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Not So Bad, Really | Frances Donnelly on Barbara Pym, Excellent Women | Slightly Foxed archives

Not So Bad, Really | From the Slightly Foxed archives

‘Barbara Pym’s novels are easily dismissed as interesting but marginal. But, as I came to realize, they are full of wit, balance, sly observation and a cheering sense of the ridiculous.’

Frances Donnelly, Slightly Foxed Issue 11


Greetings from Hoxton Square, where doses of wit and cheer are always welcome, especially when prescribed through the pages of good books. Many of you may have already listened to the latest episode of the Slightly Foxed podcast, all about Barbara Pym and other excellent women writers under or above the radar. If you have yet to tune in, we recommend carving out an hour for some lively bookish conversation and suggestions for your reading list.

For another perspective on Pym, we’re sharing this piece from Slightly Foxed Issue 11, in which reluctant reader Frances Donnelly revisits Excellent Women and discovers social commentary, a keen eye for the ridiculous and enjoyably bad behaviour at the church jumble sale along the way. We do hope you’ll enjoy  it.

With best wishes, as ever, from the SF office staff
Anna, Hattie & Jess

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