Typical Pym. An entertaining novel about a single woman of a certain age and the activities of her London neighborhood post WWII. Lots of nosy neighbors, tea drinking, and church committee work. I found this a fun satire of British society, if not particularlly groundbreaking.
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Excellent Women
Excellent Women
Author:
Excellent Women is probably the most famous of Barbara Pym?s novels. The acclaim of a few years ago for this early comic novel, which was hailed by Lord David Cecil as one of ?the finest examples of high comedy to have appeared in England during the past seventy-five years,? helped launch the rediscovery of the author?s entire work. Mildred Lath... more »
Author:
Excellent Women is probably the most famous of Barbara Pym?s novels. The acclaim of a few years ago for this early comic novel, which was hailed by Lord David Cecil as one of ?the finest examples of high comedy to have appeared in England during the past seventy-five years,? helped launch the rediscovery of the author?s entire work. Mildred Lath... more »
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(save 44%)ISBN-13: 9780452267305
ISBN-10: 0452267307
Publication Date: 5/1/1988
Pages: 272
Rating: 27
ISBN-10: 0452267307
Publication Date: 5/1/1988
Pages: 272
Rating: 27
3.9 stars, based on 27 ratings
Publisher: Plume Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 3
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 3
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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slightly used
Excellent Women is an excellent portrait of spinsterhood in post-war London. Mildred Lathbury is a prime example of the wholesome, friendly woman that others suspect are desperate to get married. Instead, she lives vicariously through her involvement in others' lives. Her comfortable role in her church circles and volunteer work is shaken up by a couple who moves into the flat next door. I have a hard time picturing Mildred as in her early 30s -- it must have been a different time then, with more acceptance of her role as a spinster. I wonder what feminist conscious-raising would have done to Mildred. This was was a light, engaging read from the list of 1001 books you must read before you die.
An "excellent" character sketch of all people essentially British. A nice read!
Very light and enjoyable.
Genres:
