Open a book this minute and start reading. Don’t move until you’ve reached page fifty. Until you’ve buried your thoughts in print. Cover yourself with words. Wash yourself away. Dissolve. Carol Shields Republic of Love

D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers (1913)

At first glance, Mr. Morel might seem a perfect mate for a bookish woman. “Now I’m cleaned up for thee: tha’s no ‘casions ter stir a peg all day, but sit and read thy books.”

But, to begin with, he’s quite a drinker, though perhaps working in the mines all day is only tolerable if you’ve [...]