kstookley's review against another edition
5.0
This books makes me feel ready to retire in style-- but, more importantly, live a life true to myself and my values. Altogether funny, charming, and uplifting.
drealorr's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
chairmanbernanke's review against another edition
4.0
Reflection on society and permissible roles and choices.
rdebner's review
funny
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
poachedeggs's review against another edition
4.0
This is a really lovely book about ageing, solitude, and relationships. An 88-year-old woman whose ex-PM of a husband has just passed away surprises her numerous children when she declares her intention to live alone in Hampstead rather than with any of them. What follows is a string of 'strange and lovely' things - low-key but significant friendships re-kindled and newly established; the past coming to life in muted shades.
This is a book I'd love to return to every decade or so of my life. The only reason why I didn't give it the full five stars is because I found the portrayal of Lady Slane's children a little caricature-like (though not entirely without truth).
On another note, I'm so happy that there are still these great (dead) authors whom I've never heard of. Sackville-West was Virginia Woolf's lover!
This is a book I'd love to return to every decade or so of my life. The only reason why I didn't give it the full five stars is because I found the portrayal of Lady Slane's children a little caricature-like (though not entirely without truth).
On another note, I'm so happy that there are still these great (dead) authors whom I've never heard of. Sackville-West was Virginia Woolf's lover!
pbobrit's review against another edition
4.0
A great book. The first one of Vita's I've read, and a great companion to Virginia's 'A Room of One's Own'. It explores many of the themes of Virginia's work but from a fictional perspective. The character of Lady Sloane who has lived her life for her husband and only recaptures her true self in her twilight years after he has passed. The book itself espouses the values of Bloomsbury, but Vita has her own very funny voice, creating great larger than life characters. Well worth a read.