Virago Modern Classics discussion

In a poll for November 2025 won Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym.

Who is going to read it? How do you like it?

If you have read it already, or you are reading it at another (later) time - write here what you think about the book too.

[Please keep in mind to hide spoilers in spoiler brackets.]

I will be reading this, it will be a reread and am looking forward to it. Hope to start later next week.

I/it's a reread for me as well, but one with very fond memories.

I will reread with you!

I want to try it too.

I’ve started reading it. There’s something really comforting reading Barbara Pym. You know where you are and what you’re getting - she’s straight in with all her usual themes and similar types of characters as in her other books.
Also, I’m sure the Archdeacon Hoccleve has already been mentioned in another of her books.

Hi - I committed to another read for this week - but I have the book, and will probably start middle of next week.

Petra wrote: "I’ve started reading it. There’s something really comforting reading Barbara Pym. You know where you are and what you’re getting - she’s straight in with all her usual themes and similar types of c..."

He is mentioned in Excellent Women, I think Mildred goes to one of his sermons.

Petra wrote: "I’ve started reading it. There’s something really comforting reading Barbara Pym. You know where you are and what you’re getting - she’s straight in with all her usual themes and similar types of c..."

The Archdeacon is in Excellent Women

I’m nearly finished. And although I’m now a dedicated Barbara Pym fan, I probably wouldn’t recommend this as the best starting point to reading her books, even though it’s her first novel. Subsequent works are much more accessible.

I, sadly, have "an odd relationship" with Pym. I end up giving up on every other book of hers. Those that I was interested in and read to the end, I really liked. I can't tell why it is so with this author, because I am a fan of the genre (British wit, cozy, small town, etc.)

Reread and still enjoyed it. It has all you expect from Pym with the older spinsters doting on the latest curate. I enjoy her humour, she pokes fun, but never in a real mean way - the pronunciation of Mr Donne's name by the Archdeacon and the exposure of the curate's combinations.

I'm almost halfway through the rereading and I'm really enjoying it. The setting reminds me of Midsomer Murders but without the murders. Pym novels are my comfort zone and I would never get tired of reading them.

I've started my reread of Some Tame Gazelle and, five percent in, it's so soothing to read her expert prose.