Poor Caroline (Virago Modern Classics)

Poor Caroline by Winifred Holtby is a first edition published by Penguin Books on April 1, 1986. This 255-page work presents a sparkling satire that explores the quirks of human nature through the character of Caroline Denton-Smyth. An eccentric figure adorned in trailing feathers and jangling beads, Caroline resides in her West Kensington bedsitter, where she dreams of establishing the Christian Cinema Company as her means of reform. The narrative unfolds as she envisions herself as a pioneer, willing to risk everything for her ideals.

Readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters who form Caroline’s board of directors, each bringing their own aspirations and backgrounds to the story. Among them are Basil St. Denis, an upper-class individual facing financial difficulties; Joseph Isenbaum, who seeks social status for his son; and Eleanor de la Roux, Caroline’s independent cousin from South Africa. The novel delves into their interactions and ambitions, revealing the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they face. This edition of Poor Caroline offers insight into the themes of ambition and societal expectations within the framework of general fiction.