Brilliant

Great rendition of this wonderful book- beautifully observed, magnificently understated. They don’t write ‘em like this anymore. Lovely reading by Patience Tomlinson

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Slow start, rewarding after tea

Everything you might expect to find in a Pym novel is present in abundance in this tale of two unmarried sisters living together in a quiet English village. Set in the early 1950s life revolves around the church, its clergy and a congregation amply furnished with spinsters.

It is slow to get going but the gentle humour and wistful musings about love soon appear as the cast of characters are skilfully introduced. Before long the charm of a simple story well told takes over and Pym’s characters come to life. A reading of outstanding poise and insight enhances the experience.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent

Such an easy “read” as always. Beautifully written. Nice and pleasant narration. Barbara Pym never disappoints.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A Masterpiece

Barbara Pym is an excellent writer. Her characters are superbly crafted and her sense of humour is subtle and exquisite!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

witty period piece

Barbara Pym is a sly, latterday Jane Austen, puncturing pomposity with understated wit and compassion.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Th inside story

Interesting insight into the background of her characters. Antonia Beamish has a pleasing voice but stumbles occasionally which is unprofessional, as she could have re-recorded those blips, in addition to one or two howlers of mis-pronunciation. OUDS (Oxford University Dramatic Society) should rhyme with “crowds” but it was read out a OODS to rhyme moods. Ouch! Also, St Edmund Hall (which should have no ‘s’) was read aloud as St Edmund’s Hall. How can a narrator blithely undertake to read and make public a performance so carelessly? In spite of this I enjoyed listening to the book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

It's not about the story...

It's about the behaviour of the characters. Deliciously observant, delicately ironic, nicely read. If you enjoy Mapp and Lucia and if you love Somerset Maugham for his lack of illusions, this is for you. (If you require action and excitement, it's not). A wonderfully enjoyable listen which is hardly dated at all, because it is about people who are very believable.

Despite the headline I am giving the story two stars, as I don't want to drag the rating down.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful

This is my third and favourite Barbara Pym to date. I am so looking forward to reading more. The narrator was perfect in bringing the characters to life.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Even better when read aloud!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I've loved this book for years. Hearing it read aloud gave me a new appreciation of all the humour and the little details and nuances which sometimes don't get picked up when read for oneself.

What did you like best about this story?

Don't look for an exciting plot line - there isn't one. Instead it's just a magnificent portrait of life in a small English village in the 1950s. Pym's first published work, this was written when she was comparatively young, and imagining herself, her sister and friends as much older incarnations of themselves. The result is a wonderfully funny and sometimes unexpectedly touching picture of how she thought they might all turn out one day. It's a joy.

Which character – as performed by Patience Tomlinson – was your favourite?

All characters are well written, and I was so pleased that Patience Tomlinson does them full justice.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Really excellent and clever, well narrated

Very much enjoyed this - I think my first Barbara Pym - or if not certainly first in decades. Superb narration, dry wit and clever characterisation. Alas after one more with Patience Tomlinson narrating (also excellent) I tried one with Maggie Marsh which was so awful I have not had to give up on audible Barbara Pym.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!