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"Third Floor Rising" by Hilary Mantel, part of the collection of semi-autobiographical stories titled "Learning to Talk," explores the author's tumultuous childhood and her evolving relationship with language. Set predominantly in Northern England during the 1950s and 60s, the stories detail Mantel’s experiences growing up in a challenging environment. The main character, a young Hilary, navigates her childhood in a working-class, conservative setting. Her life becomes particularly complex due to her strong-willed mother, who defies societal norms by cohabiting with two men. This unusual family dynamic fosters a life of secrecy and distorted memories. One of the collection’s notable stories, "Third Floor Rising," depicts an 18-year-old Hilary working alongside her mother in a department store. Here, Hilary struggles to emulate her mother’s success as a saleswoman but ultimately feels overshadowed by her mother’s popularity and charisma. This environment symbolizes her battle for independence and highlights the strained relationships between mothers and daughters.