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catmom21's review against another edition
4.0
This was a book I picked up at random to listed to during my walks to and from work. It was recommended to me because of a few other books I have read, so I thought I would give it a go.
I audiobooked it, and as always that can have an impact on my impression of the book given the narrator's added emphases. This book doesn't quite fit into any genre. It's not really a comedy, not really a mystery, not really a coming-of-age story - yet it's really all three at the same time.
I would likely rate it a 3.5, except at the end of the book I wanted it to go on. That doesn't always happen and sometimes I find myself rushing to the end, just hoping for a conclusion so I can be done with it. That wasn't the case here at all - I was thoroughly enjoying the story and wanted to hear more about Nancy (Mrs. Hawkin's) life with the magazine, her marriage to William, and her friendship with Millie.
I look forward to unearthing more of the author's novels.
I audiobooked it, and as always that can have an impact on my impression of the book given the narrator's added emphases. This book doesn't quite fit into any genre. It's not really a comedy, not really a mystery, not really a coming-of-age story - yet it's really all three at the same time.
I would likely rate it a 3.5, except at the end of the book I wanted it to go on. That doesn't always happen and sometimes I find myself rushing to the end, just hoping for a conclusion so I can be done with it. That wasn't the case here at all - I was thoroughly enjoying the story and wanted to hear more about Nancy (Mrs. Hawkin's) life with the magazine, her marriage to William, and her friendship with Millie.
I look forward to unearthing more of the author's novels.
mizpurplest's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much I went and checked out two more of Muriel Spark's books. It's so subtle I never expected to enjoy it this much, but it snuck up on me and couldn't have been better. Fabulous.
jenmcmaynes's review against another edition
4.0
Much like "Loitering with Intent", this book features a narrator with a wry, crisp voice, shady dealings in the publishing world, and 1950s life of London. I really enjoy Spark's settings and style, and her strong female leads. Her plots tend to be circuitous, with random encounters and chance comments connecting everything in the end. I happen to enjoy that, but I could see other readers finding it frustrating. There isn't really much to say about this w/o rehashing the plot, except that I enjoyed it and will continue reading her works.
lindseysparks's review against another edition
3.0
I had just read a rave review of this and then happened to see it a half price books clearance sale. I liked it, but I don't think much about it will stick with me except the main character referring to one of her want to be authors (she's an editor) as a pisseur de copie to his face. Repeatedly and unapologetically. So I loved her, but the book itself was just flimsy - not much to it other than a few good zingers.
drrachrich's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
katekoda's review against another edition
4.0
I thought it was a delightful and fun little book. I have a very soft spot for this type of heroine: a sensible, capable and reliable no-nonsense Englishwoman. She works hard, she loves with honest decidedly non-hysterical dedication, and she is a great friend to have, but do not get on her bad side as the consequences will be dire. Go, Mrs Hawkins!
eleganthedgehogs's review against another edition
Was OK, some observed Prime of Miss Jean Brodie more entertaining. Widow with not great job, men having better time. Some humour but also a bit depressing.