Найти книгу: "Widows Unveiled"

Somber black crepe gowns, long black veils, a strand of Whitby jet beads or a bracelet braided from a loved one’s hair, black-edged handkerchiefs—these were just some of the trappings of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century mourning. Middle- and upper-class Americans of this era were expected to follow strict etiquette guidelines in all aspects of their lives, including—perhaps especially—following a loved one’s death. Sustained by advice writers, newspapers, and the retail and manufacturing industries, mourning culture was prevalent in daily urban life. Prescriptive guidelines were most extreme for the widow, who was expected to mourn her lost husband for at least two years, including one in seclusion from society. Filled with nuanced requirements for how to live and what belongings to live with, these customs would have been difficult, if not impossible, for most women to follow—especially those suddenly impoverished by their widowhood. Widows Unveiled illuminates American mourning practices between the Civil War and World War I through an investigation of the textual, material, and visual culture of New York widowhood.Illustrated with images of period costumes, jewelry, accessories, drawings, and photographs, Widows Unveiled analyzes mourning etiquette and its accouterments, interprets the abundant negative stereotypes of widows in visual culture, and explains the slow, uneven demise of mourning practices in the twentieth century. Author Rebecca McNamara demonstrates that material mourning was far more complex and confusing than is generally acknowledged and that its purpose went beyond superficial consumption: indeed, the black-crepe-enrobed and -veiled woman, as she navigated a society critical of and even hostile to widows, was both demonstrating an ideal feminine role—loyal, doting wife—and signifying a continued independent presence in polite society.

Reese Witherspoon’s March Book Club Pick!‘Big-hearted, earthy and funny… A rattlingly good story’ Deborah Moggach, The Best Exotic Marigold HotelEvery woman has a secret life…When Nikki takes a creative writing job at her local temple, with visions of emancipating the women of the community she left behind as a self-important teenager, she’s shocked to discover a group of barely literate women who have no interest in her ideals.Yet to her surprise, the white dupatta of the widow hides more than just their modesty – these are women who have spent their lives in the shadows of fathers, brothers and husbands; being dutiful, raising children and going to temple, but whose inner lives are as rich and fruitful as their untold stories. But as they begin to open up to each other about womanhood, sexuality, and the dark secrets within the community, Nikki realises that the illicit nature of the class may place them all in danger.East meets west and tradition clashes with modernity in a thought-provoking cross-cultural novel that might make you look again at the women in your life…

When you lose everything you love, you need a friend…Nothing ever happens in sleepy Grimbleton. Until two strangers – both claiming to be the fiancee of a dead soldier – arrive in town. Susan prides herself on her refined 'English' manners – yet her airs and graces hide harrowing memories of her escape from war-torn Burma. Volatile Ana pines for the sunshine of her Greek village – but is forever haunted by her sister's death at the hands of the Nazis'. Enemies at first, Su and Ana soon find themselves united in grief at the loss of Freddie Winstanley – the father of both their children. Freddie's sister Lily takes the women under her wing and soon the circle of friends expands to include Italian Maria, torn between her invalid husband and another man, and uppercrust Diana, whose jolly exterior conceals a secret sorrow. Supported by this new-found sisterhood, Lily dares to dream of spreading her wings away from her domineering family and spineless fiance. But each woman's courage is soon sorely tested. Can they help each other to find happiness after the heartache of war?

Apart from sharing the same zip code, Randi Howard, Anna Montano, Meredith Allen, Helena Whitworth and Crystal Howard have absolutely nothing in common–until a fiery explosion on a west Texas oil rig changes everything.Their husbands are men who live to search for «black gold,» men who are willing to exchange backbreaking work and long days for danger and excitement–and money. But on a blistering day in early autumn four of the men pay the ultimate price–leaving behind one man who wishes he had.In one brief moment a tragedy binds Randi, Anna, Meredith, Helena and Crystal closer together than a lifetime of friendship. As they gather at the hospital, waiting to learn who among them will not have to bury her husband, they turn to one another for support. And so begins a journey of faith, of strength, of tears and of love.

A short story from No. 1 international bestseller and Swedish crime sensation Camilla Lackberg, perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo.Marianne has opened a cafe in memory of her husband: Cafe Widows. Most customers that walk through the door are middle aged women, accompannied by men whose behaviour is often quite unpleasant. Suddenly there is a policeman on the doorstep, confronting Marianne with the news that there have been several deaths recently. Men of all different ages and origins are dying of heart attacks, after visiting Cafe Widows. Could it just be a coincidence, or is there something more sinister at play?

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family – and now the time for justice has arrived.At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance. Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy – the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse.Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties – and the tantalizing promise of passion.