An extraordinary sort of woman

My acquaintance with Jan Struther's Mrs. Miniver came about - as with many people, I imagine - through the film version of the character, and not the book on which it was based. I was only vaguely aware then that there was a book behind it, but there is and it is utterly delightful and I wonder why it isn't better known.

The character began life when Ian Fleming's brother, Peter, asked Jan Struther to write some pieces for The Times about "an ordinary sort of woman who leads an ordinary sort of life". There is nothing ordinary, however, about either Mrs. Miniver or her creator; both exhibit an extraordinary enthusiasm and zest for life and an ability to notice and be captivated by even the smallest and most insignificant thing.

Jan Struther was the pen-name of Joyce Maxtone Graham (nee Anstruther)  whose biography, written by her granddaughter Ysenda Maxtone Graham is to be published in paperback soon and will be a 'must read' for me. Her daughter said of her "she dashed through life at full tilt, with gaiety, energy, and grace. She loved words, and would pause to net and examine them like a butterfly enthusiast." These qualities and interests stand out in this book which is a collection of those Times sketches of family life and domesticity, written with very keen perception and brilliant observation.

Each piece is a jewel in itself, not showy or vulgar, but modest and exquisite. With the later essays reflecting Britain at war, it is easy to see why Mrs. Miniver's optimistic and quietly courageous attitude had the bolstering effect in the country which it clearly had at the time, but it is the simplicity of the scenes of everyday life which is so effective. Jan Struther demonstrates here a very quick, yet thoughtful mind, and writing which seems beautifully effortless.

I am with Mrs. Miniver on her view that "a day without a chunk or two of solitude in it is like a cocktail without ice", and lines such as "the bare trees had a quickened, bloomy look like the expression on the face of somebody who has just had a good idea but has not yet put it into words" are too good not to savour. This is a treat of a book whose charms show no sign of fading.

Comments

[Barbara]

I love this book, too. Thanks for the heads up about the biography. My daughter was intrigued to learn that Jan Struther wrote her favourite school hymn, 'When a Knight Won His Spurs'.

[Peg]

Thanks for reminding me of "Mrs. Miniver". I loved that film and I am sure the book is a terrific read. I love the comment about a day without a chunk or two of solitude. My solitude comes in my garden or with my knitting in my hand!

[Fiberjoy]

Oh, she sounds like a fascinating woman. I'm putting that on my to read list.

[Elaine]

Mrs Miniver reminds me very much in style of hte short stories of Mollie Panter Downes. There is one very simply story when Mrs Miniver is sitting by the fire on a cold day, eating crumpets and with her nice pile of books by the library at her side (if I remmber rightly it is some years since I read it) and it was pure delight. I have a lovely old Virago edition but it still has a picture of Greer Garson on the front!