Good morning team,

Isn't it a joy when you start a book that you think is going to be "fine" or "interesting" or even "required reading" and it turns out to be utterly charming? Because that is the experience I had this week with Sheilah Graham's autobiography. I started reading the book because it's required F. Scott Fitzgerald reading – she was his mistress for the last four years of his life – but also I was delighted by her and her times and her funny personality.

Today's Fem Friday showcases some of my favourite extracts from her autobiography, which is called Beloved Infidel, don't let that put you off. It is out of print (I will be writing to Persephone Books today to get this wrong righted ✍️✍️✍️) but you can easily find a copy on Abebooks. Onwards into the life of Sheilah Graham!

Life in an East End orphanage:

Bright lights, big city:

A bright future in toothbrush sales:

"I pondered this for a little while" is a nice clause to read at this point in the paragraph.

Plus ça change on the London stage:

(she comes out of this one just fine!)

Learning to make small talk with Lady Diana Cooper:

"this a funny piece of cheese, isn't it"

Lord Beaverbrook writes an article on her behalf:

Do let me know about a significant time when you encountered a man and thought, "This is Napoleon". I am excited to hear your stories.

Constructive feedback for F. Scott Fitzgerald:

I have not even told you guys half of it, for example, her story of wetting herself in a millionaire's car. It's all mostly played for laughs, including her friendship with the Mitfords and her presentation at Court. Absolute belter.

Have a great weekend, adventuresses!

A xx.