Frost in May

by Antonia White

Book Overview

'Frost in May is the unsurpassed novel of convent school life. This story of a clash between a determined young girl and an authoritarian regime is both perceptive and painfully emotional, convincing in every detail' - Hermione Lee, Observer

With a new introduction by Tessa Hadley

Nanda Gray, the daughter of a Catholic convert, is nine when she is sent to the Convent of Five Wounds. Quick-witted,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0349010285
• ISBN13: 9780349010281
• Release Date: April 2019
• Publisher: Virago Press (UK)
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

wonderful!

this book was recommended to me a few years ago, and i'm so thankful for the suggestion! i just read it, and what a marvelous book!it tells the story of a young girl who is sent to a catholic school in england in 1908. it's fascinating to read about her conversion and eventual questioning of catholicism. i haven't read such frightening sermons since james joyce's portrait of an artist as a young man. the book is fluid, suspenseful and utterly readable. antonia white's narration is gutwrenchingly believable. the book is the first in series of white's 4 semi-autobiographical novels. i cannot wait to read the others.i strongly suggest you read this book; i think you'll be delighted!

A 20th century classic yet little known

If you have not read "Frost in May" you are in for a real delight; this semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of young Fernanda (Nanda) who is sent to a convent boarding school in the years just before WWI. She is "unpicked and remade" in the mold of a well-bred, well-educated Catholic young lady. However, Nanda is never quite one of the group; her father is a convert to the faith and middle-class. Most of the students are daughters of old Catholic gentry and Nanda feels the subtle discrimintation. Yet Nanda loves the hermetic routine, her companions and the age-old routine of the school. She begins to feel very at home, and excels her studies when she makes a terrible mistake.The sensitive treatment of a young girl's feelings and attitudes, the recreation of the rarified atmosphere of a convent in pre-war England make this book a fine piece of literature. Antonia White wrote 3 more novels, all semi-biographical and then a few other short works. She was afflicted by writer's block and her output is slim, which is a shame. She was a tremendously talented writer, and every word is crafted perfectly.

Frost In May - Antonia White

Since I first read this book at the age of twelve, it has continued to both delight me and reduce me to tears each of the many times I have picked it up. It appeals to people of all ages and truly allows the reader to enter into the mind of Nanda. It is a must for anyone who can empathise with Nanda's oppression, to whatever degree, and I see no reason why anyone should fail to enjoy this beautifully structured, smoothly flowing 'calm amd factual record of the slow death of a soul', to use the words of Selina Hastings. It only disappoints me that this novel remains so little-known.

A beautifully-written glimpse at life in a convent school.

I was really surprised by the one-star review. Of course there's a lot of detail about Catholic life. The book is set in the intense, often brutal world of a convent school. Those details, and some very well-drawn characters, make it real. I found Nanda's adjustment to her new life fascinating. A lovely, sad, escapist read.