The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls

Anton Disclafani

A coming-of-age tale set in the claustrophobic world of a 1930’s finishing school for the daughters of wealthy Southern families. But Thea isn’t there to acquire polish or to refine her riding skills – she has been sent from home as a punishment. Gradually, through flashbacks, we discover why. But can we trust Thea - is she a reliable narrator? Is this a straightforward tale of sexual awakening and search for identity – or something darker?

Extract

Everyone here seemed so rich and Southern, impervious to the slings and arrows of the world. And there was me, who had learned to ride from Mother, on a pony without papers. My middle name was not an important family name, my family did not have five homes stateside, or spend Christmas in Venice. We were fine, because of the citrus money, but my father was a physician, not a cotton magnate or an oil king.

Parallels