E. M. Delafield 
The War-Workers 
Including 'Consequences’

In E. M. Delafield’s 'The War-Workers, ’ readers are transported to the early 20th century England during World War I, where a group of women find themselves thrust into unfamiliar roles as they take on wartime work to support the troops. Delafield’s sharp wit and satirical commentary provide a unique literary style that captures the societal changes and challenges faced by women during this tumultuous period. Through a series of interconnected stories, Delafield paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of these war-workers, highlighting the importance of their contributions in a male-dominated society. Delafield’s portrayal of these women offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of gender roles and class distinctions in the face of war. E. M. Delafield, a prolific British author known for her keen observations of society and strong female characters, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a volunteer during World War I. Her firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by women on the home front lends authenticity and depth to 'The War-Workers.’ Delafield’s nuanced understanding of the social, economic, and emotional impact of war shines through in this poignant and insightful work. 'The War-Workers’ is a must-read for those interested in women’s history, wartime experiences, and early 20th-century literature. Delafield’s compelling storytelling and astute social commentary make this book a timeless classic that continues to resonate with contemporary readers.

O autorze

E.M. Delafield, the pen name of Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, née de la Pasture, was a prolific English author, best known for her largely autobiographical 'Diary of a Provincial Lady’ series, which satirically depicted the life of an upper-middle-class Englishwoman in the 1930s. Born on June 9, 1890, in Steyning, Sussex, Delafield was the daughter of the novelist Mrs. Henry de la Pasture. Delafield’s enduring contributions to literature began after World War I, exploring themes of feminism, social satire, and domestic life. Her novel 'The War-Workers’ (1918), showcases Delafield’s sharp understanding of women’s roles and the impact of war on British society. It reveals her capacity to combine social critique with entertainment, a hallmark of her literary style that she developed further in subsequent works. Delafield was not just a novelist but also wrote for periodicals and journals, contributing astute observations on contemporary life. Her incisive wit and irony are evident in her writing, and these attributes secured her place among the noteworthy British authors of the early 20th century. Delafield passed away on December 2, 1943, but her work continues to be celebrated for its dexterity in capturing the essence of her times and her compelling portrayal of female experience.