Grand Days

Grand Days follows Edith Campbell Berry, an ambitious young Australian who takes up a position at the League of Nations in Geneva during the 1920s. The novel chronicles her professional and personal experiences in the international diplomatic community as she navigates the complexities of post-WWI European politics. Her work at the League puts her at the center of global efforts to prevent future wars and establish new frameworks for international cooperation. Set against the backdrop of Geneva's diplomatic scene, the story captures both the grand aspirations and day-to-day realities of international civil service between the world wars. The narrative encompasses Edith's professional challenges, romantic entanglements, and cultural adjustments as an Australian abroad. The novel explores themes of idealism versus pragmatism, examining how individuals and institutions attempt to reshape the world in the aftermath of devastating conflict. It presents a nuanced portrait of the interwar period's political optimism and the personal costs of pursuing world peace.

Readers appreciate the detailed historical backdrop of 1920s Geneva and the League of Nations. Many note the rich character development of Edith Campbell Berry and how the book captures the optimism of international diplomacy in the interwar period. Common praise focuses on Moorhouse's research and period authenticity. Multiple reviewers highlight the exploration of gender roles and sexuality in diplomatic circles. Main criticisms include the slow pacing and excessive detail that some find tedious. Several readers note difficulty connecting with Edith's character, describing her as cold or unlikeable. Some reviews mention the length (over 600 pages) as challenging. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) Sample review: "Meticulous research and atmosphere, but the narrative gets bogged down in diplomatic minutiae" - Goodreads user "Like watching paint dry at times, but the historical setting is fascinating" - Amazon reviewer

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🌍 The League of Nations employed approximately 700 international civil servants in Geneva during its peak in the 1930s, creating a unique multicultural diplomatic community. 📚 "Grand Days" won the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal in 1994, cementing its place as a significant work of Australian historical fiction. 🏛️ The Palais des Nations, where much of the novel is set, still stands today in Geneva and serves as the European headquarters of the United Nations. ✒️ Frank Moorhouse researched the novel by spending time in Geneva's archives and interviewing former League of Nations employees and their descendants. 🎭 The character of Edith Campbell Berry was partly inspired by real Australian women who worked for the League of Nations, including feminist Stella Miles Franklin who served as a secretary.