Isa & May, By Margaret Forster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The heroine of Margaret's Forster's new novel has a curious name. Her parents have called her Isamay, named after both her grandmothers, Isa and May.
Since early childhood, Isamay has been deeply attached to these two old ladies, and now in her twenties is writing her MA dissertation on the subject of notable grandmothers.
Although ostensibly researching the private lives of Elizabeth Fry, Queen Victoria and George Sand, it's her own grannies that interest her most.
In a classic Forster novel about class and generational upheaval, here the author writes tenderly about the influence of grandmothers and their desire, as Sand put it, to "stuff" their grandchildren "with happiness". It's Helen's partner, Ian, who proves the enigma of the piece.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments