Author: EM Storm-Smith
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Excerpt from “Reputation, An Easy Thing to Lose”
Please enjoy this excerpt from my first novel, Reputation An Easy Thing to Lose.
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What if everything we know about the practice of dowry is wrong?
The dowry system, historically viewed as a transaction treating women as property, served deeper economic and social purposes across cultures. It provided women financial security through marriage settlements, reflecting societal norms and gender inequality. While its significance diminished in the 19th century with legal reforms, its legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on women’s independence…
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Some Days are Hard
Today’s blog analyzes Jane Austen’s exploration of gender-based violence and oppression in her novels, emphasizing how societal norms silenced women’s voices during her time. Austen’s nuanced portrayals reveal the limitations imposed on women, illustrating themes of coercion, economic pressure, and the struggle for autonomy while critiquing cultural attitudes towards female agency and victim-blaming.
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Royalties and The Weight of Paper – Jane Austen’s Relationship with her London Publishers
Jane Austen, a renowned novelist, faced financial struggles due to early 19th-century publishing practices and gender biases. Despite limited success, her works like Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice critiqued societal norms and paved the way for future generations of female authors.
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No Phones, No GPS: How People Navigated England Before Maps Were Standard
One of my favourite 1-star reviews of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice was left on Amazon in July of 2010. It reads as follows: “Just a bunch of people going to each other’s houses.” Now, can you argue with that, really? It’s a very apt description of the main action and plot devices in our…
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What Really is a Spinster? Women’s History Month – Economic Opportunities for Women in Austen’s Time
The term “spinster” originated from women spinning yarn, often unmarried for economic reasons. By the 18th century, it became a legal label for unmarried women, developing negative connotations of failure. This article explores women’s historical professions, revealing how their independence and financial options challenged societal norms, paving the way for future generations.
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A Little Known Adaptation – Leslie Knope is Elizabeth Bennet
The themes of Jane Austen and her characters transcend time and culture. Austen literally wrote the book on on how to craft humorous, poignant stories about people and communities, and we see this pattern repeated over and over in contemporary media.
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Romance Tropes Enduring Through the Ages
What’s your favorite romantic book trope? Romance tropes are the subject of much debate, but whether you love or hate them, they are a staple of modern romance books. Have you ever stopped to think about where they first appeared?
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Haud Hogmanay! Lang May Yer Lum Reek!
The celebration of the New Year is one of humanity’s oldest and most universal traditions, rooted in ancient customs and cultural practices. But everyone does it a little bit differently. Here’s a short overview of the unique and lovely Scottish new years tradition of Hogmanay.
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From Vindication To Persuasion
Here are some musings on Mary Wollstonecraft, who was a pioneering writer and advocate for women’s rights. Her works, particularly A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, laid the groundwork for modern feminism. Her critiques on education, gender roles, and marriage resonate in the novels of Jane Austen, highlighting strong, intelligent heroines who challenge societal…