25 Comments
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Jane Housham's avatar

A brilliant piece, and exceptional in making it so relevant to our lives today.

I still have my mum's copy of A Pin To See the Peepshow, which I read when I was in my early teens. I think there was a TV dramatisation of it around the same time that she and I also loved (could be wrong)?

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Jane. Yes, a wonderful novel - there was a drama, quite right, but I've never seen it.

Jane Housham's avatar

Oh wow, it seems to be available on YouTube (I always forget about YouTube) and it was broadcast in 1973, so I was 11. No wonder it had such a powerful effect on me!

laura thompson's avatar

I can imagine...

Maria Haka Flokos's avatar

How to negotiate life as a woman is an impossible 'how to'. Whereas other situations are considered 'win win' that is the opposite. Damned if one does, damned if one doesn't do... anything really!

Excellent piece. As always.

laura thompson's avatar

Damned either way, indeed… but there is always writing. The outlet Edith needed, IMO.

Maria Haka Flokos's avatar

Best form of female rebellion, writing!

Diane workman's avatar

This is so powerfully written, I devoured it ..and will now seek your book. I’m relatively new here,

So feel I have to catch up with yr excellent writing. Thankyou.

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Diane - really appreciate this!

Amy's avatar

Fascinating, and chilling in equal measure. Excellently written too!

laura thompson's avatar

Many thanks Amy - lovely to hear this.

Margaret Bennett's avatar

A truly fascinating story, sensitively told Laura. Let’s hope it does get commissioned for tv sometime soon.

laura thompson's avatar

That would be my dream come true…. thank you so much Margaret. Really appreciated.

Rob Devaney's avatar

This is so brilliantly written Laura. It's a truly haunting case and I remember the shock of watching the BBC adaptation of A Pin To See The Peepshow in the 70s. I cannot wait to read the collected letters.

laura thompson's avatar

Thanks so much Rob - so good of you. The show is now on YouTube as you may have seen in the comments. I’ve never seen it and had a quick look. It’s dated of course but instantly compelling… although I already dread the last ep…

Mark Diacono's avatar

Off to order it - what a story, and also wtf

laura thompson's avatar

Wtf indeed. That’s incredibly kind Mark. The offer of a copy is very much there!!!!!

Mark Diacono's avatar

You are very kind but I’d rather pay/play a small part in it reaching The Top of the Charts

laura thompson's avatar

You are a true Substack friend 💕💕

Christine Kendell's avatar

A great piece about a very troubling situation.

I too saw the dramatisation of the wonderful novel that Jane mentions, which was very powerful.

laura thompson's avatar

Many thanks Christine - as Jane says it is now on YouTube… I sort of dread watching it, because of the ending, but am very intrigued.

SS's avatar

The first book of yours I bought (on the hypnotic strength of your Substack), and it’s a wonder. Her writing is as you say amazing. *Your* writing is indispensable as guide to hers no reader on their own could fully “get” the power of her prose without your commentary. But then, that holds true of everything you choose to write about. You are, among so much else, a fabulous teacher of the things you love.

laura thompson's avatar

So incredibly kind. Thank you! You have absolutely made my day. I do indeed love Edith, and keeping her words alive is an honour….

Gina Ferrari's avatar

Absolutely fascinating Laura. What an injustice.

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you so much Gina - it is a pretty dreadful story, no question.