Victorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Idyl of the Island’

The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century.

Current Theme: Colonial Short Stories: Canada

Continuing our exploration of Victorian colonial short stories, from this autumn we will consider and discuss tales of and from Canada. These will cover portrayals of new settlers, indigenous first nations people, the landscape, and the flora and fauna.

‘The Idyl of the Island’, by Susan Frances Harrison

(First published in The Week, a Canadian literary periodical, 1886)

A sleeping, unnamed lady, becomes the subject of the male gaze. The gentleman, transfixed by beauty, wishes to claim both the lady and the island as his own, raising parallels to colonialism, which we can discuss.

Upon registration you will receive a link to an on-line copy of the text and, as it is a short story group, it will require no more than an evening’s preparation to read the required material.

Sessions take place monthly between October and June at a venue in Chiswick, London, W4 1TT, between 7 and 8.30 pm. At each session there is a brief introduction to the work, followed by a group discussion in a relaxed atmosphere, with wine and nibbles supplied.

FAQs

How do I get to the venue?

The nearest underground station is Turnham Green. The local bus is the E3. Transport for London can help you navigate into the area with their plan a journey webpage.

From the station take a right and walk along Turnham Green Terrace. Take the first right which is Bath Road, and cross at the zebra crossing. Walk passed the church. The first left is Priory Gardens. Cross this road and the Victorian Society building is situated on the corner.

Is there local car parking?

After 6pm, there is free local street parking available.

I would like to know what short stories have been read before. How do I find out this information?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected].

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected] before the day of the event.

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This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, .

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