This book investigates the practical expectations and social standards imposed upon young women living in Britain during the twentieth century. Eileen Holgate provides a comprehensive overview of the daily life, professional aspirations, and personal management skills required of women throughout the era. By examining shifting cultural norms, the author constructs a framework for understanding how women navigated domestic responsibilities, career paths, and personal autonomy. The text utilizes historical context to explain the evolution of hygiene, fashion, and travel standards across several decades.

Readers frequently note the accessible and instructional tone of the prose, which serves as a snapshot of domestic life. Experts highlight this as a useful reference for understanding the social constraints and aspirations of women in the twentieth century.