Less than Angels

First edition (publ. Jonathan Cape)

Less Than Angels is a novel by Barbara Pym, first published in 1955.[1]

The novel is largely concerned with the activities of a group of anthropologists, and is to some extent based on the author's own experiences working at the International African Institute in London. It is set in a period of social change which is subtly represented within the novel's plot and setting[2]

Synopsis

Catherine Oliphant is a young writer, who lives with anthropologist Tom Mallow. Tom begins a romance with a student, Deirdre Swann, and his relationship with Catherine fizzles out. At the same time, she becomes interested in reclusive anthropologist Alaric Lydgate, who has recently returned from Africa; critics have pointed out how anthropologists in Pym's work [3]

A hilarious sub-plot involves the activities of Deirdre's fellow-students Mark and Digby, and their attempts to curry favour with influential academics. Tom departs for Africa, where he is killed during a time of political unrest. Deirdre begins to return Digby's fondness for her, and Catherine seems about to begin a relationship with Alaric.

Characters

The central character, Catherine, is considered by many to represent the author, being a writer of short stories who observes the actions of other characters with an air of detachment. Anne Wyatt-Brown writes that "Catherine represents Pym’s view of the world. She shares her author’s imagination, her amused reaction to anthropologists, and her detachment."[4]

References

  1. ↑ Barbara Pym Society
  2. ↑ Raz, Orna (2007). Social Dimensions in the Novels of Barbara Pym, 1949-1963. Edwin Mellen Press.
  3. ↑ Weld, Annette (1992). Barbara Pym and the Novel of Manners. London: MacMillan. ISBN 978-1349216925.
  4. ↑ Wyatt-Brown, Anne M (1992). Barbara Pym: A Critical Biography. Columbia: University of Missouri Press. ISBN 978-0826208200.
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