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Book Review of A Glass of Blessings

A Glass of Blessings
A Glass of Blessings
Author: Barbara Pym
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
reviewed on
Helpful Score: 1


If you haven't read any novels by the marvelous English writer, Barbara Pym, you're in for a treat. She writes beautifully, has a sly sense of humor and irony, and is a master of the social comedy.

This one is about a traditionally well-off and married, but also bored English woman, fascinated with the possibility of an affair, but not quite ready to take the jump. Thus, she considers mainly "safe" men-- Anglican priests or a fascinating but capricious friend who ends up being gay. She also probes the behavior of others in her circle by attending receptions for new priests, holiday parties at the homes of friends, and other odd but conventional activities.

Pym's novels are not unlike what Jane Austen might have been writing in the waning years of the 20th century. Highly recommended for those who love quiet but often hilarious and well-written novels.