- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Flamingo; (Reissue) edition (25 July 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006547818
- ISBN-13: 978-0006547815
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 122,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Barbara Pym's last novel, and a witty portrayal of hidden emotions and passions. Leonora Eyre is an elegant woman of indeterminate age, with a fondness for Victoriana and attractive young men. Humphrey, an antique dealer, and his handsome nephew would seem to be suitable new acquaintances.
Book Description
Between the amorous antique dealer Humphrey and his good-looking nephew James glides the magnificent Leonora, delicate as porcelain, cool as ice. Can she keep James in her thrall? Or will he be taken from her by a lover, like Phoebe . . . or Ned, the wicked American? 'A highly distinctive and - ultimately - charitable novel' Financial Times 'Faultless' Guardian 'Her Characters are all meticulously impaled on the delicate pins of a wit that is as scrupulous as it is deadly' Observer ‘A coldly funny book’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Highly distinctive . . . the critics who have recently insisted on Miss Pym’s too long neglected gifts have not been wrong’ Financial Times
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is somehow an atypical Pym novel, or perhaps it's more true to say that Leonora is an atypical heroine, less easy to relate to than most. She has money and a certain position, yet her life is empty.
There is an attempt to be "modern," with some bisexuality and a gay man; as usual, this is done elegantly and quietly - BP had some understanding of this what we would call "lifestyle." These characters, however, are nothing like as much fun as Piers and Keith in "A Glass of Blessings," although the Keats scholar, Ned, is what Leonora would describe as "amusing."
It's a sad novel with amusing (not "amusing") parts. I think BP wrote it when she was beginning to be ill, so perhaps that explains something.
There is an attempt to be "modern," with some bisexuality and a gay man; as usual, this is done elegantly and quietly - BP had some understanding of this what we would call "lifestyle." These characters, however, are nothing like as much fun as Piers and Keith in "A Glass of Blessings," although the Keats scholar, Ned, is what Leonora would describe as "amusing."
It's a sad novel with amusing (not "amusing") parts. I think BP wrote it when she was beginning to be ill, so perhaps that explains something.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I discovered Barbara Pym last year when I was asked to read 'Excellent Women' because a literature class where I work were wanting a "young persons" opinion on her writing (I'm in my late twenties so not that young), and immediately fell in love with her prose.
This is the second novel I have read by Pym and absolutely adored it, so much so, that I finished it in a day. She is one of those authors who deserves more recognition because her prose is just outstanding.
This novel was witty, satirical and quite sad all at the same time. I could feel myself getting annoyed with some of the characters actions and personality traits, and then in the next sentence chuckling at the absurdity of the situations they have found themselves in.
Pym's observations are subtle yet so excellently written, and her descriptions on a world/society that no longer exists are just captivating. I look forward to reading the rest of her work.
This is the second novel I have read by Pym and absolutely adored it, so much so, that I finished it in a day. She is one of those authors who deserves more recognition because her prose is just outstanding.
This novel was witty, satirical and quite sad all at the same time. I could feel myself getting annoyed with some of the characters actions and personality traits, and then in the next sentence chuckling at the absurdity of the situations they have found themselves in.
Pym's observations are subtle yet so excellently written, and her descriptions on a world/society that no longer exists are just captivating. I look forward to reading the rest of her work.
Format:Paperback
The Sweet Dove Died is my favourite BP.Getting tired of yet more good looking vicars ,here she shows very clearly her deep insight into the real world of sexual ambiguity.These fascinating characters have none of the rigid hang -ups of other Pym stereotypes,even Humphry.can deal with his newphews choices .Eleanor is masterly,part she devil,part tragic oldie.The scene between Eleanor and James where he touches her stiffly lacquered hair is ghoulish in the extreme.There is much more to BP than her other novels would tend to suggest.A very modern novel.
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