Five Leaves Publications

Book details

Jessie Chambers, described by D.H. Lawrence in his Autobiographical Sketch as “the chief friend of my youth”, played a vital role in his early development as a writer. They became friends as teenagers when Lawrence started to visit her family at Haggs Farm, Underwood, bonding over their shared loves of literature and nature. Lawrence supported Jessie with her studies and Jessie encouraged him in his writing, copying out his poems and sending them off to The English Review magazine. Jessie is the model for Miriam in Sons and Lovers, although it is this that caused a rift between them. Jessie felt that the portrayal was a betrayal, as Lawrence depicted her and his mother as rivals for his love. When Lawrence began a relationship with a married woman, Frieda Weekley, it was the final straw. Jessie broke off all communication. The last time they met was in 1912, their last correspondence was in 1913. And yet the bond between them remained. Lawrence told Jessie, “Of course, it will be you who will write my epitaph,” and with A Personal Record, she fulfilled that expectation.

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