Initially when I read this book I was impressed with the language and tone really capturing the feel of the 1930s - a time when women have started to have some freedom, responsibility and careers, but are still often reserved and held back by tradition. I later found out that this book was actually originally published in 1934, and is now being republished for Kindle, which of course, doesn't just give it a tone of authenticity - it is truly authentic, as this is the time period the author personally experienced. I love being transported back in time.

It's a fairly traditional Cinderella-themed story. Ann is a spinster, considered pretty old as a 35 year old virgin, with a mundane career as a typist - the only way she could get out under the thumb of her overbearing, selfish clergical brother Cuthbert. She has little hope for herself or the rest of her life, until she wins a raffle (which is according to Cuthbert, a great sin) and decides to throw caution to the wind and splurge on a Mediterranean cruise to live her dream of traveling. I personally am a big cruiser, and have a Med cruise planned in a few months, so getting a genuine feel for how cruises worked back in the 1930s was extremely interesting to me. A lot of things have changed now in every respect, but it's also marvelous how some things have remained the same.

On this journey Ann discovers love and lust (although it is a very clean romance story in general), she discovers that she is not an ancient, dried up woman, destined to be alone, but that she can experience new things, and find joy in all aspects of life. She changes dramatically and rapidly, and this is a feel-good simple story that covers a coming of age transformation in a time when many women remained repressed. Not the most original or exciting of stories; but I think that the time period and authenticity of the language really gives it a credit. The writing is witty, at times comical and other times serious, but always very frank and honest, and I enjoyed reading it very much.

I really liked this story. It's the story of a girl who goes on a trip of self discovery after winning a large sum of money. She learns about herself and that age is just a number. She also learns that this number does not dictate what happens and/or who comes into your life. She discovers places and people that change her life. This story reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Now, Voyager. There was something similar in that the girl is one way and once she changes and a new world opens to her, she is still the same person but just with broader horizons and more experience. A happier more fulfilled life.