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shipssail's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book because the main character works in publishing as do I sort of. I like how she goes through a physical transformation throughout the book, how she offers advice to the reader and I like her snappy, witty, conspiratorial and conversational style. I read this book because of Maud Newton's quarterly mailing and I'm glad I did.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
beccajdb's review against another edition
Not all that funny or wry. And rather washed-out in a take-it-or-leave-it sort of atmosphere. Also couldn’t abide the odd clumsiness, such as “Mr York filled his glass, and I him in about Wanda”. Crikey.
andrew61's review against another edition
4.0
I love delving into the world of Muriel Spark who crafts darkly comic stories around unique and brilliantly drawn characters. In this one Nancy Hawkins is a 29 year old WW2 widow living in a rented bedsit in a house of curious characters including Polish dressmaker Wanda. Working in the publishing industry she confronts Hector Bartlett calling him a 'piseur de copie', creator of drivel.
At the same time an anonymous caller is causing distress to Wanda. The story follows Mrs Hawkins life in post war London as she manages her life in house and work.
I am yet to put down a Muriel Spark novel without immense satisfaction in a brilliant story well told.
At the same time an anonymous caller is causing distress to Wanda. The story follows Mrs Hawkins life in post war London as she manages her life in house and work.
I am yet to put down a Muriel Spark novel without immense satisfaction in a brilliant story well told.
graywacke's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
As a recreation of 1954/1955 London's South Kensington and its publishing world, this is something of a masterpiece. A little slow in its plot line. It has a darker charm. Enjoyed it!
erna_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Muriel Spark at her best! In some ways it feels like a sequel to the Girls of Slender Means.
amy_mack's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75