Spell the Month in Books host Jana of Reviews from the Stacks has offered us a choice of three prompts for this month. I’m totally out of inspiration for two of these — Pi Day and March Madness — so have had to settle for the third option: Green Covers.

Some of these titles are Virago Modern Classics editions which I make a point of buying if I ever spot one in a second hand book shop or charity shop. . Links take you to reviews where they exist (some of the books mentioned pre-date the blog)

M

My Turn to Make the Tea by Monica Dickens

A witty fictional tale about the experiences of a young female reporter as she gets to grips with her first job at a small provincial newspaper. The edition I read was published by Virago – it isn’t in the modern classics livery but does have an element of green on the cover. My review is here.

A

My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin

At the heart of Franklin’s novel is an Australian girl who believes she is destined for a life beyond marriage, motherhood and life on a farm. Can she keep to her chosen path or will the attentions of a wealthy young landowner prove too attractive? My review is here.

R

The Rising Tide by M. J Farrell (Molly Keane)

Since March is #ReadingIreland month it seems only fitting to feature a novel by an Irish author. The Rising Tide depicts the world of the great houses and landed families in Ireland in the 1920s and 1930, at a time when their way of life was giving way to less traditional values. Review is here.

C

Sunlight on a Broken Column by Attia Hosain

In her only published novel, Hosain parallels the growing fight for political independence in India with a girl’s struggle for the right to determine her future and choose her own husband.  Review is here

H

The Ice House by Nina Bawden

This is a subtle exploration of friendship, deception and betrayal featuring two women from teenage years through marriage, betrayal and (for one woman) widowhood. My review is here.

.If you fancy having a go at Spell the Month, you’ll find all the info you need on the website of the host, Reviews From the Stacks. The April theme I think is related to Easter.