A Proper Woman

By Lillian Beckwith

Book Overview

'You looked for a moment as if you might be going to smile at me, ' he remarked. 'But I see I was mistaken; I suspect your smiles are precious and you hoard them so they are seen only by very special people.' Anna is a child living in a remote Hebridean community when she meets the enigmatic and romantic Jimmy Pearl. She carries the memory of their meeting through to adult life - a life that is full of hardships. Anna's parents die and her brother and his wife sell the family croft, forcing Anna into a loveless marriage with the heartless Fergus. Anna, however, doesn't reckon on the return of Jimmy Pearl . . .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312291884
• ISBN13: 9780312291884
• Release Date: June 1987
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Cinderella indeed... Brilliant story; hard to put down!

Almost 30, never been married, never been kissed. This lovely woman trudges through her life, with little to no lovely moments. She is betrayed by her brother, humiliated for 10 years by a psuedo husband (still no hugs and kisses) when she finally "takes charge" of her life, and starts a wonderful journey toward love. Too bad there isn't a sequel. I wish Ms. Beckwith's novels were not so hard to find. They're beautiful and inspiring. The review by Mamalind (a favorite reviewer) says it all.

The Brothers Grimm meet Miss Beckwith

The Proper Woman (formerly the nymph of the heather) has only known hard work, grim dedication, family loyalities and duties - together with the beautifully wild scenery of the Island of Corrie. Betrayal, cruelty, loneliness, hard work and sacrifice seem like the price tag on life - until something truly dreadful turns into something inspiring and hopeful. The brothers Grimm have nothing on the magnificent Miss Beckwith, who tells this Cinderella story in a most believable way. If you are not familiar with Miss Beckwith's tales of the life in the Hebrides, I would highly recommend tracking down THE HILLS IS LONELY, THE SEA FOR BREAKFAST and THE LOUD HALO. Absolutely charming armchair travel!