Barbara Pym

Barbara Pym was an English novelist known for her series of social comedies. Her works often explore the lives of women in post-World War II England, focusing on themes of love, friendship, and the small dramas of everyday life.

Books

Ranked Books All 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. Excellent Women

    Cover of 'Excellent Women' by Barbara Pym

    Set in post-World War II England, the novel centers around a spinster named Mildred Lathbury, who lives a quiet life, devoted to her church and helping others. Her life is disrupted when a young couple moves into her building and she becomes embroiled in their marital troubles. The novel explores themes of societal expectations for women, the role of religion in everyday life, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 691st Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Quartet in Autumn

    Cover of 'Quartet in Autumn' by Barbara Pym

    The novel explores the lives of four aging office workers in London, who are nearing retirement and dealing with the loneliness and isolation that often comes with old age. The story delves into their personal lives, their pasts, their relationships with each other and how they face the prospect of their futures. It is a poignant commentary on aging, loneliness, friendship, and the human condition.

    The 2027th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Less Than Angels

    Cover of 'Less Than Angels' by Barbara Pym

    Less Than Angels follows the lives of a group of anthropologists living in London and their romantic entanglements. The story primarily centers around Tom Mallow, a mature student, who is in a relationship with Catherine Oliphant, a writer on anthropology. However, things become complicated when Tom becomes interested in a young student, Deirdre Swan. The novel explores themes of academia, love, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 3035th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Some Tame Gazelle

    Cover of 'Some Tame Gazelle' by Barbara Pym

    The novel revolves around the lives of two middle-aged sisters, Belinda and Harriet Bede, who reside in a quaint English village. Their days are filled with the gentle rhythms of parish life, unrequited love, and the comforting routines of spinsterhood. Belinda harbors a long-standing, unspoken affection for the local archdeacon, while Harriet, more vivacious, entertains a series of admirers, particularly young curates. Through their interactions with the eccentric and endearing villagers, the sisters navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and the passage of time with wit and quiet resilience.

    The 16727th Greatest Book of All Time
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