What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

Hi, I would dearly love to read this book again.

The plot is as follows: A woman inherits a house from her Aunt/relative. Said woman then moves into the house, giving up job etc. Her behavior becomes more and more bizarre including, as I have said in the title, her romantic relationship with a portrait painting. Eventually she becomes a recluse.

I was sure the book was a twentieth century penguin modern classic, but I searched their back catalogue to no avail. It was definitely a male author.

The style is very much comic but told with pathos. Sort of similar to Muriel Spark's 'Driving seat' in tone and characterisation.

Really hope you can crack this case for me! Nic.

About what decade would it have been published? Where and when is it set?

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir perhaps?

Hi, was set in semi rural location like in a village, possibly home counties. Can not remember when it was set time wise but I would say the book was probably written after the 1920's. Sorry that's pretty useless information. Really wish I could remember this book!

Thanks so much for the suggestion Laurie but it's not the one.

Hi Just an update. I just trawled every single British novelist from the twentieth century and came up with the name of the book at long last, it's 'Wish her Safe at home' by Stephen Benatar but get this, apparently it was inspired by 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'! Apologies to Laurie who was more right than I thought.

Glad you found your book. Here's the link - Wish Her Safe at Home by Stephen Benatar.

Nicola wrote: "Hi Just an update. I just trawled every single British novelist from the twentieth century and came up with the name of the book at long last, it's 'Wish her Safe at home' by Stephen Benatar but ge..."

Glad you found your book Nicola and no apologies necessary :D