The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann
Set in Gilded Age Boston,The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann tells the story of a successful woman author of romance and adventure novels who becomes a champion of women’s rights as she takes on the literary establishment and finds her true voice, both on and off the page. Everything changes for Victoria when she goes against her publisher’s expectations and abandons her frivolous style to tell her own story. She loses her income, her husband, and her standing with her publisher as she joins the legions of hard-working women who have been her most faithful readers. As she fights on behalf of these women, her new young Harvard-educated editor becomes her unexpected ally, while he himself dares to become a more liberated, modern gentleman. The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann shows writing and reading as acts of defiance that can liberate us from narrow, constrained lives—and how revision in life and revision on the page are intimately entwined.
Praise for The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann
“Packed with interesting story lines exploring gender roles, family relationships and expectations, society’s acceptance of unconventional choices, and the power of individual goals, Pye’s novel blends them together to create a powerful context for Victoria’s personal journey. With a full cast of characters representing different viewpoints, there’s plenty of opportunity for consideration of what’s changed or remained the same from centuries ago.”
Booklist“There are lots of literary references here in The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann that are fun, and the novel is loosely based on actual historic events. A look at Boston and publishing during the Gilded Age, with a smart, independent heroine who ultimately wins her fight.”
WBZ Boston Book Club“What a heroine Virginia Pye has created in Victoria Swann—independent, bold and literary. Brava!”
Roxana Robinson“The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a book lover’s delight—by turns hilarious and scathing in its cultural critique, this meticulously researched novel exposes the unseen and sometimes unsavory underbelly of Boston society and literary publishing. The adventures and dreams of Victoria, a brilliant and irreverent romance novelist from more than a century ago, will resonate with readers today.”
“Virginia Pye’s novel invites us into a distant era that—in its depiction of the challenges faced by women of letters—seems hauntingly familiar. But Victoria Swann persists—and prevails! The story of her undoing is generous, fierce, and inspiring.”
“Delightful, fresh, and surprising, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a rollicking feminist tale that brings the Gilded Age vividly to life while exploring themes that are still strikingly relevant to women today.”
“Known for her affecting storylines and depth of characterization, she fills this novel with those winning attributes as she simultaneously adopts Boston-centric sensibilities of the era, with a plot that’s formal but never stuffy, characters who are appealing but never exaggerated and prose that’s elegant but never pretentious. A rewarding exploration of transformation that despite tribulations leads to triumphs, Pye’s latest validates the life-affirming blessings of courage.”
“How could I not fall in love with Victoria Swann, the wildly successful lady author who is determined to escape her best sellers? Although she never leaves Boston, Victoria’s story is as full of dangers and dragons as one of her novels. Surely all readers will want to find the bookshop where she works and join the Swann bookclub? The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a captivating and delicious novel.”
“The Bostonians meets Writers & Lovers in Virginia Pye’s gossipy and substantive historical novel about women authors and book publishing. Compelling, fierce, and utterly charming, Victoria Swann is a literary heroine for the ages.”
“At the heart of this insightful novel lives Victoria Swann, a wildly popular author who yearns to jettison the unrealistic romance and adventure of her nineteenth century novels in favor of depicting the struggles of ordinary women, a topic not discussed in high society let alone portrayed in literature. As the scaffolding of her comfortable life begins to crumble, Victoria discovers the power of authentic relationships and the strength of her own convictions. At once an historic time capsule and an entirely modern tale, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann had me cheering for its heroine straight through to the final page. You’ll love it!”
“A deftly crafted, thought-provoking, compelling, and fun read from start to finish, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann fully showcases author Virginia Pye’s genuine flair for memorable original characters and an original, narrative driven plot that will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in historical fiction reflecting the struggle to have women's abilities recognized and appreciated in 19th-Century America.”
“There are loads of reasons to love the new book, notably its impressive, meticulous attention to Gilded Age culture, history, costumes and customs…Ginny gives us an unflinching look at a world chillingly familiar, with banned books, back-alley abortions, opium dens and an oppressive, controlling patriarchy, along with gentle reminders about true friendships, honorable work partnerships and the power of purpose.”
“Virginia Pye has written a novel as full of vital ideas about truth, progress and how to live with intention as it is with wild romps and charming encounters. The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann may be set in Gilded Age Boston, but it’s a celebration of readers, writers and bookstores everywhere.”
“Witty, intelligent, and exuberant, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann is a love letter to all of us who cherish books, writing, and writers themselves. It’s also an engrossing and empowering historical novel of liberation that reminds us, with deep resonance, of the many ways in which we are still not free.”
literary world are rendered in evocative detail in this entrancing ode to how books can save us. As Victoria navigates her place in society, she learns to live and write her truth at a time when women are mostly unseen and unheard. Filled with grace, charm, and an acute sense of place, The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann shows us the power of stories to connect, heal, and reveal our hearts.”