Jane Gardam

Jane Gardam is a British author known for her award-winning novels, short stories, and children's books. She has received numerous accolades, including the Whitbread Award and the Heywood Hill Literary Prize.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Old Filth

    The novel follows the life of Sir Edward Feathers, a successful but emotionally stunted barrister, who is known by the nickname "Old Filth" (Failed in London, Try Hong Kong). The protagonist's life is traced from his birth in Malaya, his upbringing in Wales, to his successful law career in Hong Kong, and retirement in England. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the lasting effects of the British Empire, while revealing the personal history and emotional landscape of a man who has spent his life avoiding introspection and emotional connections.

    The 3012th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Queen of the Tambourine

    The novel follows the life of Eliza Peabody, a bored, middle-aged housewife living in a wealthy London suburb. As her life starts to unravel, she begins writing a series of unsolicited letters to her neighbor, Joan, offering unsolicited advice. When Joan disappears, Eliza continues her one-sided correspondence, revealing more about her own life and its gradual descent into madness. The novel is a darkly comic exploration of loneliness, mental illness, and the human need for connection.

    The 10889th Greatest Book of All Time