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melanieboyer's review against another edition
3.0
Sad and sometimes funny, but I did not like the end. It didn't really go anywhere.
graybarruel's review against another edition
5.0
Read this in one sitting. Totally enjoyed it. Even some laugh-out-loud moments.
Much better than 'Angel'.
A group of elderly people live in a hotel off the Crompton Road, where they more-or-less await death. Taylor's descriptions of the main characters are full of empathy but never wallowing. The story is told by the seasons of the year, but it doesn't feel like a plot device. Rather, the change in weather represents the steady marking of time, as Mrs Palfry and her companions idle away their final years.
I really liked the unlikely friendship between Mrs Palfry and Ludo, who stores up all his images and thoughts about old ladies for his book. Mrs Palfry's guilty enjoyment of her secret life, not revealed to her daughter and real grandson, makes this a gem.
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I love this book so much that after borrowing it from the library I just had to buy my own copy. And on second reading, I still think it is one of the most perfect gems of understated ferocity I have ever come across.
Much better than 'Angel'.
A group of elderly people live in a hotel off the Crompton Road, where they more-or-less await death. Taylor's descriptions of the main characters are full of empathy but never wallowing. The story is told by the seasons of the year, but it doesn't feel like a plot device. Rather, the change in weather represents the steady marking of time, as Mrs Palfry and her companions idle away their final years.
I really liked the unlikely friendship between Mrs Palfry and Ludo, who stores up all his images and thoughts about old ladies for his book. Mrs Palfry's guilty enjoyment of her secret life, not revealed to her daughter and real grandson, makes this a gem.
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I love this book so much that after borrowing it from the library I just had to buy my own copy. And on second reading, I still think it is one of the most perfect gems of understated ferocity I have ever come across.
patrick_d_evans's review against another edition
5.0
I adore novels that are just people in rooms who don't like one another and snipe at each other with polite snark
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
3.0
I have to say that this is beautiful book that considering my current mindset is hitting too close to home.
Of course, I will be the old biddy who gets eaten by her cats.
Of course, I will be the old biddy who gets eaten by her cats.
fictionwriter's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Sad sweet story about a hotel on the edge of London where old people go to wait for the end. Taylor is brilliant at revealing character slowly and deliberately. And at moving in and out of the viewpoints of different people in the story in a way that doesn’t lose the reader but carries one along.
jimbreen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
emmavardy2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
An absolute classic.
caterina_sforza's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
ltay007's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this slim volume. Reminiscent of Muriel Spark - lovely portrayal of gentile “old folk” in late 69s London . Would love to see the film. A masterpiece.
dbluminberg's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful read. Mrs. Palfrey moves into the Clairmont and finds it lonely and awkward. She and the other elderly residents let social airs and personal insecurities get in the way of being friendly and a comfort to each other.