tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post4755200452174054270..comments2023-09-20T17:55:43.908-05:00Comments on BookLust: Review: Excellent WomenAartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-21884707712743357242011-07-13T02:38:48.764-05:002011-07-13T02:38:48.764-05:00I admit I am charmed by your honest and incisive r...I admit I am charmed by your honest and incisive review. Hello from a new follower btw! I don't know if I want to read this book right now but it is certainly someting to read in the future.Anachronisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10398058819007642332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-40330572763916614092010-07-19T09:28:16.016-05:002010-07-19T09:28:16.016-05:00It's been too long since I read this book but ...It's been too long since I read this book but I do recall being extremely impressed with Pym's writing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-65004139598418835242010-06-13T13:36:17.237-05:002010-06-13T13:36:17.237-05:00Excellent review Aarti! I actually have this book ...Excellent review Aarti! I actually have this book on my bookshelf but haven't read it, yet (my partner read a couple of Barbara Pym's books ages ago, I just haven't gotten round to reading them) - mybe that ought to be my challenge, to read all of the books in the house which I haven't read yet <i>before</i> I'm allowed to buy any more!Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03070070360087765540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-8324094433844704582010-06-10T13:13:40.225-05:002010-06-10T13:13:40.225-05:00Thanks for the review. I've got No Fond Return...Thanks for the review. I've got No Fond Return Of Love on my shelf, and have been putting off reading it as I wasn't quite sure what "mood" I have to be in to read it. (I've never read a Pym before). <br /><br />Your review's given me a better idea of that, as well as made me more curious about Excellent Women, which I've heard "excellent" things about, if you may excuse the repetition.anothercookiecrumbleshttp://www.anothercookiecrumbles.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-30063157347723765272010-06-06T09:24:58.635-05:002010-06-06T09:24:58.635-05:00As CarrieM says, the high church Anglican is somet...As CarrieM says, the high church Anglican is sometimes referred to as Anglo-Catholic because it retained the forms of Catholicism after the Reformation. They like "smells and bells" (that is, incense and ritual).Jeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374498643286099244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-64568997619578822802010-06-06T06:51:47.219-05:002010-06-06T06:51:47.219-05:00Very interesting review. It definitely made me thi...Very interesting review. It definitely made me think. I have never read Pym, but I really want to. I think this advance warning not to expect anything cosy might help?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-55321016478941756692010-06-05T05:05:17.424-05:002010-06-05T05:05:17.424-05:00I think that Mildred ending up with Everard Bone i...I think that Mildred ending up with Everard Bone is another example of Pym's comic wit. Their marriage is referred to by an anthropology librarian as rather a pity as the relationship between Helene Napier and Edward was so important because of their interest in anthropology. <br /><br />Romance is not seen as a reason for weddings in Pym novels. <br /><br />I can't remember whether it is in J&P or a later novel, possibly A Few Green Leaves, where we are told that Helen and Rocky have a baby. This is a typical Pym device. And one I rather like.sharna leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13223274629655993044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-85453298931914594662010-06-05T04:30:27.468-05:002010-06-05T04:30:27.468-05:00I've been dying to read this ever since you me...I've been dying to read this ever since you mentioned it to me in conversation, and even more so now. It does sound lonely and dark, but if I expect that going in hopefully I'll be fine.Ana S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16092495983972185943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-69838200172606286052010-06-05T00:38:07.806-05:002010-06-05T00:38:07.806-05:00Stacy- Oh, I didn't know that! I think at th...Stacy- Oh, I didn't know that! I think at the end of the book, you get an idea of where she might end up, though I don't know if it entirely makes sense to me. I checked, though, and my thought was correct! Thanks for letting me know.Aartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-89050435620997361962010-06-04T07:46:27.400-05:002010-06-04T07:46:27.400-05:00I have loved everything I have read by Pym and I t...I have loved everything I have read by Pym and I think your review is very insightful. I am enjoying her stories so much, yet there is much in them that is unsettling. I feel acutely aware of an undercurrent of sadness that runs through much of her work. About the religious aspect...this was a little confusing for me in the beginning but as I read more by her, the context is clearing that up quite a bit. For all the ups and downs of Pym's books, I do get a cozy feeling when the subject of food and gathering for tea comes up. There is a bit of closure regarding Mildred weaved into Pym's Jane and Prudence.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09648674890697013673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-68719572623718929352010-06-03T18:06:45.812-05:002010-06-03T18:06:45.812-05:00I loved your review, particularly as you have &quo...I loved your review, particularly as you have "nailed" the frequent commentary that sees Pym's novels as "cosy". They are so not cosy, in my view. At the same time, i really enjoy reading them over and over - often laughing aloud at some of the comments on life in general. <br /><br />I have had the opportunity to read some of Pym's short stories, some of which are published in the Society's journal, "Greenleaves". They are even sharper than the novels, which have been polished : Pym was a great redrafter of her work. <br /><br />Thank you for your review, I am glad that I have googled BP and thus come upon it.sharna leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13223274629655993044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-8233037197935616502010-06-03T15:39:49.870-05:002010-06-03T15:39:49.870-05:00Barbara Pym is one of my most favourite-est author...Barbara Pym is one of my most favourite-est authors. The first of hers that I read was <i>Quartet in Autumn</i> and then I read such a bunch that I refer to that period as My Barbara Pym Blur! ::contented laugh::Buried In Printhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00808249065026802365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-47348706822183411082010-06-03T13:15:41.457-05:002010-06-03T13:15:41.457-05:00I hadn't heard of this book until I read your ...I hadn't heard of this book until I read your review. Thanks for bringing it to my attention because I think I would find it interesting, being another unmarried woman who is quite happy being single at the moment!Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13129403256160928190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-37809227577053143192010-06-03T09:04:35.516-05:002010-06-03T09:04:35.516-05:00I have never read anything by Pym, but have heard ...I have never read anything by Pym, but have heard some good things. I really liked this review, Aarti. I feel like you captured the spirit and flavor of the book, along with the conundrum of being single in a world that wants to marry you off. I think that I would really like to read this book. Coincidentally, I am reading a book right now that deals with a lot of these same issues, so it's cool to have seen this review.Zibileehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05857638467064749190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-72452397971072865592010-06-03T08:41:36.427-05:002010-06-03T08:41:36.427-05:00Thought-provoking review. I haven't even read ...Thought-provoking review. I haven't even read the book and am sitting here thinking about its complexities and the depth of feelings you convey about it! It sounds like a lovely, though mildly depressing, read, especially her liking being alone but feeling a certain way because of what others think of her.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18102250492155489672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-87153619069628666202010-06-03T07:27:32.603-05:002010-06-03T07:27:32.603-05:00At first glance, this is probably not a book I wil...At first glance, this is probably not a book I will pick up. But you have me curious about it now. I especially like what you wrote in the last paragraph, and if this book echoes that sentiment, it is something I would definitely want to read. I don't think I will get most of the Church references either, but I can still try.Athirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03366654538383603004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-41565341095271795852010-06-03T04:12:27.151-05:002010-06-03T04:12:27.151-05:00Whata great review, Aarti. I really like Barbara P...Whata great review, Aarti. I really like Barbara Pym’s writing and this sounds excellent, if not a little uncomfortable. I have just finished a very sad book about a spinster and it was very painful for me to read. As a single woman I often feel slighted or patronised or pitied by women in relationships and it frustrates me no end. I of course must be free to babysit constantly, because I don’t have a boyfriend, so I have nothing else to do with my time. And I must be absolutely DESPERATE to meet someone, because my life is so empty as it is. Sometimes books that are about spinsters just cut a little too close to the bone of my own experience for me to fully enjoy. I’m not ready to be classed as a spinster yet – I’m a bit young for that – but I do wish the world wouldn’t take the attitude that your life is less full and interesting and worthwhile if you go through it without a partner. <br />Anglo Catholic would be the equivalent of Episcopalian, I should think. It’s basically a Protestant who likes all the decoration, finery and ritual of the Catholic church in their church services, but who isn’t a Catholic in the sense of believing in the authority of the Pope, etc. There was an enormous vogue for this sort of Protestantism in England at the end of the 19th century. The Rossetti family were very involved with it in London, I think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-21338836723996537782010-06-03T02:08:43.505-05:002010-06-03T02:08:43.505-05:00Hm, well I can't always want to read a book. I...Hm, well I can't always want to read a book. I need to have some sort of self control too :) So not the book for me I thinkBlodeueddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03435479623560871881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-25371696743320505982010-06-02T23:57:18.502-05:002010-06-02T23:57:18.502-05:00I am no ecclesiastical expert, but in the Anglican...I am no ecclesiastical expert, but in the Anglican church (formed in the Henry the 8th imbroglio), there is what is called high church and low church. High church is protestant, but retains much Roman Catholic symbolism and ritual. Low church is more like other protestant religions, presbyterianism and such. They are types of the same organization however, and people would attend the kind they felt most comfortable with.<br /><br />Thanks for the review!CarrieMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02837113743279702139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-34960261529620416112010-06-02T23:19:15.202-05:002010-06-02T23:19:15.202-05:00bookmagic- YES! I don't think my friends are ...bookmagic- YES! I don't think my friends are like that, really (at least not close friends), but many people seem to think there is a step to my life I have not completed. Sigh.<br /><br />Jenny- I am on the fence about her, too, but like you- glad to know for the next book not to expect a cozy!<br /><br />Amused- Yes, I like books during this period, too! Though I prefer the inter-war period, I admit :-)Aartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-65138505266951105592010-06-02T22:39:57.219-05:002010-06-02T22:39:57.219-05:00I am super intrigued by this book. I love books se...I am super intrigued by this book. I love books set in England during this time period and your review really peaked my interest. Looking forward to checking it out!Amusedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12657337249497691366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-85273944444316476992010-06-02T20:55:04.359-05:002010-06-02T20:55:04.359-05:00I got nothing on the whole Catholic/Anglican/Anglo...I got nothing on the whole Catholic/Anglican/Anglo-Catholic question. But I had the same expectations mismatch with Barbara Pym - cozy is what I was expecting, and she is so not that. I'm on the fence about her, but I think I'll have an easier time with her now that I know what to expect going in.Jennyhttp://jennysbooks.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-24607853894303048802010-06-02T20:41:14.561-05:002010-06-02T20:41:14.561-05:00I can't believe I haven't read anything by...I can't believe I haven't read anything by this author. This book sounds like it would be right up my alley for like Mildred I am happily unmarried and it drove my friends crazy during my 30's- they aren't my friends anymore as I didn't join their club. I think I may read this and am glad I won't expect a lighter book. I like to know what I'm getting. Great review as usualbookmagichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13808845291761439603noreply@blogger.com