Business As Usual
by Jane Oliver
Read if you're interested in fiction, workplace, or books for adult.
Jane Oliver's "Business As Usual" is a classic epistolary novel that offers a humorous and insightful look into the lives of women working in a London publishing house during the 1930s. Told through a series of letters exchanged between a young assistant, Mrs. Primrose, and her friends, colleagues, and various business contacts, the book chronicles the everyday absurdities, triumphs, and frustrations of their professional and personal lives.
- — Highlights the resilience and determination of women in the workplace during a historical period when their roles were often underestimated.
- — The narrative, through its observational humor and character development, subtly explores themes of community and mutual support among women.
- — The book's focus on everyday life and work, while not overtly spiritual, can be seen to reflect universal human experiences and the value of diligence and integrity in one's vocation.
- — The book does not explicitly engage with Christian themes or principles; its worldview is largely secular, reflecting the social norms of its time.
- — While generally wholesome, the lack of a spiritual dimension means it offers no direct guidance or reflection from a Christian worldview on work, ethics, or personal conduct.
- — Some of the humor or social commentary, while mild, might not align with contemporary Christian sensibilities regarding certain topics, though it's generally innocuous.
Christian readers can enjoy "Business As Usual" as a charming historical fiction with positive female characters and a keen social observation. However, they should be aware that it lacks overt Christian themes and should approach it as a secular work of literature, discerning its messages through a Biblical lens where appropriate, particularly regarding ambition and relationships.
“Christian readers can enjoy "Business As Usual" as a charming historical fiction with positive female characters and a keen social observation. However, they should be aware that it lacks overt Christian themes and should approach it as a secular work of literature, discerning its messages through a Biblical lens where appropriate, particularly regarding ambition and relationships.”
- —Highlights the resilience and determination of women in the workplace during a historical period when their roles were often underestimated.
- —The narrative, through its observational humor and character development, subtly explores themes of community and mutual support among women.
- —The book's focus on everyday life and work, while not overtly spiritual, can be seen to reflect universal human experiences and the value of diligence and integrity in one's vocation.
- —The epistolary format can encourage reflection on communication and relationships.
- —The book does not explicitly engage with Christian themes or principles; its worldview is largely secular, reflecting the social norms of its time.
- —While generally wholesome, the lack of a spiritual dimension means it offers no direct guidance or reflection from a Christian worldview on work, ethics, or personal conduct.
- —Some of the humor or social commentary, while mild, might not align with contemporary Christian sensibilities regarding certain topics, though it's generally innocuous.
- —The character's motivations are primarily career and social advancement rather than spiritual growth or service.
Reader comments
Sign in to leave a comment.