G.F. Skipworth's new book of historical fiction, The Simpering, North Dakota Literary Society, is a jaunty and tongue-in-cheek look at American life in the early twentieth century, but is at the same time set against the struggle over voting, investment and property rights for women. Dealing with the serious issues of that era with plenty of action, the improbable and breezy story is still alluring to those who seek a gentle read. If it were another book with other intentions, one could describe its language as overly-embellished, but in this case, the prim dialect and colorful detours into character study are all part of the fun. So many peculiar personalities stroll in and out of the story (including the infamous Dorothy Parker and American ex-pat Lady Astor, the first woman to sit in the British parliament) that prequels and sequels are almost a given. Somehow, all of these misfits intersect in a way that makes sense, and deceptive endings will tease the sleuth. The reader who seeks harshly violent and coarse stories will not appreciate Simpering, but to those who enjoy word-play, subtle turn of phrase and the tragicically funny side of romance, we recommend it as a good companion for the beach, fireplace or backyard swing. - RAI Reviews