About this book
Mary Broome by Allan Monkhouse skewers Edwardian hypocrisy with sharp wit, warm-hearted humor, and astute social satire. Presented as a play, Monkhouse's 1911 comedy-drama centers on a respectable middle-class family thrown into turmoil when their son impregnates the household maid, forcing two very different families to confront pride, duty, and shifting moral codes.
Through crisp dialogue and memorable characters, Mary Broome balances laugh-out-loud moments with quiet, humane critique of class divisions, gender double standards, and the performance of respectability. Monkhouse captures the texture of early 20th-century Britain—its manners, anxieties, and subtly changing values—without heavy-handedness, making social commentary feel lived-in and immediate. The theatrical structure keeps scenes taut and character-driven, while the satirical edge exposes the absurdities beneath genteel facades.
Perfect for listeners who love period plays, sharp social comedies, and character-led fiction, Mary Broome is ideal for fans of stagecraft, vintage British drama, and anyone intrigued by prewar domestic satire. Tune in for witty repartee, humane observation, and a vivid portrait of class and conscience on the cusp of modernity.
