The English Understand Wool
Ratings20
Average rating4.3
A young woman attempts to explain her mother and her relationship to her mother in this short and beautifully crafted novella.
Marguerite is quite the moneyed 17-year old, traipsing the globe with her mother to secure items from those that understand it best. While the English understand wool — “the French understand wine, cheese, bread”; “the Germans understand precision, machines”; and “the Arabs understand honor.”
This short story beautifully packaged, joins a slate of recently read books that offer up incisive pokes at the publishing industry coming off the heels of Yellowface and Erasure. I'd say more, but it would otherwise be mauvais ton
I read this in one sitting, and I recommend looking at other reviews after you finish it. It's such a clever story that has me thinking now. Good taste, bad taste, the publishing industry, fabrics, people, money. Thanks to Ann Patchett for recommending it in one of her Friday Instagram reels. This is a fun and funny one! I think that it would be enjoyable to discuss with friends.
Lovely (despite there not being any zombies)
For some reason I thought there were zombies in this book...no zombies but still quite good!!! Highly recommend this short yet engaging read.