Reviews

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

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seonarella's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lokster71's review against another edition

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5.0

I utterly adored this book.

It is the deceptively gentil story of Mildred Lathbury's life. It is witty, clever, and moving. I might call it Austenesque if I'd read any Jane Austen novel except Pride & Prejudice.

I highlighted lots of quotes, which will give you a better idea both of the quality of the writing and the sharpness of the wit. Oddly I felt that I had a lot in common with Mildred Lathbury, although without the Church going.

I'm not going to say much else except you should read it. Because you'll love it.

lilleiris's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mary412's review against another edition

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3.0

I friend once told me that Barbara Pym was her favorite writer. I had never heard of her! I enjoyed listening to Excellent Women - Jayne Entwistle's voice is lovely, and the whole package is so British.

kcon2292's review against another edition

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funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

mcsangel2's review against another edition

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4.0

I gleefully immersed myself into the descriptions of this 1950s British village life; with drab brown clothes, beige meals, endless cups of tea, and friends and neighbors who are clearly saving Mildred from an unfulfilled life by inserting her in their lives and problems.

Apparently, one was considered past the prime of life if one was unmarried at the age of thirty-three. Really enjoyed this book, but I'm awfully glad I'm not living in 1952.