Michiel Heyns

In fairness, I must declare that I am a Henry James virgin − I've not read anything by him − and this book prides itself on being written somewhat in his style. That's pure ignorance on my part. While I didn't enjoy this book overall, I did find the character of James's typist (typewriter) an interesting piece of work and I'm always thankful to learn more about an author's world and times. The period of the book was early in the use of typewriters and they were so new and usual to some people that it seemed much more than a new writing tool. Part of the plot, based in the facts of James's actual typist, was using the typewriter as a medium to communicate with the deceased. This book does have it's points of interest.… (más)

1/3/2017 The Typewriters Tale (Michiel Heyns)

"typewriter
1. a writing machine[...};
2. one who does typewriting, esp. as a regular occupation."
(Oxford English Dictionary)
The above quote is seen in the books preface.

The story begins 8th November, 1907 and concludes around July 1909. Henry James' home in England is the setting.
The beginning thought,
"the worst part of taking dictation is the waiting." is also appropriately the concluding thought.
The story is told by Frieda Wroth, fictional typist of Henry James.
We also meet Morton Fullerton who in this particular time frame was involved in an affair with American Pulitzer Prize–winning author Edith Wharton. They met in summer after being introduced by mutual friend Henry James.

As a graduate of Young Ladies' Academy Of Typewriting,
Frieda is able to leave home and the courtship efforts of the predictable, boring Mr. Dodds, and pursue freedom.
With Remington available, she takes dictation from Henry James and in his pauses and her own quiet time, interweaves imagination and existing fact.

This makes an interesting tale as she becomes caught
in a clash of her commitment to Henry James and the antics of his ostentatious friends.

The author's note will effectively discuss the chosen blend of fact and fiction.
Although there were moments when it became an intellectual read, I still would label this good historical fiction that anyone can appreciate.

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