Sophy Mason Comes Back

Written by E. M. Delafield

Narrated by Cathy Dobson

Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, née de la Pasture (1890-1943), was a prolific English author who wrote under the pseudonym E. M. Delafield. She is best known for her largely autobiographical Diary of a Provincial Lady , which took the form of a journal of the life of an upper-middle-class Englishwoman living mostly in a Devon village of the 1930s.

Sophy Mason Comes Back is a ghost story. An English governess in France disappeared mysteriously 41 years previously and was never seen again. The psychic, Fenwick, discovers the gruesome tale of her fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Door Consulting
• Release date: Dec 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781509422357

E. M. Delafield

E. M. Delafield, the pen name of Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, stands out as one of the early 20th century's most insightful and satirical British writers. Born on June 9, 1890, in Steyning, Sussex, Delafield's upbringing in an upper-middle-class family provided a fertile ground for her sharp observations of societal norms and mores. Her father, a military officer, and her mother, an author and lecturer, exposed her to a life of intellectual rigor and societal expectations, which would later inform her keen critiques of British social life. Delafield's formative years were marked by a brief stint as a postulant in a French convent, an experience that deeply influenced her writing, particularly her ability to dissect the nuances of female experience within rigid societal structures. This period of her life is vividly captured in her novel "Consequences," where she explores the limited roles available to women and the devastating effects of societal pressures on individual identity. The protagonist's tragic fate in "Consequences" reflects Delafield's own struggles with the expectations placed on women of her class and era. The outbreak of World War I saw Delafield volunteering as a nurse and later working in the Ministry of National Service. These experiences not only broadened her worldview but also honed her ability to portray the complexities of human nature in times of crisis. Her war-time service imbued her writing with a sense of realism and empathy, qualities that resonate deeply with contemporary readers who are no strangers to global conflicts and their repercussions. Delafield's literary career took off in the post-war years, with her works often blending humor and pathos to critique the social conventions of her time. She is perhaps best known for her semi-autobiographical series, "The Diary of a Provincial Lady," which humorously chronicles the everyday life and struggles of a middle-class woman. This series, with its witty and relatable protagonist, has maintained its popularity, drawing parallels with today's interest in the lives of 'ordinary' women and the feminist discourse surrounding women's roles in society. Despite her success, Delafield's life was not without controversy. She was an outspoken critic of the British class system and conventional marriage, themes that permeate her work and continue to resonate today. Her critique of these institutions can be seen as a precursor to modern feminist thought, highlighting issues such as women's autonomy, the mental health impacts of societal expectations, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Delafield's influence extended beyond her novels. She was a prolific essayist and reviewer, contributing to prominent publications such as Punch and Time and Tide. Her sharp wit and incisive commentary earned her a respected place in literary circles, and her works influenced contemporaries and successors alike, including the likes of Virginia Woolf and Dorothy L. Sayers. Contextualizing Delafield's work within the broader historical and cultural trends of her time reveals a society in flux. The early 20th century was a period of significant change, marked by the aftermath of World War I, the struggle for women's suffrage, and the shifting class dynamics in Britain. Delafield's writing not only reflects these changes but also critiques the pace and nature of social progress, a theme that remains pertinent today. In conclusion, E. M. Delafield's life and work offer a rich tapestry of social critique, humor, and poignant reflection on the human condition. Her ability to capture the intricacies of societal norms and individual struggles makes her work profoundly relevant to modern audiences. As contemporary society continues to grapple with issues of gender equality, mental health, and social expectations, Delafield's incisive commentary and empathetic storytelling provide both a mirror and a lens through which to view our own times.