Gay Life (ePub)

E.M. Delafield, born Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood (née de la Pasture) on June 9, 1890, in Steyning, Sussex, England, is recognized for her contributions to English literature, particularly for her prose that often weaves sardonic humor with social commentary. Delafield embarked on her writing career post World War I, a period when her firsthand experiences as a Voluntary Aid Detachment informed much of her early work. She is most renowned for her semi-autobiographical 'Diary of a Provincial Lady' series, which humorously chronicles the everyday life of an upper-middle-class Englishwoman. However, in 'Gay Life', Delafield explores different themes, offering keen observations on social mores and personal relationships within the setting of the leisure class. Her literary style often extrapolates the intricacies of domestic life, intertwining irony with a satirical edge, thereby providing a critique of the societal norms of her time. In addition to her novels, she contributed significantly to periodicals such as 'Time and Tide', embedding her narratives with a strong female perspective uncommon during her era. E.M. Delafield's work continues to resonate with audiences, reflecting the perennial nature of her astute reflections on human behavior. She passed away on December 2, 1943, leaving behind a robust oeuvre that continues to be studied and enjoyed for its wit, candor, and insight into early 20th-century society.