The Romance of a Shop (1888) is a novel by Amy Levy. Published the
year before her tragic death, The Romance of a Shop is the debut novel
of a pioneering writer and feminist whose poetry and prose explores the
concept of the New Woman while illuminating the realities of Jewish life
in nineteenth century London. "The air of desolation which hung about
the house had communicated itself in some vague manner to the garden,
where the trees were bright with blossom, or misty with the tender green
of the young leaves. Perhaps the effect of sadness was produced, or at
least heightened, by the pathetic figure that paced slowly up and down
the gravel path immediately before the house; the figure of a young
woman, slight, not tall, bare-headed, and clothed in deep mourning."
Following the unexpected death of their father, sisters Fanny, Gertrude,
Lucy, and Phyllis are left with little inheritance and even less hope
for the future. On the brink of despair, they join together to launch a
photography business, each contributing to the best of their abilities
in order to survive. As Lucy begins an apprenticeship with a local
photographer, her sisters purchase and prepare their own studio for her
return. Despite their efforts, they struggle to convince customers that
a shop owned by women can demand the same prices as those run by men.
Through perseverance and luck, however, the Lorimers find success as
funeral photographers and through their connection to a prominent
artist. As romance, illness, and war interrupt their plans, the sisters
find solace in their mutual resolve to not only survive, but provide and
care for one another. With a beautifully designed cover and
professionally typeset manuscript, this edition Amy Levy's The Romance
of a Shop is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern
readers.
