
Rapture’s Roadway
Publisher: Ventura Press
Published: September 2019
Genre: Biography, Memoir, Non-Fiction, Poetry
Rapture’s Roadway by Virginia Jealous is a multi-layered, lyrical work of creative non-fiction. In this blend of travelogue, memoir and literary criticism, Jealous follows the life and work of poet Laurence Hope. Famous in the Edwardian era, Hope lived in Lahore, India, where she was a contemporary of Rudyard Kipling. Speaking Urdu and travelling widely, Hope wrote highly sensual romantic poetry which reflected her deep interest in Indian culture and geography. As well as paying homage to Hope, Jealous’ book tells a story about her own love and loss. Through the work, Jealous mourns the death of her father, a great admirer of Hope’s work, whose enthusiasm was infectious. Written in a clear, lucid style, this work will appeal to lovers of poetry and literary journalism, and anyone interested in female artists overlooked by dominant historical narratives.