Thank you for writing this. I absolutely love Sayers. I've read the series several times over.
I agree with your analysis on Vane; I know she is a controversial figure but the progression and maturation of her and Wimsey as characters through Have his Carcass and Gaudy night was masterful.
I also always found it striking that she chose to make Gaudy Night almost entirely about Harriet with Wimsey playing much more of a background role.
Yes, I think it is the overall story arch which I find most compelling about the Wimsey series as opposed to just any one particular book. I love them each, but I love them all together even more. I love that she gave Harriet her own story like that and I love Busman’s Honeymoon, seeing them together.
No, she has a short story called "Talboys" about the family living in their country estate with their 3 boys. There's a "mystery" (but not really); it's charming and short.
This was such an excellent article!!! I learned so much about Dorothy L. Sayers thanks to your help. Thank you so much!!!
My pleasure!
How interesting! I really didn’t know much about Sayers beyond “Lost Tools”—now, I’ve learned a lot and added much to my book list.
I always assumed Harriet Vane was autobiographical with a last name like Vane….
Need to read more by her. Have read all the Lord Peter Whimsy Mysteries that include Harriet Vane.
“Lost Tools of Learning” remains to me the most concise, most practical, and most compelling writing on reforming education. Very thankful for Sayers.
Thank you for writing this. I absolutely love Sayers. I've read the series several times over.
I agree with your analysis on Vane; I know she is a controversial figure but the progression and maturation of her and Wimsey as characters through Have his Carcass and Gaudy night was masterful.
I also always found it striking that she chose to make Gaudy Night almost entirely about Harriet with Wimsey playing much more of a background role.
Yes, I think it is the overall story arch which I find most compelling about the Wimsey series as opposed to just any one particular book. I love them each, but I love them all together even more. I love that she gave Harriet her own story like that and I love Busman’s Honeymoon, seeing them together.
I'm assuming from the article you've read Talboys as well? Busman's Honeymoon was a fitting end for the series.
The Trollope book?
No, she has a short story called "Talboys" about the family living in their country estate with their 3 boys. There's a "mystery" (but not really); it's charming and short.
Oh, yes. I hadn’t remembered the title. There are three short stories with Wimsey children in them if I recall correctly. Delightful.
Very interesting article, enjoyed it!
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Excellent