brandyobrien9's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
notasilkycat's review
4.0
This is an exquisitely written book about loneliness in old age. A subtle, touching and extremely sad one.
lagobond's review
5.0
I got off to a bad start with this book, because Paul Bailey in his introduction decided to give away half the plot -- fortunately I caught on quickly, and skipped the intro. I did finally read it after I finished the book. I found that it added nothing whatsoever to the experience; and on one occasion it even misspelled the name of the main character. Be that as it may, I really wish publishers had the common sense to put such spoilery essays at the END of books.
I almost gave up on the novel itself only 20 or 30 pages in, because by then, Elizabeth Taylor's succinct prose had pitched me head-first into a well of despair. And I had been warned that the book is "depressing." I'm so glad I hung in there, because this turned out to be right up my alley. Closely observed and finely crafted, quiet and unflinching, subtly amusing, evocative. A book that made me think and feel.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to be old and forgotten: this book will show you. I recognize in these vignettes everyone I've known who made it to that age where there's nothing left to do but wait for death. The loneliness of "old folks' homes;" the banality of one's day-to-day life when the future only holds more of the same monotony; the indignity of no longer mattering to the world. But if you're still reading now, I would like to say that this is not a depressing book. It's honest, yes: it doesn't sugarcoat things, and there are heart-wrenching moments for sure. But there's also dignity, hope, friendship, humor, courage, endearing subterfuge, obstinacy, kindness, and decency. I ended up caring about each and every one of this diverse cast of characters (though I have a particular soft spot for Mr. Osmond with his outrage at the skettered rine!), and that's not something every author can pull off. I look forward to reading more of Elizabeth Taylor's work.
I almost gave up on the novel itself only 20 or 30 pages in, because by then, Elizabeth Taylor's succinct prose had pitched me head-first into a well of despair. And I had been warned that the book is "depressing." I'm so glad I hung in there, because this turned out to be right up my alley. Closely observed and finely crafted, quiet and unflinching, subtly amusing, evocative. A book that made me think and feel.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to be old and forgotten: this book will show you. I recognize in these vignettes everyone I've known who made it to that age where there's nothing left to do but wait for death. The loneliness of "old folks' homes;" the banality of one's day-to-day life when the future only holds more of the same monotony; the indignity of no longer mattering to the world. But if you're still reading now, I would like to say that this is not a depressing book. It's honest, yes: it doesn't sugarcoat things, and there are heart-wrenching moments for sure. But there's also dignity, hope, friendship, humor, courage, endearing subterfuge, obstinacy, kindness, and decency. I ended up caring about each and every one of this diverse cast of characters (though I have a particular soft spot for Mr. Osmond with his outrage at the skettered rine!), and that's not something every author can pull off. I look forward to reading more of Elizabeth Taylor's work.
literarilysmitten's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
affiknittyreads's review
4.0
This was such a lovely, quiet, gently funny novel. I don’t remember where I came across it (maybe the NYT column Read Like the Wind?) but I am delighted to have discovered this author! For fans of Barbara Pym.
daschneider's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Well written story about a widow who moves into a London pension as she works out her elder years. But triggering for me as I face retirement and the latter years of my life.