Harriet Hume in Reading 1001

Feb 10, 2016 Pip rated it it was ok

Shelves: 1001-books-challenge

Not being a fan of fantasy I disliked the fantastical elements, such as the tale the aponymous Harriet wove about three trees in her garden being three historical sisters joined by garlands of flowers. The only bit I enjoyed was the description of the garden itself, and some descriptions of London that West rendered beautifully. Harriet was tiny, beautiful and an accomplished pianist. She was a symbol of the arts, rather than a real woman. She dressed always in the colour of parchment. Was this ...more

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Apr 25, 2018 Dree rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-reads, england-uk-ireland, 1001-read

What a weird book!

I have so many questions. Is Harriet real? Is she a person, angel, ghost, or figment of Arnold's imagination?

Is Arnold the person we read about--up and coming statesman yada yada--or is he an unreliable narrator? Is this all a dream or some such? Can Harriet really read his mind or does she just use context clues? Doe she guess and understands his personality?

(view spoiler) ...more

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Mar 14, 2022 Rosemary rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 1001-books

The story of Arnold Condorex's five encounters with Harriet Hume in London opens with the two of them running downstairs from her bedroom, apparently having been to bed and very much in love. Unfortunately she has developed psychic powers and makes the mistake of telling him so. Result: a long gap before they meet again.

I wanted to like this book and was disappointed. Harriet was just so... twee. A little elfin thing with hands so small and dainty it seems impossible that she could be a pianist, ...more

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Mar 12, 2023 Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... rated it liked it

Shelves: british, classics, romance, read-in-2023, fantasy, magical-realism, 1001-tbr

Harriet Hume by Rebecca West tells the story of the relationship between the title character and a young man named Arnold Condorex. Harriet quickly develops the ability to read Arnold's mind. Unfortunately she finds that he often thinks about all the ways he can advance his interests, which doesn't include a serious relationship with Harriet. The relationship soon ends, mostly due to her ability.

Over the following years, the two meet on occasion and it is apparent that Harriet retains her abilit ...more

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