In fairness, I must declare that I am a Henry James virgin − I've not read anything by him − and this book prides itself on being written somewhat in his style. That's pure ignorance on my part. While I didn't enjoy this book overall, I did find the character of James's typist (typewriter) an interesting piece of work and I'm always thankful to learn more about an author's world and times. The period of the book was early in the use of typewriters and they were so new and usual to some people that it seemed much more than a new writing tool. Part of the plot, based in the facts of James's actual typist, was using the typewriter as a medium to communicate with the deceased. This book does have it's points of interest. ( )

Novel based on historical material "blended fact with fiction promiscuously". Story concept is great, use of historical material is interesting. However the writing style is difficult to read. The author labels the fictional character's first attempt at a novel as "imitative of Mr James' style and subject matter, self-conscious". I thought the same of the author with his choice of wording. ( )

I had a very hard time reading this book because of the long sentences and longer paragraphs. I also don't enjoy having to have a dictionary close by to understand the meaning of some of the words.
I won this book from Goodreads and voluntarily wrote this review. ( )

1/3/2017 The Typewriters Tale (Michiel Heyns)

"typewriter
1. a writing machine[...};
2. one who does typewriting, esp. as a regular occupation."
(Oxford English Dictionary)
The above quote is seen in the books preface.

The story begins 8th November, 1907 and concludes around July 1909. Henry James' home in England is the setting.
The beginning thought,
"the worst part of taking dictation is the waiting." is also appropriately the concluding thought.
The story is told by Frieda Wroth, fictional typist of Henry James.
We also meet Morton Fullerton who in this particular time frame was involved in an affair with American Pulitzer Prize–winning author Edith Wharton. They met in summer after being introduced by mutual friend Henry James.

As a graduate of Young Ladies' Academy Of Typewriting,
Frieda is able to leave home and the courtship efforts of the predictable, boring Mr. Dodds, and pursue freedom.
With Remington available, she takes dictation from Henry James and in his pauses and her own quiet time, interweaves imagination and existing fact.

This makes an interesting tale as she becomes caught
in a clash of her commitment to Henry James and the antics of his ostentatious friends.

The author's note will effectively discuss the chosen blend of fact and fiction.
Although there were moments when it became an intellectual read, I still would label this good historical fiction that anyone can appreciate.

4 ★ (Book Browse) ( )

I would like to thank BookBrowse and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of “The Type Writer’s Tale” by Michiel Heyns.
A typewriter according to the Oxford English Dictionary is “ 1. A writing machine 2. One who does typewriting,esp. as a regular occupation.
In this historical fiction genre, Michiel Heyns discusses the typewriter as someone who does typewriting as an occupation. Enter the fictional main character, Frieda Wroth, who becomes Henry James typewriter, or his “amanuensis”.(Dictionary:”A literary or artistic assistant, one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.”)
The author uses much of Henry James’ history, family and friends as part of this novel. The story takes place in the early 1900’s at his estate ,Lamb House in Rye. Henry James writes and dictates his stories to the typewriter, Frieda Wroth. Frieda is an intelligent woman, but shows her naivete in many ways.
Frieda is witness to all the company at Lamb House, and meets the James family, Morton Fullerton, Edith Wharton, and other characters. Frieda is charmed easily by Morton Fullerton, who has his own agenda. He would like Frieda to “retrieve” letters that he wrote to Henry James.
Frieda often thinks of Henry James’ words , “Live all you can, it’s a mistake not to.” from his novel ,”The Ambassadors.”
I find that the author writes about loyalty, betrayal, friendship, family and love.
What I like best about the novel is the aspect of telepathy which is observed when Frieda uses the typewriter(machine) to have telepathic conversations with Morton Fullerton. Telepathy and mediums are evident and gives a mystical feel to the novel.
The author also discusses quiet Rye and travels to France, and America, and the new mode of transportation “the motor car”.
I would recommend “The Typewriter’s Tale as an intriguing historical novel. ( )