Penelope's English Experiences / Being Extracts from the Commonplace Book of Penelope Hamilton

A series of letters from an American artist Penelope Hamilton as she describes her time in London with two other women from America as well as her stay in a small house in the country. Penelope falls in love and finds her aspirations of being an artist do not satisfy her as much as being a woman.

In 1890 something, three American girls go to London for the Season. There's Selemina, almost 40 and as English as if she had been born there; Penelope, almost 30 and an artist and Francesca, almost 20 and searching for a wealthy husband. The girls enjoy the delights London has to offer and discover that the English aristocracy are not so intimidating after all. Then Penelope moves on to the country for the summer and she must make a monumental decision about her future.

This is a light, breezy charming little novel by the author of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. It offers an outsiders perspective on London and British culture. It's witty in parts and sentimental in others.