The Diary of a Maidservant

The Diary of a Maidservant PDF Author: Krishna Baldev Vaid
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
Post-Independence Hindi literature is by and large dominated by the representations of urban, middle class life. Given this context, the focus of Krishna Baldev Vaid's The Diary of a Maidservant is unusual. While the setting is still the big city, the novel bridges the class-divide to delineate the life and thoughts of a young woman who earns a living as a casual household help. The story revolves around Shanti, a teenage maidservant. The generous and literate Mrs Varma gives Shanti a notebook to write in. Through this 'diary' Shanti gradually discovers all kinds of things about herself-impulses, dreams, contradictions. The same diary unfolds the forces an intelligent but poor girl has to contend with in burgeoning New Delhi. Shanti must cope with a family struggling to survive, predatory males, demanding mistresses, and a multitude of her own desires. Even the kindness of her middle-aged employers Biji and Newspaper Sahab-two people who idealistically set out to improve Shanti'slot in life-brings problems with it. Dedicated to hard-working women domestics, Krishna Baldev Vaid thrusts the reader directly into the complications of everyday relationships between masters and servants, and men and women. The Introduction to the volume has been written by Ashok Vajpeyi, a distinguished poet, critic, and editor. The novel, an absorbing read, and the analytically rich introduction by Professor Ashok Vajpeyi, a distinguished poet and academic, will appeal to students and scholars of literature in general and Indian literature in translation in particular, comparative literature, gender studies, cultural studies, as well as general readers.

The Diary of a Maidservant

The Diary of a Maidservant PDF Author: Krishna Baldev Vaid
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 296

Get Book Here

Book Description
Post-Independence Hindi literature is by and large dominated by the representations of urban, middle class life. Given this context, the focus of Krishna Baldev Vaid's The Diary of a Maidservant is unusual. While the setting is still the big city, the novel bridges the class-divide to delineate the life and thoughts of a young woman who earns a living as a casual household help. The story revolves around Shanti, a teenage maidservant. The generous and literate Mrs Varma gives Shanti a notebook to write in. Through this 'diary' Shanti gradually discovers all kinds of things about herself-impulses, dreams, contradictions. The same diary unfolds the forces an intelligent but poor girl has to contend with in burgeoning New Delhi. Shanti must cope with a family struggling to survive, predatory males, demanding mistresses, and a multitude of her own desires. Even the kindness of her middle-aged employers Biji and Newspaper Sahab-two people who idealistically set out to improve Shanti'slot in life-brings problems with it. Dedicated to hard-working women domestics, Krishna Baldev Vaid thrusts the reader directly into the complications of everyday relationships between masters and servants, and men and women. The Introduction to the volume has been written by Ashok Vajpeyi, a distinguished poet, critic, and editor. The novel, an absorbing read, and the analytically rich introduction by Professor Ashok Vajpeyi, a distinguished poet and academic, will appeal to students and scholars of literature in general and Indian literature in translation in particular, comparative literature, gender studies, cultural studies, as well as general readers.

The Maids

The Maids PDF Author: Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780811224925
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
A major discovery: Tanizaki's wonderful final novel--now in English

The Diary of a Chambermaid

The Diary of a Chambermaid PDF Author: Octave Mirbeau
Publisher: e-artnow
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
The novel presents itself as the diary of Mademoiselle Célestine R., a chambermaid. Her first employer fetishizes her boots, and she later discovers the elderly man dead, with one of her boots stuffed into his mouth. Later on, Célestine becomes the maid of an upper class couple, Lanlaire, and is perfectly aware that she is entangled in the power struggles of their marriage. Célestine ends by becoming a café hostess, who mistreats her servants in turn! Excerpt: "To-day, September 14, at three o'clock in the afternoon, in mild, gray, and rainy weather, I have entered upon my new place. It is the twelfth in two years. Of course I say nothing of the places which I held in previous years. It would be impossible for me to count them. Ah! I can boast of having seen interiors and faces, and dirty souls. And the end is not yet. Judging from the really extraordinary and dizzy way in which I have rolled, here and there, successively, from houses to employment-bureaus, and from employment-bureaus to houses, from the Bois de Boulogne to the Bastille, from the Observatory to Montmartre, from the Ternes to the Gobelins, everywhere, without ever succeeding in establishing myself anywhere, the masters in these days must be hard to please. It is incredible..."

