A determined young Lancashire girl arrives in London intent on a stage
career - this tale from the author of I Capture the Castle is told
with the candor and authenticity that derives from Dodie Smith's own
experience of the theater world.
Mouse never did fully suit her nickname. Tiny she may have been, but
timid never. After less than twenty-four hours in London she had bluffed
her way into an audition at a famous theater, infuriated its forceful
young stage director, and amused its kind if quite amoral actor-manager.
She had finally landed not a part but a toehold as a junior secretary.
During her involvement in the engrossing affairs of the Crossway Theatre
she met her friends Molly, a baby-faced six-footer; and elegant,
ambitious Lilian, who was fated to clash disastrously with Mouse. Later,
there was also Zelle, rich, generous, enigmatic, and responsible for an
outing to Suffolk village pageant which proved a turning point for them
all.
Life was always surprising the fearless Mouse: when she unexpectedly got
to a chance to act she made an unforgettable impression, though not the
one she had intended. However, nothing prepared her for the assault of
first love, highly unsuitable, but welcomed by her in a way which was to
have far-reaching consequences.
Only when she looks back after a reunion luncheon does she realize the
full effects of that shared summer on her friends and herself. A
startlingly frank yet nostalgic read, this is a charming novel about
coming of age and the healing effects of time.
