Someone mentioned this book when I said there are a shortage of books with Autumn in the title but there was no copy to borrow at the library. I've read several others by Barbara Pym so didn't mind buying a second-hand copy and Abebooks had one for a couple of £s.
So this is my first for Autumn for the Reading the Seasons 'not really a challenge'.
Published in 1977 after a 15 gap this was her 7th novel and was originally turned down by her publishers. She almost gave up but in 1977 the Times Literary Supplement had a list, written by writers and academics, of the most underrated authors from the last 75 years and Pym was mentioned twice. Interest in her was revived and Quartet in Autumn was published and nominated for The Booker Prize.
She died in 1980, when cancer returned seven years after treatment, she was aged just 66.
I thought it's a book which is deeper than the rather humdrum account of the four lives might suggest. I had a feeling of having gone round in a full circle when I reached the end.
ReplyDeleteYes I know what you mean, but I didn't want to mention too much of the story and make a spoiler!
DeleteThere is a shortish Rosamund Pilcher called 'September'
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of RP - I read so many family sagas in the 70's that I went right off them
Deletethanks for the hint, I might give this one a look!
ReplyDeleteI've read 7 of her books and enjoyed them - coming to them years after publication. I wouldn't have liked them when I was much younger
DeleteI must re read her books. I discovered Pym in 1979 via an article in Good Housekeeping magazine, and read all her books straightaway. I remember feeling sad when her death was announced.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have liked her books back in the 70's - my reading patterns have changed over the years - but always crime fiction included
DeleteI really enjoy Barbara Pym books, I think it's true she didn't get the recognition she deserved, her books are deeper than they may appear at first. I haven't read this one, it seems very good.
ReplyDeleteMaguy
They are not everyone's favourite I guess - not much happens in them and some are quite sad
DeleteI can't recall reading any of her books. That sounds a quiet read anyway. My pile of books to read is now book-case sized!
ReplyDeleteThey've been around a while but re-found recently. Sounds as if you have plenty without trying any of her books!
DeleteI often wonder how many potential best-sellers have been unrecognised and unprinted. It's strange when you consider some of the dross that is published.
ReplyDeleteVery true
DeleteThat sounds like a really good book to start off your Autumn reading. I've just had a look through my books and I have nothing with 'Autumn' in the title or even any of the autumnal months. Even a Google search throws up mostly children's books.
ReplyDeleteI've got a couple more coming from the library, but as you say dozens of children's books. Someone suggested I include 'Fall' but there are hundreds of those and I really want to stick to just Autumn even if I only get to read 4 or 5
DeleteBarbara Pym is such a favourite of mine, I'm delighted that you've done a review of Quartet in Autumn. I think it's probably the saddest of her books and somehow especially so given BP's early death from cancer.
ReplyDeleteSometimes reading her books I've found myself almost crying with laughter which is never a bad thing is it?
Alison in Wales x
She had a very good eye for finding the humour in people's lives and sadness too. Sometime I must read the few of her books that I've not seen yet
DeleteI love and reread Pym a lot. Her comedy is wonderful. Quartet is one that's so sad I can't reread it as much.
ReplyDeleteI rarely re-read - too many books - too little time!
DeleteNot sure if you are aware but the GB Davi’s cup matches are being shown on the bbc red button, today and Sunday 🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteOh thank you - no I didn't know. Turned on now
DeleteBP is a wonderful writer. Her books described people and their lives very well.
ReplyDeleteHow sad that she died at 66. A life cut short.
Barbara Pym had some early success then she was overlooked for many years and her publisher refused to publish her books in the 1950s so she was in the wilderness. Then in the mid 1970s Philip Larkin identified her as the most underrated writer for 75 years and she had a resurgence. A biography came out recently and she once again came to people's attention with many articles written about her. She was a great writer with an eye for detail and observation of people in everyday situations and she captured the times she wrote in.
ReplyDeleteI do love Barbara Pym. I have read all her books numerous times. Quartet in autumn is one of my all time favorites. Hooe you enjoy. Lini from petaluma
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Pym in years, perhaps something to try, the story sounds gentle and interesting, from my now older standpoint.
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