Michael Cotsell

Cotsell's critical examination of Barbara Pym's novels came out in 1989, a decade after the author's death. It was the conclusion of ten years of Pym idolatry in which her unpublished works, a collection of letters and diaries, a biography and a cookbook were released, as well as several other critical analyses in this vein. I think Cotsell's is the best of the period, although new readers are advised this is very light on biographical detail and assumes familiarity with the novels.

Cotsell show more benefits from the fact that his book comes out after all of the others. He is able to offer a more nuanced retrospective view on the "Pym mania", reflecting on both the positive and negative appraisals, the strengths and weaknesses of the works, and their genesis. Most importantly, he is clear-eyed in his attempt to locate Pym's works within both English history and the changing literary tastes of the mid-20th century. He is particularly perceptive on the clash between modernism and the traditionalists, and Pym's gradual awareness of political and social realities. I also enjoy his view on how and why the Americans took to Pym from 1978 onward - perhaps largely because it matches my own!

So, in closing, not a biography, but a smart overview of the novels from a critical perspective. show less

Typical companion. Great for elucidation of all things our mutual friend.