Monday, March 9, 2009

Just-Right Books

Whew! Today is a no-school day for us and I am doing the double mommy thing, that is, I have my child's friend here for the day. I figured it would be less work for me - and I think it will be overall - but they're already asking when we're going to lunch (it's 9:30) and my child is crying over losing Whoonu (great game and good for all ages). Okay, now they want to 'challenge' me to make a cheese and butter sandwich in 24 seconds, then they'll give me a prize. Anyway.


So, we all talk about 'just-right' books, those books we read at the perfect time, that wind up being just right. I've been reading a lot of dark books, mystery and suspense, with evil plot lines. I wanted something lighthearted, something funny, something less Victorian and more modern. Something short, since I already had 2 long books on the go. I discovered that I don't have many books that fit that description. I came across some Barbara Pym books that I've collected. I decided No Fond Return of Love might fit the bill.

Dulcie Mainwaring is the heroine of this novel. She is an unmarried 30-something spinster, who has had an engagement broken on her. She lives in the home of her late parents and earns her living writing indexes for books and doing research for authors. Dulcie attends a work-related conference and becomes acquainted with Professor Aylwin Forbes and Viola Dace who seem to have had some sort of romantic entanglement. Upon Dulcie's return to London her niece Laurel comes to live with her and a sequence of events brings Viola to live in Dulcie's home as well. A romantic muddle ensues, involving all three woman and a host of romantically challenged men. Pym has an interesting way of writing male characters - they tend to be rather silly and somewhat undeserving of the attentions of the females.

I wasn't in love with the storyline of this book, but the writing and humor were sublime. I found Dulcie hilarious, introverted, and honest. She's happy to have her niece stay with her, but she hopes Laurel will want to make hot drinks in her room in the evening so Dulcie has the kitchen to herself. I think Dulcie would have been a big fan of Facebook and other networking sites. You see, she develops a crush on Aylwin and thanks to her skills in obtaining information, she gathers information about Aylwin, his estranged wife, her mother, and his brother and proceeds to track them down and sort of 'stop by'. Perhaps her behavior was considered quaint or coincidental when this book was published in 1961, but I certainly found it pretty shockingly stalker-like!

So, was this a just-right book for me? I think the tone of this was just right, the story was just okay, for me. Not unlike this post actually, during which I have been interrupted 93937582 times. Cheers!

13 comments:

melanie said...

Oh this sounds lovely - I've wanted to read more Pym since last year. Thanks!

bermudaonion said...

Sorry the book wasn't "just right" for you. Enjoy the interruptions. As hard as it is to believe, you'll miss them when you don't have them anymore.

Jenny said...

Stopped by to see your Pym review -- sounds like we had very similar reactions. I like her books but not always her stories... Excellent Women has been my favorite so far, and No Fond Return of Love is on my Bookmooch list, Thanks for the great review!

Darlene said...

Hi Tara! I just found your post on my blog about No Fond Return of Love. Great minds think alike. I just finished it this morning and absolutely loved the quiet humour.

Tara said...

Melanie, I'm glad you think so! I'll definitely read more Pym myself, she has a very unique wit.

bermudaonion, Oh, I am enjoying them and I know what you say is so true!

Jenny, I wonder if our reaction to her stories has to do with them being dated? I'm not sure, but yes, I really like her writing, not so much the stories. It's interesting that perhaps she 'dated' herself somewhat by what she choose to write about, whereas Jane Austen still somehow seems fresh in some ways.

Darlene, thanks for stopping by! I just thought Dulcie was hilarious and reminded me of myself in some ways - but not the stalker qualities!!!

Lisa said...

I want her job! I've always wanted to do research for authors. A librarian is the closest thing I've been able to manage for now.

Carrie K said...

That sounds like a perfect book for me right now.

Wow, look at the all the books you've amassed lately. Did it make up for the Honda/radio debacle? I didn't think so. :)

heather (errantdreams) said...

So did you make the sandwich in time? :D

Tara said...

Lisa, it sounds like a fun job to me, too!

Carrie K, I'm glad you think so! Yes, I chuckled out loud at your comment. I'm still ticked about that, wouldn't you know! ps. I love the word debacle.

Heather, no! It was 10 in the morning. Too funny.

StuckInABook said...

I love 'just right' books (shame this wasn't one for you) - but when everything just clicks. Sometimes even the weather and place have to click with the book - reading Tove Jansson on a windy beach turned out to be the perfect combination.

I do love that Pym cover, though.

Tara said...

Simon, me too! The Tove Jansson book/reading location does sound like the perfect combination. I love the Pym cover too.

Les said...

Not unlike this post actually, during which I have been interrupted 93937582 times.

I just about spewed red wine all over my keyboard and monitor when I read this line. You have a marvelous sense of humor, Tara! :)

Tara said...

Les, Hehe! Thanks!