On “The Magnificent Ambersons”: A Book Review

Title: The Magnificent Ambersons 
Author: Booth Tarkington
Genre: Fiction

About the book….
Written in 1918 by Booth Tarkington and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1919, The Magnificent Ambersons is a novel that approaches the changing atmosphere at the turn of the century. The Ambersons have always been a prominent family in their small town, but as the town continues to grow at a rapid rate this is proving to no longer be the case. George Amberson Minifer, however, is unable to accept this growth and with high expectations of maintaining the prestige his family has held for so long, he brings about a destruction to those close to him that is equally as damaging as the changing times.  

What I think… 

This book had been on my reading list for a few years now and having come across mention of it online several times and then the actual book recently, it seemed like it was about time I read it. Now, having this one I’m more than ready to read Alice Adams and some of his others because I really enjoyed this book!

It was excellently written, entertaining, and filled with interesting reflections on industrialization. I was able to get into very quickly and didn’t really want to put it down once I started reading it. 

When I think about industrialization, I don’t really focus on the effect it had on societal standings as I do other areas, so I liked being able to gain a better understanding of that aspect. In keeping with that, I found the characters interesting in their own ways in relation to how Tarkington addressed this issue. George Minifer’s disagreeable behavior, as result of being spoiled rotten, really helps to develop the attitude of the time and just how much society changed as the world progressed. I also felt that his relationship with Lucy Morgan, the woman he falls in love with and a very sensible character in comparison, really showed this change as well in the manner of someone who was able to adapt to the changes.

My one disappointment was that the last chapter seemed rushed, but while being so, it did wrap the story up in a reasonable way.

To sum it all up… 

A thoroughly enjoyable read about the turn of the century, the changes that occurred, and how it affected those living through it. I would highly recommend it for those looking for a modern classic! ♥

On My Book Skirt from Last November

I have a handful of things I’ve sewn over the past two years that for some reason or other haven’t made it up on my blog (including my most favorite dress ever) and I figured since it’s now been almost precisely a year since I made it, it’s about time I shared my book skirt. 

Like the Venice dress, this is a David Textiles reproduction print from the Victoria and Albert Museum, in this case having been off of a 1954 furnishing fabric by Jacqueline Groag.

I had a very limited amount of this fabric to work with, so, no surprise to those who’ve been following awhile, I turned to Simplicity 3773 (Really, I do sew more than just this pattern!). It was quite a challenge to get all the pieces to fit, but I did it and only had to do matching on one panel. Things even worked in my favor and I was able to match the design almost perfectly.

Almost a perfect match! So close that I had difficulty determining if I was taking a pic of the right section.

While I’ve worn it a few times, I only have this one picture. 

Just in case anyone is wondering, no, I don't normally sit on the tables at work.

I had made a light pink blouse to go with it, but as a result of sewing the buttons on further over than I should have and making an interfacing mistake, it was a little too big. However, I have found that I love pairing my magenta blouse with it and I was certainly glad it matched so well! ♥