found you today after scrolling through Substack and loved this little story. Like Rod above, I learned of Arnold Bennett after watching and then reading the Clayhanger trilogy when in my teens (nearly 50 years ago yikes). I purchased the 3 books again recently and plan to read them again this year.
I could feel the tension in this story which reminded me of the tale of the tortoise and the hare. I certainly related to the panic stricken Arthur more than his calm and collected brother. There are some valuable life lessons in this story and I’m keen to read more of Bennett in the future.
Hi Jenny, thank you for subscribing! :) And I’m so pleased you enjoyed the story. Yes, the tension there is real. Poor Arthur! I hope you enjoy re-reading the trilogy. Many thanks, Victoria
Great share and Arnold Bennett is a favourite writer of mine. In fact, I gave my wife to be an early (but alas not a first) edition of a Man from the North as a gift on the day she accepted my marriage proposal. I've always felt an element of my own biography in that book.
How wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Harry. And what a lovely gift.
This is super. I’ve never read any Bennett, but I rather think I will now. Thanks for sharing, Victoria.
You’re very welcome, Tony! I’m glad you enjoyed it :)
Lovely read thank you Victoria, the pincers and the anvil describe the sensation perfectly, you can physically feel the tightening grip and heavy load on Arthur all the way through the story. Well at least I could anyhow. Such a surprising and sweet ending. We all need a Simeon to keep us in check as we navigate our wanderings.
Thank you for your comment, Sandra. Yes, Bennett successfully evokes Arthur's anxiety. And that best laid plans and all that... Thank goodness for Simeon!
I read Clayhanger years ago, but for whatever reason, Bennett fell off my reading list after Hilda Lessways and Anna of the Five Towns. A recent charity shop purchase of The Card reminded me of what I'd previously enjoyed, so this short story came as a welcome surprise. Thank you, Victoria.
Thank you, Rod. And you're very welcome! There will be more Bennett stories soon...
Hi Victoria. I only found you today after scrolling through Substack and loved this little story. Like Rod above, I learned of Arnold Bennett after watching and then reading the Clayhanger trilogy when in my teens (nearly 50 years ago yikes). I purchased the 3 books again recently and plan to read them again this year.
I could feel the tension in this story which reminded me of the tale of the tortoise and the hare. I certainly related to the panic stricken Arthur more than his calm and collected brother. There are some valuable life lessons in this story and I’m keen to read more of Bennett in the future.
Hi Jenny, thank you for subscribing! :) And I’m so pleased you enjoyed the story. Yes, the tension there is real. Poor Arthur! I hope you enjoy re-reading the trilogy. Many thanks, Victoria
I’ve never read him before, but it was very entertaining!
Thank you for reading, Patrice. I’m glad you enjoyed it! ✨
I lay in bed reading this at 6am this morning with the pincers and anvil at me
until the very end! Phew!