Quartet in Autumn - Softcover
This is the story of four people in late middle-age - Edwin, Norman, Letty and Marcia - whose chief point of contact is that they work in the same office and they suffer the same problem - loneliness. Lovingly, poignantly, satirically and with much humour, Pym conducts us through their small lives and the facade they erect to defend themselves against the outside world. There is nevertheless an obstinate optimism in her characters, allowing them in their different ways to win through to a kind of hope. Barbara Pym’s sensitive wit and artistry are at their most sparkling in Quartet in Autumn.
‘An exquisite, even magnificent work of art’ Observer
`Barbara Pym has a sharp eye for the exact nuances of social behaviour` The Times
`The wit and style of a twentieth century Jane Austen` Harpers & Queen
`Barbara Pym’s unpretentious, subtle, accomplished novels are for me the finest examples of high comedy to have appeared in England during the past 75 years... spectacular’ Sunday Times
‘Very funny and keenly observant of the ridiculous as well as the pathetic in humanity’ Financial Times
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Review:
Quartet in Autumn is one of the books Pym wrote during the 15 years when no one would publish her, and perhaps the same kind of balance between hopelessness and inner strength helped shape this novel's story about four friends in an office nearing the age of retirement. They are people who have lived unspectacularly, but who have conjured a sense of themselves from the quartet's unity. Things start to change when two of them retire. Pym maps this ordinary strangeness of life with her particular genius for brilliant psychological insight and quiet humor that never strains for effect.
About the Author:
When the Times Literary Supplement asked critics to name the most underrated authors of the past 75 years, only one was mentioned twice: Barbara Pym. Barbara Pym wrote nine novels, including An Unsuitable Attachment, Quartet in Autumn and The Sweet Dove Died. She died in 1980.
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- PublisherPan Macmillan
- Publication date2004
- ISBN 10 0330326481
- ISBN 13 9780330326483
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages200
- Rating
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Quartet in Autumn
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ISBN 10: 0330326481
ISBN 13: 9780330326483
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fair. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR002326994
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780330326483
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ISBN 10: 0330326481
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This is the story of four people in late middle-age - Edwin, Norman, Letty and Marcia - whose chief point of contact is that they work in the same office and they suffer the same problem - loneliness. Lovingly, poignantly, satirically and with much humour, Pym conducts us through their small lives and the facade they erect to defend themselves against the outside world. There is nevertheless an obstinate optimism in her characters, allowing them in their different ways to win through to a kind of hope. Barbara Pyms sensitive wit and artistry are at their most sparkling in Quartet in Autumn. `An exquisite, even magnificent work of art Observer 'Barbara Pym has a sharp eye for the exact nuances of social behaviour' The Times 'The wit and style of a twentieth century Jane Austen' Harpers & Queen 'Barbara Pyms unpretentious, subtle, accomplished novels are for me the finest examples of high comedy to have appeared in England during the past 75 years . . . spectacular Sunday Times `Very funny and keenly observant of the ridiculous as well as the pathetic in humanity Financial Times. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001352462
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Quartet In Autumn
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(2004)
ISBN 10: 0330326481
ISBN 13: 9780330326483
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780330326483
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ISBN 13: 9780330326483
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Book Description Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP16992654
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ISBN 13: 9780330326483
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP98618892
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # mon0000379117
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Book Description paperback. Condition: Very Good. Orders shipped daily from the UK. Professional seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000444924
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