Learn English – What does ‘Not to order’ mean

british-english

I came across this line in one of Nina Bawden's works:

I have only once written a book, not to order, exactly, but to please
a particular audience; a girl of seven who was, as she put it, 'a
little bit blind'.

I'm trying to figure out what the writer means by 'not to order' in this context.

I'd appreciate any help!

EDIT: Here's a bit of context: The author mentions in the same extract that the girl suggested an idea for a book to be based on jewel thieves and a blind girl who does something brave. Also, the author writes that she's impressed by her ability to navigate through dark corridors even with limited eyesight. Both these factors formed the inspiration for the book.

Best Answer

If something is "made to order", it means it is:

Made in accordance with particular instructions or requirements.

The interpretation of this particular question is tricky however. The three commas in the first part make it difficult to know without further context how to correctly parse it.

My interpretation:

The book in question was being refered to as being "[not exactly] written to order". In other words, it was not exactly written for one particular girl, although the author clearly had the girl at the forefront of her mind when she wrote.

Alternative interpretation (supplied by Paul Richter)

The author was not instructed or required to write it, she wrote it (for the girl) of her own accord.

The question is who she is saying she has made the book "to order" for.

Perhaps reading on in the book would clarify this.

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