Mary Wesley

» bingley - Mary Wesley

I'd just thought I'd like to bring to your attention the novels of Mary Wesley, which I've been working my way through lately. She calls herself a victim of arrested development, having had her first novel published at the age of 70. She wrote in the 1980s and 1990s. My favourite so far is The Camomile Lawn, but they all have something to recommend them. Has anyone else read any?

-- posted by bingley

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» danigirl - mary wesley

I lived in Manchester, England 15 years ago and picked up one of Mary Wesley's books quite by accident. What a wonderful discovery! I have read everything she ever wrote, except the juvenile literature.

I was just searching thInternetet to see if there could possibly be any books I might have missed, when I came across her obituary. I am American and live in the States and so never heard mention of her death (it was a couple of years ago). Shocked and saddened! Never another book by such a witty, charming and wonderful lady (she is described as BarbarPymym in high heels, which I totally agree with).

I would have to say that the Chamomile lawn is one of my favorites. Her characters are so imperfect and so real and her descriptions of wartime London incredibly vivid (my mother-in-law says very realistic). The Vacillations of Poppy Carew is also fabulous, as is A Sensible Life.

I think most are still available-I have found some in second-hand places. How did you come across her?

So nice to find another fan.

-- posted by danigirl

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» bingley - Re: mary wesley

In response to mary wesley posted by danigirl:

A friend of mine lent me 'The Camomile Lawn', and I was hooked.

Barbara Pym in high heels, eh? I can sort of see it. I'm a great Pym fan as well. Are you?

-- posted by bingley

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