The English Understand Wool was a Christmas gift from my Dad. Helen DeWitt is outside my usual genre fiction milieu, and it was pleasant to step out for such a delightful literary novella.

When seventeen year old Marguerite finds out that her parents are not who they said they are, her first priority is to react with good taste. Mauvais ton is unforgivable. Without her parents’ direct support, it’s up to her to maintain elegance and secure her future. She’s more than up to the task.

This book was hilarious! The twist made me laugh and laugh. The bulk of the novella is delicate prose describing Marguerite’s lifestyle, and the second half skewers exploitative practices in the publishing industry. Another reviewer, karencarlson, explains that The English Understand Wool’s themes are very typical for a DeWitt story: “uncompromising aesthetics/ethics, nontraditional education, and the treachery of (much of) the publishing world.” Under DeWitt’s pen, those themes are fine sugar glass treats to savor.

The English Understand Wool is just the most charming little novella. Perfect for an elegant afternoon. 

Karencarlson’s review: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/365c8fae-455a-4e20-9800-eb52e0b8a91b