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The Folger Spotlight

'Edith Holler' by Edward Carey

Folger Book Club convenes on Thursday, October 10 with a discussion of Edith Holler by Edward Carey. To get ready for the conversation, we compiled some introductory information on this macabre tale set in turn-of-the-century Norwich.

What is Edith Holler about?

The witty and entrancing story of a young woman trapped in a ramshackle English playhouse–and the mysterious figure who threatens the theater’s very survival

The year is 1901. England’s beloved queen has died, and her aging son has finally taken the throne. In the eastern city of Norwich, bright and inquisitive young Edith Holler spends her days among the boisterous denizens of the Holler Theatre, warned by her domineering father that the playhouse will literally tumble down if she should ever leave its confines. Fascinated by tales of the city she knows only from afar, she decides to write a play of her own: a stage adaptation of the legend of Mawther Meg, a monstrous figure said to have used the blood of countless children to make the local delicacy known as Beetle Spread. But when her father suddenly announces his engagement to a peculiar, imposing woman named Margaret Unthank, heir to the actual Beetle Spread fortune, Edith scrambles to protect her father, the theatre, and her play–the one thing that’s truly hers–from the newcomer’s sinister designs.

Teeming with unforgettable characters and illuminated by the author’s trademark fantastical illustrations, Edith Holler is a surprisingly modern fable of one young woman’s struggle to escape her family’s control–and to reveal inconvenient truths about the way children are used.

Critical Reception

“Edith says her theatrical friends “strive to make the impossible possible” to “convince our public of fantastical personages and happenings.” On these grounds, Carey unquestionably succeeds. This affirms the author’s standing as a major literary talent.” —Publishers Weekly

“Edward Carey excels in writing – and drawing! – peculiar characters, and the cast he creates for the macabre and fun Edith Holler is no exception.” —NPR, Books We Love

“A wonderfully strange and quirky tale about the power of penning and performing tales.” —Kirkus Reviews

Why did we choose this book?

The Folger Shakespeare Library’s collection explores not only Shakespeare’s life and works, but also the plays’ historical context, source material, critical and performance histories, and the ways in which they inspire and are adapted by contemporary novelists. Folger Book Club explores connections between contemporary fiction and the Folger’s mission, collection, and programming.

In keeping with our seasonal “spooky reads,” Edith Holler explores theatrical ghosts and urban folklore in a setting rife with Shakespearean references.

About the author: Edward Carey

From Penguin Random House

Edward Carey is a novelist, visual artist, and playwright. His previous novels include The Swallowed ManLittleAlva & Irva, and Observatory Mansions, and an acclaimed series for young adults, the Iremonger Trilogy. His writing for the stage includes an adaptation of Robert Coover’s Pinocchio in Venice, a continuation of the Pinocchio story. Born in England, he now teaches at the University of Texas in Austin, where he lives with his wife, the author Elizabeth McCracken, and their family.

Content Transparency

Edith Holler includes references to potentially sensitive subjects. Expand below for a list of content (may include spoilers).

October’s Bookstore Partner

For this session, we are excited to once again partner with Old Town Books, a general interest local bookshop in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. They are passionate about building bookish community through book clubs and author events. Learn more at oldtownbooks.com.

Orders can be placed in store or online. Their location on S. Royal Street in Alexandria is open seven days a week from 10AM-7PM. Don’t miss their NEW children’s bookstore opening next door in September 2024.

You can also download the audiobook version of this title from Libro.fm.

Purchase your copy of Edith Holler

We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program

Junior League of Washington

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