Why I put the boot in

You haven't read The Huntingfield Paintress yet but when you do, you will understand why I imagine the main character, Mildred Holland, might put on boots such as these each morning. Her soft ladies shoes or slippers would not provide the firm footware she would need to keep her safe and protected. To me, the boot is a symbol of Mildred's struggle, a visible sign of her determination to do what she wanted, even though everyone around her questionned the logic and value of what she was doing. You'll have to read the book to find out more!