Elizabeth Fair ist berühmt für ihre sechs Romane, die auf humorvolle und sanfte Weise die „höfliche Gesellschaftspolitik“ von Dorfbewohnern sezierten. Ihr Stil, der oft mit dem von Margery Sharp oder Angela Thirkell verglichen wird, weist Ähnlichkeiten mit Anthony Trollope auf. Fair selbst gab an, dass ihre Werke für diejenigen bestimmt seien, die „das Leben nicht zu ernst nehmen wollen“. Ihre Prosa verwebt gekonnt romantische Elemente mit geistreichen, unaufdringlichen Kommentaren zum englischen Dorfleben.
The protagonist reflects on a life of complacency, having lost the anticipation of change until the unexpected arrival of Mrs. Gamalion's legacy disrupts her routine. This legacy promises to alter her perspective and life trajectory, introducing themes of transformation and the potential for extraordinary events in seemingly mundane lives. The story hints at a journey of self-discovery and the impact of unforeseen circumstances.
Loneliness permeates the life of a widow who, despite her prosperity and a lack of children, finds solace in her genuine interest in others. Julia Dunstan navigates her solitary existence, reflecting on her fortune compared to many in her situation. Her journey explores themes of connection and resilience as she seeks to fill the void left by her loss, highlighting the importance of relationships in overcoming isolation.
"The best thing one can say about the Priory is that it would have made a splendid ruin," she stated. "If only the Seamarks had left it alone ..." Hester Clifford has come to Mingham to recover from pneumonia, at the invitation of her godmother, Cecily Hutton, an eccentric painter with a predilection for ruins. Hester determines to bring order to the Huttons' easygoing lives, not to mention those of the villagers--including elderly Mrs. Hyde-Ridley, attempting to enforce her Edwardian standards of behaviour, Mrs. Merlin, the Rector's wife, equally determined to share the joys of country dance with an unenthusiastic parish, and Thomas Seamark, a classic example of the wealthy, brooding widower. Amidst conflict, manipulation, matchmaking, and general hilarity, Hester clearly has her work cut out for her. Furrowed Middlebrow is delighted to make available, for the first time in over half a century, all six of Elizabeth Fair's irresistible comedies of domestic life. These new editions all feature an introduction by Elizabeth Crawford. "Miss Fair's understanding is deeper than Mrs. Thirkell's and her humour is untouched by snobbishness; she is much nearer to Trollope, grand master in these matters."--Stevie Smith "Miss Fair makes writing look very easy, and that is the measure of her creative ability."--Compton Mackenzie