Lolly Willowes or the Loving Huntsman

First published in 1926, ‘Lolly Willowes or the Loving Huntsman’ is an amusing and witty novel by Sylvia Townsend Warner, an English novelist, poet, and musicologist.

In this, Laura Willowes revolutionaries against coercion to be the perfect ‘maiden aunt’. Not curious about men or the hustled life of London, Laura is compelled to move there from her cherished countryside after the death of her father. Finally, she crashes out for the countryside on her own, selling her soul to a friendly but rather simpleminded demon. This book is opportunely and delightful.

Born in Harrow (1893-1978), Sylvia Townsend Warner published seven novels, four volumes of poetry, a volume of essays and eight volumes of short stories. She lived most of her adult life with her close companion Valentine Ackland in Dorset and Norfolk.