 First edition | |
| Author | Helen Zenna Smith (Evadne Price) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | War-fiction, feminist fiction |
| Publisher | Albert E Marriott |
Publication date | 1930 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 300 |
| ISBN | 0-935312-82-X |
| OCLC | 18741174 |
| Followed by | Women of the Aftermath |
Not So Quiet: Stepdaughters of War is a 1930 novel by British author Evadne Price writing under the pseudonym "Helen Zenna Smith". The book presents a stark critique of the romanticized depictions of war, targeting the traditional, gendered representations of heroism and sacrifice. It offers a detailed account of the experiences of women serving in auxiliary roles during World War I.
The narrative centers on the protagonist, named Nell Smith, and her fellow volunteer ambulance drivers on the French front during the war. Many of these women, often originating from privileged backgrounds, are abruptly confronted with the brutal reality of war, witnessing the horrific impacts of conflict, from death and severe injuries to the constant threat of danger and harsh living conditions. The mental and emotional strain they endure, coupled with the societal expectations that compelled them to serve, lead to a sense of disillusionment that forms a significant part of the novel's thematic structure.
Not So Quiet is a part of the War Popular series that initially intended to feature six volumes, each authored by different writers and presenting unique perspectives on the war. Price was commissioned to write a satirical take on Erich Maria Remarque's acclaimed novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, from a female perspective. However, she opted to provide a sobering commentary on the atrocities of war, drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of Winifred Young, a female ambulance driver in World War I.[1][2]
Scholarly analysis of the novel has underscored its feminist themes, its exploration of class differences, and its contribution to World War I literature. By focusing on the oft-ignored experiences of women during times of war, '''Not So Quiet''' presents a compelling counter-narrative to the more romanticized or hero-centric war stories. As of the last update in 2021, it continues to be regarded as an influential work in 20th-century literature.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Scholes, Lucy (29 March 2019). "Re-Covered: Not So Quiet … Stepdaughters of War". The Paris Review. Retrieved 1 April 2019.