Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor (1912–1975) was a British novelist and short-story writer. Her work is known for its nuanced depiction of the English middle class and is often characterized by its wit, insight, and a subtle examination of social relationships. Among her most famous works are the novels 'At Mrs Lippincote's' (1945), 'Angel' (1957), and 'Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont' (1971). Taylor's writing has been praised for its elegance and depth, and she has been compared to authors such as Jane Austen and Barbara Pym.
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.
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1. Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont
This novel focuses on the life of an elderly widow who moves into a London residential hotel, the Claremont, where she befriends the other elderly residents. She forms an unlikely friendship with a young writer, who she passes off as her grandson to the other residents. The story explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships.
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2. Angel
The novel explores the life of an eccentric and determined young woman who dreams of becoming a famous novelist. Despite her lack of literary talent, she achieves success with melodramatic romances, becoming wealthy and celebrated in the process. As she navigates the trials of her career and personal life, her stubborn and delusional nature both aids and hampers her. The story is a satirical examination of fame, art, and the disconnect between an artist's persona and their true self, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England.
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3. Blaming
"Blaming" is a poignant story about a woman named Amy who, after the sudden death of her husband during a holiday, finds herself befriended by an American woman named Martha. Despite their differences, Martha provides Amy with comfort and support, but Amy finds it difficult to accept this kindness due to her reserved and private nature. The novel explores themes of grief, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships, as well as the guilt and blame individuals often place on themselves in times of hardship.
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4. Angel
"Angel" is a novel that chronicles the life of Angelica Deverell, a fiercely imaginative and ambitious young woman who defies her impoverished background by becoming a successful romantic novelist in early 20th-century England. With a vivid imagination and a disregard for literary conventions, Angel writes extravagant and melodramatic tales that captivate readers, earning her fame and fortune. However, her ascent to literary stardom is paralleled by her personal isolation and detachment from reality, as her relationships and sense of self become increasingly distorted by the grandiose world she has created in her fiction. The novel explores themes of fantasy versus reality, the nature of fame, and the consequences of unyielding determination on an individual's life.
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5. The Soul of Kindness
"The Soul of Kindness" revolves around the life of an apparently perfect woman who is loved and admired by everyone around her. However, her constant need to help and meddle in others' lives often leads to more harm than good. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of good intentions, and the illusion of perfection.
