Reviews

The Paying Guest by George Gissing

wolfsonarchitect's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

This novella is a wonderful commentary on class.  I particularly recommend the Libri Vox dramatic reading of this story. 

omg_pear's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Short sweet slice of life classic about a young woman in need of a place to stay

ratthew86's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

jowmy4's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

nataliesboooks's review against another edition

4.0

George Gissing is one of my all time favorite authors. I think it's unfortunate that he's relatively obscure today.

I got this novella when I read that it was a more comedic work of Gissing. It details a series of mishaps when an upper middle class couple take a lower class girl into their home as the titular "paying guest."


While fairly short, it was quite humorous and I enjoyed it. It's a comedy of errors about the differences in class.