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.
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.
