Rose Macaulay’s powerfully-felt pacifist novel of the First World War records the suffering and passion of Alix Sandomir’s rebellion against the foolishness of her fellow non-combatants. The year is 1915, and Alix moves from her cousins’ home in the country to the suburban villa ‘Violette’ with its impervious, engrossed household. Here we meet a gallery of preoccupied characters drawn with all Rose Macaulay’s wit and observation, who for a while distract Alix from the frustrations and impotence of her position. But when she learns the truth about the death of her younger brother on the front line she becomes increasingly aware of the ineffective role of women in war. Angered by her own ineffectualness Alix finally begins her battle for peace.

Rose Macaulay - Rose Macaulay (1881-1958) was one of the most popular satirical novelists of her day. Born in Rugby and educated at Oxford, she was created Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1958. She was the author of thirty-nine books, including The Towers of Trebizond and They Were Defeated.

Sarah LeFanu - Sarah LeFanu is a writer and broadcaster, and currently Art Director of the Bath Literature Festival. She is the author of In the Chinks of the World Machine: Feminism and Science Fiction 1840-1985, and has edited several collections of short stories. Her biography of Rose Macaulay was published in June 2003 to excellent reviews.

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