The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann
by Virginia Pye
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Pub Date Oct 03 2023 | Archive Date Sep 27 2023
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Description
Set in Gilded Age Boston, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann tells the story of a successful woman author of romance and adventure novels who becomes a champion of women’s rights as she takes on the literary establishment and finds her true voice, both on and off the page. Everything changes for Victoria Swann when she goes against her publisher’s expectations and abandons her frivolous writing style in favor of telling her own story. This seemingly personal decision causes her to lose her standing with her publisher, her income, and her marriage, as she joins the legions of hard-working young women who have been her most faithful readers. Her new young Harvard educated editor becomes her surprising ally as she fights on behalf of these same women, while he dares himself to become a more liberated, modern gentleman. The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann shows how writing and reading, like all acts of defiance, can liberate us from narrow, constrained lives—and how revision in life and revision on the page are intimately entwined.
A Note From the Publisher
EPUB: 9781646033980
Advance Praise
"A captivating and delicious novel."
~Margot Livesay, author of The Boy in the Field
“The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a book lover’s delight - by turns hilarious and scathing in its cultural critique, this meticulously researched novel exposes the unseen and sometimes unsavory under-belly of Boston society and literary publishing. The adventures and dreams of Victoria, a brilliant and irreverent romance novelist from more than a century ago, will resonate with readers today.”
– Kerri Maher, author of The Paris Bookseller
“Boston on the cusp of the twentieth century and its vibrant literary world are rendered in evocative detail in this entrancing ode to how books can save us. As Victoria navigates her place in society, she learns to live and write her truth at a time when women are mostly unseen and unheard. Filled with grace, charm, and an acute sense of place, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann shows us the power of stories to connect, heal, and reveal our hearts.”
– Marjan Kamali, author of The Stationary Shop and Together Tea
"Virgina Pye has written a novel as full of vital ideas about truth, progress and how to live with intention as it is with wild romps and charming encounters. The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann may be set in Gilded Age Boston, but it's a celebration of readers, writers and bookstores everywhere."
—Elizabeth Graver, author of Kantika
“Witty, intelligent, and exuberant, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a love letter to all of us who cherish books, writing, and writers themselves. It's also an engrossing and empowering historical novel of liberation that reminds us, with deep resonance, of the many ways in which we are still not free.”
– Christopher Castellani, author of Leading Men
“Virginia Pye's novel invites us into a distant era that—in its depiction of the challenges faced by women of letters —seems hauntingly familiar. But Victoria Swann persists—and prevails! The story of her undoing is generous, fierce, and inspiring.”
– Jennifer Finney Boylan, co-author (with Jodi Picoult) of Mad Money.
“The Bostonians meets Writers & Lovers in Virginia Pye’s gossipy and substantive historical novel about women authors and book publishing. Compelling, fierce, and utterly charming, Victoria Swann is a literary heroine for the ages.”
– Laura Zigman, author of Small World
“At once an historic time capsule and an entirely modern tale, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann had me cheering for its heroine straight through to the final page. You’ll love it!”
– Katherine A. Sherbrooke, author of Leaving Coy’s Hill and The Hidden Life of Aster Kelly
“Delightful, fresh, and surprising, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a rollicking feminist tale that brings the Gilded Age vividly to life while exploring themes that are still strikingly relevant to women today.”
– Whitney Scharer, author of The Age of Light
“What a heroine Virginia Pye has created in Victoria Swann—independent, bold, and literary. Brava!”
- Roxana Robinson, author of Sparta
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781646033973 |
| PRICE | $19.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 312 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kathryn M, Reviewer
I was invested in what was going on in this book, I loved the concept of Gilded Age Boston and how well this was written. Virginia Pye does a great job in telling the story and creating unique characters in this world. It left me wanting more and I'm glad I got to read.
"Jonathan had sat with his head bowed over her manuscript, the dreamy strand of flaxen hair falling across his brow. Mrs. Swann’s characters surreptitiously swooned over one another all the time. A lady’s cascading curls, dainty shoes, and low-cut bodice, or a gentleman’s broad shoulders, manly stance, and clenched jaw prompted similar sighs to the one she released now. Hearing herself, she felt foolish, and tossed the pillow to the carpet. She could routinely create a leading man but had no idea how to obtain one for herself."
Educator 1114607
Being a history buff, I am a huge fan of historical fiction. This book is set in the Gilded Age -- an era that both dazzled and distressed. It is a story about a popular female writer in Gilded Age Boston who tried to be a voice of conscience and spoke for women of her times. The writing is done exquisitely and the story has relevance to today's society.
Stephanie H, Bookseller
I strongly recommend this novel for most readers - it explores sensitive and thoughtful themes while also not taking itself too seriously, striking an ideal balance to become both thought provoking and entertaining. I particularly recommend it for fans of Little Women.
The book is set in Gilded Age Boston, and Virginia Pye builds the setting very vividly. The plot is driven by a small cast of well-developed characters, and explores political themes that are relevant both to its historical setting and to the modern day, without feeling forced.
It's worth noting that this book has minimal romance, which is pretty refreshing. I also want to say that it takes a while to get into this one, particularly because of its unfamiliar settings, but it is definitely worth the payoff!
Katrin S, Educator
I loved this book so much. It felt as if I was slipping into another world and it held my attention completely. Being in another era and following the footsteps of this gutsy, literary heroine was just so much fun. Honestly, this is a book that is heartwarming and hopeful, despite being serious, literary and thought provoking. It's quite an unusual combination. Highly atmospheric and fabulous, fascinating characters. 5+ stars!
Brianna C, Reviewer
A well written story about a female author in Boston in the days when men controlled everything. Victoria had carved out a nice living writing romance novels and trying to keep her life separate from her husband. He gets into trouble and tries to use her to save himself, so she loses everything. However Victoria is strong and she has supporters, so she fights her way back, against the establishment, and becomes the writer she really wants to be.
Beth C, Reviewer
This novel tells an engaging story while also making smart use of its historical setting and context. At the same time, I really appreciated that although it’s set in the Gilded Age, it explores issues that are deeply relevant today, including women’s struggles against pay inequity, and the challenge of publishing fiction that is considered to lack wide commercial appeal. I was inspired by the protagonist’s drive to write about subjects that truly mattered to her, in the face of resistance from her publisher and husband. That, and her efforts to remedy her unjust treatment by her publisher, kept me turning the pages.
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