Sackville-West, Vita. All Passion Spent. The Hogarth Press. 1975 (reprint). 297 pp. Hardcover with dust jacket image by Vanessa Bell. [sold]

What can I say: a book I regret to have sold... 

"Released by widowhood" and enjoying the liberties of old age, Lade Slane moves from London to retire to a tiny house in Hampstead where she "enjoys the mellow present in the company of those she has chosen." The chosen ones are: her servant, Madame Genoux (who is still very much expected to be available at all times, despite her own old age); the owner and agent of Lady Slane's rented house, Mr. Bucktrout, who brings her flowers; her carpenter, Mr. Gosheron; and the eccentric Mr. FitzGeorge, who encourages her to "be herself", by means of an unexpected gift.

A favourite of mine.

Cover drawing by Vanessa Bell.