The Diary of a Provincial Lady

by E M Delafield

This is Chick Lit of the 1930s, and the wry, self-deprecating Provincial Lady is one of the funniest characters in literature. It proves that 80 years ago woman had exactly the same concerns as us – from what our husbands are really thinking, to how to conceal that latest dress bill (thankfully we are spared the ordeal of having to Speak to the Cook). It’s a book you can dip into for a little burst of pleasure, any time.