Diary of a Lady's Maid

Diary of a Lady's Maid PDF Author: Emma Southgate
Publisher: Melbourne University Publish
ISBN: 9780522846980
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
A very busy day. Lord and Lady Carrington arrived from England. Miss Harbord, 3 Gentlemen in Suite, 3 children, two nurses, two maids, 2 valets. Every room occupied. 47 to dinner-in State dining room-and 500 in the evening. All went off capitally. We got to bed soon after 2 a.m.' The reliable, hard-working and loyal Emma Southgate began her diary when she journeyed across rough seas and under stormy skies from England to Australia in 1884. She travelled as lady's maid to Lady Loch, wife of the newly appointed Governor of Victoria. When they arrived in Melbourne and took up residence in the magnificent Government House, Emma had the presence of mind to continue her record of daily life. The legacy of her diligence is published here for the first time. Through Emma's words we can relive the halcyon days of colonial times: sumptuous parties in elegant ballrooms and receptions on rolling lawns; stylish travel through the colonies of Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia; holidays in a grand home at Mount Macedon; important international visitors; and the social whirl that accompanied occasions such as Melbourne Cup week. These events are charmingly described in Emma's diaries from a behind-the-scenes point of view-the weariness of having to serve tea to thousands of 'ladies and gentlemen', visits to the poor and excursions to the beach, illnesses among staff and the kindnesses of her employers. Emma's authentic evocation of her life sparkles. Unpretentious and forthright, Emma's words captivate the reader as they bring to life the people, the places and the times. Besides Emma's accounts, Helen Vellacott has placed the newspaper reports of the day that show the official view-often quite different from Emma's observations. In this way, and with intriguing additional comment and information, Diary of a Lady's Maid gives us an insight into early Australian society.

Wives and Mothers, School Mistresses and Scullery Maids

Wives and Mothers, School Mistresses and Scullery Maids PDF Author: Elizabeth Jane Errington
Publisher: McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
ISBN: 0773513094
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 397

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Book Description
In this engaging analysis of the contribution of working women to Upper Canadian Society, Jane Errington argues that the role of Upper Canadian women in the overall economy of the early colonial society has been greatly undervalued by contemporary historians.

The Diaries of Hannah Cullwick, Victorian Maidservant

The Diaries of Hannah Cullwick, Victorian Maidservant PDF Author: Hannah Cullwick
Publisher: Virago Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 352

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Book Description


The Old Maids' Club

The Old Maids' Club PDF Author: Israel Zangwill
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Jews
Languages : en
Pages : 346

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Book Description


The Motor Maids Across the Continent

The Motor Maids Across the Continent PDF Author: Katherine Stokes
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 154

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Book Description
Katherine Stokes's 'The Motor Maids Across the Continent' is a captivating tale of four adventurous young women who embark on a journey across the United States in their trusty automobile, defying societal norms of the early 20th century. Written in a vivid and engaging narrative style, the book provides readers with a glimpse into the spirit of independence and determination that defined the era. Stokes seamlessly weaves together themes of friendship, freedom, and the thrill of exploration, making it a delightful read for both young adults and adults alike. With its detailed descriptions of the American landscape and the challenges faced by the Motor Maids, the book offers a unique blend of travelogue and coming-of-age story. Katherine Stokes, known for her pioneering contributions to feminist literature, drew inspiration from the growing movement for women's rights during her time, infusing the novel with a sense of empowerment and resilience. 'The Motor Maids Across the Continent' is a must-read for those seeking a heartwarming and inspiring adventure that celebrates the spirit of female camaraderie and self-discovery.

The Motor Maids in Fair Japan

The Motor Maids in Fair Japan PDF Author: Katherine Stokes
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 164

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Book Description
Katherine Stokes' 'The Motor Maids in Fair Japan' is a captivating novel that follows a group of adventurous young women as they traverse through the cultural wonders of Japan in the early 20th century. The book is written in a descriptive and vivid style, immersing the reader in the sights and sounds of this exotic setting. Stokes demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, making the narrative both educational and entertaining. Set against the backdrop of a changing world, the novel explores themes of friendship, independence, and the excitement of travel. Stokes' storytelling is both engaging and informative, offering a glimpse into a fascinating period in history. Katherine Stokes, a well-traveled author with a passion for exploring new cultures, drew inspiration from her own experiences to create 'The Motor Maids in Fair Japan'. Her background in travel and literature shines through in the novel, as she effortlessly blends adventure with cultural insights. Stokes' diverse interests and commitment to authentic storytelling make her a unique voice in the literary world. I highly recommend 'The Motor Maids in Fair Japan' to readers who enjoy historical fiction, travel writing, and stories of female empowerment. Stokes' novel offers a delightful mix of adventure, cultural exploration, and heartwarming friendships that will leave a lasting impression on any audience.

The Old Maids ́ Club

The Old Maids ́ Club PDF Author: Israel Zangwill
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 3732617319
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
Reproduction of the original.