Book description
A determined young Lancashire girl arrives in London intent on a
stage career - this tale from the author of I Capture the
Castle is told with the candour and authenticity that derives from
Dodie Smith's own experience of the theatre world.
Mouse never did fully suit her nickname. Tiny she may have been,
but timid never. After less than twenty-four hours in London she had
bluffed her way into an audition at a famous theatre, infuriated its
forceful young stage director, and amused its kind if quite amoral
actor-manager. She had finally landed not a part but a toehold as a
junior secretary. During her involvement in the engrossing affairs of
the Crossway Theatre she met her friends Molly, a baby-faced
six-footer; and elegant, ambitious Lilian, who was fated to clash
disastrously with Mouse. Later, there was also Zelle, rich, generous,
enigmatic, and responsible for an outing to Suffolk village pageant
which proved a turning point for them all.
Life was always surprising the fearless Mouse: when she
unexpectedly got to a chance to act she made an unforgettable
impression, though not the one she had intended. However, nothing
prepared her for the assault of first love, highly unsuitable, but
welcomed by her in a way which was to have far-reaching consequences.
Only when she looks back after a reunion luncheon does she realise
the full effects of that shared summer on her friends and herself. A
startlingly frank yet nostalgic read, this is a charming novel about
coming of age and the healing effects of time.
