Sophia C. reviewed on 11/2/2014 + 289 more book reviews

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.

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