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A Far Cry from Kensington
A Far Cry from Kensington | Muriel Spark
20 posts | 21 read | 21 to read
The fraying fringes of 1950s literary London Rich and slim, the celebrated author Nancy Hawkins takes us in hand and leads us back to her threadbare years in postwar London, where she spends her days working for a mad, near-bankrupt publisher (of very good books) and her nights dispensing advice at her small South Kensington rooming house. Everywhere Mrs. Hawkins finds evil: with aplomb, however, she confidently sets about putting things to order, to terrible effect.
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lazydaizee

A story set in 1950s London. Please use this link to read my review
https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/A-Far-Cry-From-Kensington
#london
#1950s
#fiction

review
Graywacke
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Pickpick

I always find planning to read from my own TBR stacks somehow a little imperfect, but that‘s what I did here.

As a recreation of 1954/55 South Kensington and London‘s publishing world, this is something of a masterpiece. I‘m clueless about South Kensington, but it wasn‘t the ritzy place in the 1950‘s that it is today. The short book is little slow in its plot line. But it vividly recreates a textured populated world and has a dark charm.

Cuilin I just finished a rooming house book set in London, 1938, called “London belongs to me” the characters are almost Dickensian. This looks good so of course I stacked it. 1y
Ruthiella My favorite Spark so far (and only from three books read). I thought it was charming and funny. 1y
Graywacke @Cuilin that sounds good too! So far I would recommend Spark in general. Hope you enjoy this. It‘s less than 200 pages. 1y
See All 8 Comments
Graywacke @Ruthiella yes, i felt that to, charming and funny. I laughed out loud a few times. 🙂 This is only my 3rd by Spark. It‘s less ambitious than Memento Mori or The Prime of Jean Brodie, but much more interior than those books. I loved how she captures these really interesting internal self-reflections of Nancy Hawkins, including the opening paragraph. 1y
Aimeesue I'm fairly sure this was the book that gave me the phrase "brain wave!" Having a brain FREEZE about it at the moment, though. ? 1y
Suet624 There are some authors I always want to read when reminded of them and then I forget all about them. That would be the case with this author. Hopefully I‘ll walk down a library aisle and Spark will jump out at me. 14mo
Graywacke @Suet624 Spark is terrific. Smart and fun and she likes to mess with her readers. She‘s a little hard to find in physical book stores/places. (But not hard to find online) 14mo
Suet624 @Graywacke Great! I'll start snooping around online. 14mo
64 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Graywacke
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We‘re working very hard on my unexpected day off. Started a new book today, attacking that TBR thingy.

dabbe Want to kiss that sweet puppy face! ❣️🐾❣️ Enjoy your day off! 😊 1y
AllDebooks Awww I love your beautiful dog ❤️🐕 ❤️ 1y
batsy Awww! 😍 I haven't read that one but I'm guessing Muriel Spark can only be a treat. 1y
Graywacke @batsy Spark is terrific. It‘s an interesting switch, from manly Richard Wright with his plot tensions to gentle sophisticated nuance in Spark. 1y
57 likes4 comments
review
Centique
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Pickpick

More photos from Otautahi Christchurch - botanical gardens… daffodils are out!
This book was a delight. My 2nd Spark novel; this one more humorous than The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie but it still has a dark undercurrent & she still skewers a few personality types with sharp descriptions. It also reminded me of Excellent Women & Lolly Willowes in that I love a woman who, despite appearances, refuses to stay in the box she‘s expected to fit in!

LeahBergen I must get to this soon! I also liked her Memento Mori. 👍 2y
CarolynM This was the first Spark I read. She is more biting than Pym, I think😆 2y
Cathythoughts Lovely pictures and review ♥️♥️♥️ 2y
See All 13 Comments
Centique @LeahBergen ooh I need to get that one! 2y
Centique @CarolynM that is a very good description of her style, totally agree! 2y
BarbaraBB Beautiful pics! Like @LeahBergen I too enjoyed Memento Mori a lot and also 2y
batsy So intrigued by the Lolly Willowes and Excellent Women comparisons! I've only read one Spark and loved it; I really need to crack on with the rest. 2y
Suet624 Lovely photos! 2y
Ruthiella I‘ve only read three books from Spark, but so far this is my favorite. “Pisseur de copie!” 😆 2y
Centique @BarbaraBB some more I need to get to! 2y
Centique @batsy I‘d love to hear what you think of this one when you get there. I loved the main character so much 😍 2y
Centique @Suet624 thank you! 😘 2y
Centique @Ruthiella that can be our catch cry “pisseur de copie!” 😂 2y
71 likes13 comments
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Centique
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A lovely spot to read for an hour in the Spring sunshine - and a lovely book to read. This is Victoria Square in Otautahi, Christchurch.

Soubhiville Wow! Beautiful. 2y
LeahBergen So pretty! 2y
Jeg N Z is such a beautiful place. Another visit would be great. Maybe one day. 2y
Centique @Jeg I hope you get to visit us again soon 💕 2y
62 likes4 comments
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merelybookish
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I couldn't decide between these three stellar novels that start with the #LetterF. ?
A Far Cry from Kensington - a sharp funny novel about publishing & publishers (and more!)
The Fire-Dwellers - another Laurence, this time contemplating the realities of "happily ever after."
Fleishman is in Trouble - a contemporary look at marriage (and divorce) in Manhattan
Thanks for the tag @robinb
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Graywacke I have a copy of the Spark right next to me. Hopefully I will read it soon. 2y
batsy Fire Dwellers ❤️ 2y
robinb 🤗 Just stacked a couple of these! Thanks! 2y
40 likes3 comments
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merelybookish
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More excellent advice from Mrs. Hawkins. 😁

Graywacke Noting! 2y
61 likes1 stack add1 comment
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merelybookish
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This book is a hoot. Mrs.Hawkins is fount of good advice. (Although truth be told, not sure a cat has ever helped me write. 😸)

Ruthiella My cats often actively disrupt my working from home activities! 2y
Vansa Love this book. It's so wickedly funny 2y
GingerAntics That is, until the cat lays on the paperwork, book, or project you‘re contemplating. 🤣😂🤣 2y
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merelybookish @Ruthiella @GingerAntics So true! They distract more than they inspire. 2y
merelybookish @Vansa Absolutely! 2y
GingerAntics @merelybookish but you gotta love them anyway 2y
Leftcoastzen 👏😻 2y
52 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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merelybookish
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Carrying on with more Muriel Spark!
In other news, feeling very relieved that Wallace the cat came home after being outside all day. We were worried!

Ruthiella Glad to hear Wallace is OK! Silly kitty. 🙀 I‘ve only read three Sparks titles but this is my favorite. It has a definite Barbara Pym flavor to it. Remember “Pisseur de Copie”, it is a funny rallying cry in the book. 😂 (edited) 2y
CarolynM This was the first Muriel Spark I read. I hadn't thought of the Pym comparison, but I think I get what you mean @Ruthiella 2y
CarolynM And I'm very glad to hear Wallace is home safe 😸 2y
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merelybookish @Ruthiella @CarolynM He's my daughter's cat and she was pretty distraught. He was fine, of course. 😸 And I like the Pym comparison! 2y
kspenmoll So happy your daughter‘s cat returned home! 2y
GingerAntics Oh no! I remember one of our cats staying out overnight once. We thought he was gone when he didn‘t come home for bed. Shortly before sun down on the second day he came trotting up to the door, ready for dinner. We were so relieved. It‘s like they all have to do something crazy just once to give us a near heart attack, then come back like nothing happened. lol I‘m so glad Wallace came home. 2y
Graywacke Cats. Grrr. Glad he‘s ok. I‘m hoping to read this book this year (in September in my original plan) 2y
LeahBergen Eek! That‘s so scary. 🐱 2y
batsy So glad Wallace is back safe! This is why I think I can't handle having a cat—it's clear that lots of cats need the freedom to roam, but I'd be freaking out every minute I don't see them around 😥 2y
youneverarrived I‘ve just started my first by Spark 2y
merelybookish @kspenmoll @LeahBergen We very are relieved! 😅 2y
merelybookish @GingerAntics They do like to give the occasional heart attack! Lol. 2y
merelybookish @Graywacke Im on a bit of Spark binge and this one seems to be a favourite. And yes, cats. 🙄 2y
merelybookish @batsy We don't worry at all about our other cat but Wallace hasn't ever gone very far and is....maybe not the brightest cat? 😬🤣 So we had no faith in his ability to wander and find his way home. Although to his credit, he proved us wrong. 2y
merelybookish @youneverarrived I havent read that one! Will be interested to hear what you think. This is my 3rd Spark. Love Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Memento Mori 2y
GingerAntics @merelybookish they do. I guess they think they‘re keeping us on our toes. 2y
sarahbarnes I‘ve still never read her! And I‘m so glad Walllace returned. ❤️ 2y
merelybookish @sarahbarnes It's definitely worth reading Prime of Miss Jean Brodie! And yes, Susie was beside herself. 2y
Sparklemn @merelybookish I love the name Wallace for a cat. Is there a story behind it? 2y
merelybookish @Sparklemn It's my daughter's cat and she came up with the name. I'm not sure where she got it. The other contender was Dracula so I was relieved when she chose Wallace. 😁 2y
62 likes1 stack add21 comments
review
andrew61
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Pickpick

'Piseur de copie' is the insult that nancy Hawkins,editor throws at hector bartlett budding essayist+ their feud is at the centre of this novel which highlights, for me, the joy of reading muriel spark. The picture of 1950's post war London is so well drawn and the characters are comic and sad in equal measure. She captures so well loneliness, but also the joy of interaction of people with a dark humour that I love. A miss brodie reread is due.

LeahBergen Great review! I‘m planning on reading some more Spark in the New Year. 😊 3y
CarolynM Loved this one 3y
Cathythoughts Excellent review & picture ! 3y
Cathythoughts Stacked 👍🏻 3y
Centique Stacked for me too! What a wonderful review. 😍 3y
39 likes2 stack adds5 comments
review
Kalalalatja
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Pickpick

I‘m giving this a pick, even though I wasn‘t really that interested in the story itself. However, I was interested in Mrs. Hawkins, her musings and reflections, her honesty and the wry, sarcastic tone of the book. I‘ll definitely read more books by Muriel Spark 🙌

BarbaraBB I don‘t know this one but I have read some Muriel Sparks that I liked a lot! 5y
EadieB I read A Driver's Seat - Here's my review:
This is a short, brilliant book which is a little over 100 pages but packs a punch. In the beginning the author tells you how the book ends yet it held my attention until the last page as I followed along to see how the author accomplishes her task. This was my first Muriel Spark book but it won't be my last. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a creepy, chilling tale of evil.
5y
109 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Kalalalatja
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#YouNeverCanTell when it is the right time to start a book. I started this 4 months ago, read 20 pages, was bored to tears and sure I would hate it. So I put it down, and haven‘t been motivated to pick it up again. That is‘ until yesterday, where I read 120 pages in the blink of an eye, and enjoyed every second of it! Perfect example that every book has its time to be read 👌

#MayMovieMagic

Kate.Braithwaite So very true!! 5y
TrishB Agreed 👍🏻 5y
RealLifeReading Definitely! Also cute cover! 5y
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Tamra Truth! 5y
aeeklund I love how this happens. It‘s one of my favorite things about books! 5y
KarenUK Ooh, love that cover.... and enjoyed this one ... hope you continue to 👍💕 5y
Cinfhen I found this to be so true!!! 5y
RohitSawant So true! 5y
LeahBergen It‘s so true, isn‘t it?? 5y
Amandajoy I need to remember this and not be afraid to put down a book. 5y
Centique I have to remind myself of that and give books a second try. I'm in love with this cover though! 5y
91 likes11 comments
review
jfount
Pickpick

Coming at the end of a Spark binge (Girls of Slender Means, Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Memento Mori) it‘s striking how different this one is. It‘s darker (although that shouldn‘t be surprising) than the bubbly back cover would suggest.

3 likes1 stack add
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jfount
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Just starting but I‘m struck by how exactly the description of Molly‘s house reminds me of the house I used to stay in in Acton in my researching days.

3 likes1 stack add
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Kalalalatja
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My very modest #bookhaul after my day spent on a used-book-crawl 👌 I couldn‘t pass up the VMC designer classic, and I have wanted to read Station Eleven for such a long time!

I even found a lot of #FolioSociety editions of Dickens‘ novels, but they were too expensive for me at the moment. But September and payday isn‘t that far away. Or, at least I try to tell myself that 😄😄

Cinfhen Glad u had fun and Station Eleven is sooooo good 6y
KatieanneF Station Eleven is BRILLIANT!! Enjoy!! 6y
wanderinglynn I too loved Station Eleven. Happy reading! 😀 📖 6y
See All 13 Comments
RebelReader I loved Station Eleven! Enjoy! 6y
LeahBergen I love the Spark edition! 👍🏻 6y
LikelyLibrarian Station eleven is fabulous!! 6y
Verity I love the vmc hardbacks. I have a little shelf of them! 6y
readordierachel Station Eleven is a favorite of mine, and that edition is gorgeous! 6y
Billypar I have Station Eleven on my tbr shelf - no current plans for when to pick it up, but all this praise is making me think I should push it up in priority! 6y
Aimeesue Oooh, pretty Spark! 6y
emilyhaldi Great choices!!!! 6y
Kalalalatja @Cinfhen @KatieanneF @wanderinglynn @RebelReader @LikelyLibrarian @ReadOrDieRachel you all have me itching to pick up Station Eleven! 👏 @LeahBergen @Verity @Aimeesue I just couldn‘t leave it all alone on the shelf 😄 @Billypar I‘m definitely thinking so, too! @emilyhaldi thanks! 6y
ephemeralwaltz Lovely!! 6y
103 likes13 comments
review
Bookboss
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Pickpick

Kitty with my Kindle! I love the novels of Muriel Spark. This is one of her best ones - sharp, smart, and honest. I enjoyed spending time with Mrs. Hawkins and following her adventures in post-war publishing. Those adventures are rivaled only by her involvement in the lives of her neighbors. A short and bittersweet read.

tammysue 😻 6y
Bookzombie 💕🐱 6y
51 likes2 comments
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KarenUK
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HAD to share this podcast episode with my all my podcast loving Litsy friends... Anyone who is a fan of tv show ‘Qi‘ may love it too..... Tuesday‘s episode of A Good Read (under the BBC Books and Authors podcast title) is so fun! There is a delightful discussion of the tagged book, picked by host Harriet and discussed with so much joy with Stephen Fry and Alan Davies... Can‘t wait to read it now!

LauraBeth Oohh - thanks! I‘ll listen tonight. 😀 I was just listening to the Popcast because they dedicated an entire episode to books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-popcast-with-knox-and-jamie/id712316884?... 6y
Trav Do you mean QI? Or is there another television show by a similar name? 6y
KarenUK @trav yep Qi! 6y
Trav @KarenUK gosh I love that show! I'll definitely have to check out the podcast then. 6y
CarolynM It's a great book. Enjoy! I look forward to hearing what you think about it. (edited) 6y
59 likes5 comments
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andrew61
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#Londoncalling #rockinmay
I found a few London books. One, crash, brilliant but very shocking, end of the affair i bought to reread, far cry from Kensington is another purchase to reread, and of course one of my favourite books tinker tailor.

Cinfhen Niiiice!!! Lots of London ❤️today! Soooo many good books 7y
LeahBergen I just recently bought the Greene and the Spark. 👍🏼 7y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk Empire of the Sun is the only Ballard I've read. I need to remedy that. 7y
19 likes3 comments
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Amyegia
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Ok I know I'm a day late on collections, but I'm also super in love with my Muriel Spark collection. I'm only missing a few titles! ❤️

Liberty 🤘🏻🤘🏻 8y
16 likes1 comment