Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont

by Elizabeth Taylor
Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10468
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780748131006
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-07-07
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In the heart of London, the Claremont Hotel becomes the new home for the recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey, where she joins a cast of eccentric residents who share her struggles with boredom and the inevitability of aging. Among them, she forms an unlikely friendship with Ludo, a young writer who finds inspiration in her life for his novel. Together, they navigate the complexities of their relationships and the changing times of post-war England, all while facing the twin enemies of boredom and the Grim Reaper with stiff upper lips and sharp wit. Elizabeth Taylor's novel is praised for its exquisite character study and subtle depiction of genteel post-war English life, capturing the essence of a generation facing the changes of the 1960s. The sharp brevity of Taylor's wit and the effortless unfolding of the plot make this a timeless exploration of friendship, aging, and the human condition.

Reviews
A Corner of Cornwall · 2018-07-03
charming 4.25

The insularity of the characters' lives is vividly portrayed, yet the book avoids being dreary. The story is both charming and insightful.

The reviewer is struck by the vivid portrayal of the characters' insular lives, despite their regular interactions. This aspect adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it both charming and insightful. The reviewer appreciates how the book manages to avoid being dreary, instead offering a compelling exploration of the characters' experiences. The story is seen as a charming and thought-provoking read, highlighting the nuances of the characters' lives.

Quick quotes

    The insularity of the characters' lives despite their regular interactions is laid bare and yet I never found the book to be dreary or ...

    The story is both charming and insightful, offering a compelling exploration of the characters' experiences.

    The book manages to avoid being dreary, instead providing a vivid portrayal of the characters' lives.

The Guardian · 2015-05-11
sharp 4.50

Elizabeth Taylor's character study is a sharp and witty portrait of postwar English life. The novel is both exquisitely drawn and deeply insightful.

The reviewer praises Elizabeth Taylor's exquisitely drawn character study, which offers a sharp and witty portrait of genteel postwar English life. The novel is seen as both deeply insightful and beautifully crafted, capturing the eccentricities of old age with remarkable precision. The reviewer appreciates the wit and sharpness of the narrative, which adds a layer of depth to the characters and their experiences. The story is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of postwar English life with both humor and insight.

Quick quotes

    Elizabeth Taylor's exquisitely drawn character study of eccentricity in old age is a sharp and witty portrait of genteel postwar English life.

    The novel is both deeply insightful and beautifully crafted, capturing the eccentricities of old age with remarkable precision.

    The story captures the essence of postwar English life with both humor and insight.

JacquiWine Blog · 2015-03-19
poignant 4.00

The novel poignantly explores the challenges of old age, both emotionally and physically. It's a thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression.

This book delves deep into the emotional and physical struggles of aging, offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative. The reviewer appreciates how the story prompts reflection on the often-overlooked aspects of growing old. The characters' lives, despite their regular interactions, are portrayed with a sense of insularity that adds depth to the story. The reviewer finds the novel to be a moving exploration of old age, highlighting its tender and sometimes harsh realities.

Quick quotes

    It's a poignant, thought-provoking novel that prompts the reader to consider the emotional and physical challenges of old age.

    The emotional and physical struggles of aging are explored with a tender and sometimes harsh realism.

    The novel leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the often-overlooked aspects of growing old.

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