memelollars's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful, touching little book that was fun to read, but will also tug at your heart strings.
threeundertwopnw's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
5.0
A sly, humorous exploration of the tragedy we all must face - aging and becoming less relevant in society. Mrs Palfrey ultimately wins the game in the only way one can, by finding someone to love who actually *sees* them. Beautiful and sad. I'm so glad I read it.
charlotteforbes's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ipb1's review against another edition
4.0
Acerbic and unbearably poignant. Something akin to Spark's [b:Memento Mori|2686643|Memento Mori|Muriel Spark|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344390447l/2686643._SY75_.jpg|2934614] (in tone rather than plot). 3.5*
grytev's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
abrswf's review against another edition
5.0
This is an exquisite little novel set in the "mod" 1960s in London, about an aging widow's sojourn at a hotel, the British version at the time of a retirement home. It's both unsparing and delicate, a poignant meditation on aging and loneliness. A wry and sometimes acidic humor, aided by a sit-com style plot twist, weaves throughout.
katebushofficial's review against another edition
5.0
taking this book to richard osmans cosy english pensioners crime convention and making him feel silly. you just don’t get it like her.
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the setting and the characters and I did find it very bleak. The bleakness was done very effectively; still, it is hard to enjoy a bleak story. The book is set at the Claremont Hotel among a community of elderly people who are hanging onto the last threads of independent living by being ongoing guests at the Claremont in London. It ends up as an end-of-life story for some of them. Various points of view are used.
minnavia's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
2.0
shirleycallow's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5