Sybille Bedford

Sybille Bedford was a British writer known for her novels, travel books, and biographies. Her works often explore themes of personal freedom, the law, and the complexities of human relationships.

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. A Legacy

    The Story of Two Families
    Cover of 'A Legacy' by Sybille Bedford

    "A Legacy" is a historical novel that captures the social and political turmoil of early 20th century Germany through the eyes of its protagonist. The story follows a young woman who hails from two distinct families, one being a wealthy Jewish family from Berlin and the other, an aristocratic Catholic family from rural Germany. The narrative provides a detailed account of the protagonist's life, her family's eccentricities, and the eventual downfall of her families amidst the backdrop of the First World War and the Weimar Republic.

    The 1339th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. A Compass Error

    Cover of 'A Compass Error' by Sybille Bedford

    In this sequel to The Favourite of the Gods, seventeen-year-old Flavia lives in the south of France in the late 1930s with the confidence and ardor of youth. She believes her destiny lies at Oxford and in public service, a view shaped by her idolized English father and her Italian mother, Constanza. When an intrigue that will decide the fate of those she loves draws her in, she begins to discover her true nature as she loses the bearings of her moral compass.

    The 7216th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Jigsaw

    An Unsentimental Education
    Cover of 'Jigsaw' by Sybille Bedford

    Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Europe, this semi-autobiographical novel intricately weaves the tale of a young girl's coming-of-age amidst the complexities of her family's fragmented world. Through the eyes of the protagonist, readers are taken on a journey from the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy to the bustling streets of London, capturing the essence of a life marked by cultural contrasts and personal upheavals. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of understanding one's place in a world that is as beautiful as it is unpredictable, painting a vivid portrait of a life pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle.