Author

Publication

1998 - New Directions Pub., New York, New York (State)

Language

English

Word Count

35,250 words, Guess

Page Count

141 pages

Identifiers

and 2 more
  • LibraryThing58112
  • Goodreads69517

Classifications

  • DDC823/.914
  • LCCPR6037.P29 G5 1998

Description

The Girls of Slender Means is Dame Muriel Spark's tragic portrait of a London ladies' hostel just emerging from the shadow of World War II. Like the May of Teck Club itself - "three times window-shattered since 1940 but never directly hit" - its lady inhabitants do their best to act as if the world were back to normal: practicing elocution, and jostling over suitors and a single Schiaparelli gown. The novel's ending reveals that the girls' giddy literary and amorous peregrinations are hiding some tragically painful war wounds.

First Sentence

Long ago in 1945 all the nice people in England were poor, allowing for exceptions.

Excerpt

Long ago in 1945 all the nice people in England were poor, allowing for exceptions.

Subjects

Series Statement

  • New Directions classics

Other Editions

  • The girls of slender meansNew Directions Pub.1998-01-01
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