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nick_jenkins's review against another edition
4.0
Like some other Spark novels, this one has a certain manic over-attachment to a single theme or motif—the irritating repetition of the epithet "pisseur de copie"—which leaves it slightly askew but not so much as to create a real feeling of surrealism or even zaniness. Instead, it makes the novel feel misshapen or ill-proportioned, as if Spark had published an early draft. There is much to enjoy in this novel, but it is quite often laughter that sneaks in between winces.
aswallace's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
2.0
I have to admit I didnt' finish it....it was okay, and maybe I would have if it wasn't due at the library and I was leaving on vacation.
rosekk's review against another edition
5.0
I was impressed by how well the book balanced tone. Over all, the book feels light-hearted and is often funny, but it also has it's dark aspects. Somehow the funny parts never cheapen the serious bits, and the serious bits don't stop it being funny. The characters feel real, even though they're not realistic; they're often peculiar and over the top, but not unsympathetic or jarring. I have a few more of Muriel Spark's books sitting on my shelf and waiting to be read, and I'm looking forward to them now.
emilylstevens's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
randybo5's review against another edition
3.0
A fine character study of a London war widow dubbed as a matronly Mrs. Hawkins despite her relative youth. I enjoyed her practical, sometimes pithy words of advice. As she observed about her place in society:
"In the ined I concluded it was better to belong to the ordinary class. for the upper class could not live, would disintegrate, without the ordinary class, while the latter can get on very well on its own."
"In the ined I concluded it was better to belong to the ordinary class. for the upper class could not live, would disintegrate, without the ordinary class, while the latter can get on very well on its own."
montes's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sar_p's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 rounded down only cause 4 stars would be misleading. Though I enjoy Spark's writing,I found this book not as deep as _The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie_.
summerrose3131's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
4.0