The Pumpkin Eater

by Penelope Mortimer
The Pumpkin Eater cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10535
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9780241240311
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2015-07-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In this extraordinary novel, Penelope Mortimer delves into the life of a married woman on the brink of a breakdown. With a complex past and a chaotic present, Mrs. Mortimer finds herself collapsing in Harrods, leading to a profound realization about the limitations of marriage and family life. The story is a moving account of one woman's journey towards self-discovery, shot through with dark humor and unsettling truths. /n/n Mortimer's semi-autobiographical work is a powerful exploration of mental health and the societal expectations placed on women. The novel's unique blend of comedy and tragedy makes it a compelling read, offering a stark look at the challenges of modern life. Edna O'Brien praises the book, noting its universal appeal to women.

Reviews
Granta · Nicole Flattery · 2019-12-19
poignant 4.00

The novel is a poignant exploration of marriage and motherhood, filled with devastating arguments and black humour. It's a slim but impactful read.

Nicole Flattery highlights the novel's raw and unflinching portrayal of a woman's struggles with marriage and motherhood. The narrative is filled with devastating arguments, countless affairs, and moments of silent despair, all documented with a sharp and poignant wit. Flattery appreciates the novel's ability to capture the complexities of family life and the societal pressures that come with it. The black humour and the quality of the writing make it a memorable read, despite its uncomfortable moments.

Quick quotes

    Across this slim novel there are devastating arguments, countless affairs, a soundless crying jag in Harrods, all documented under Mortimer's unflinching gaze.

    It's a poignant exploration of marriage and motherhood, filled with black humour and raw emotion.

    The novel captures the complexities of family life and the societal pressures that come with it.

Triumph of the Now · 2019-11-10
engaging 4.50

The novel is more human, engaging, and intelligent than many books by male authors of the period. It's a captivating tale that stands out.

The reviewer at Triumph of the Now praises The Pumpkin Eater for its human and engaging portrayal of marriage and family life. They find it more intelligent and captivating than many books by male authors of the same period. The novel's ability to tackle difficult subjects with a blend of humour and honesty makes it a standout read. The reviewer's enthusiasm highlights the novel's impact and its ability to resonate with readers. The reviewer's appreciation for the novel's unique perspective and its ability to capture the complexities of family life makes it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The Pumpkin Eater is more human, more engaging and more intelligent than any book I've read by any of the big male authors of the period.

    A short and captivating tale, The Pumpkin Eater is a chilling, yet sometimes humorous portrayal of marriage and family life.

    The novel's ability to tackle difficult subjects with a blend of humour and honesty makes it a standout read.

Stuck in a Book · 2014-04-22
uncomfortable 3.50

The book is an uncomfortable read due to its raw and honest portrayal of marriage and motherhood. The black humour and quality of the writing are notable.

The reviewer at Stuck in a Book acknowledges the discomfort that comes with reading The Pumpkin Eater, primarily due to its unvarnished look at the challenges of marriage and motherhood. Despite this, they appreciate the black humour and the high quality of the writing. The novel's ability to tackle difficult subjects with a blend of humour and honesty makes it a compelling read, even if it's not always easy to digest. The reviewer's mixed feelings highlight the novel's impact and its ability to evoke strong emotions.

Quick quotes

    I read this a while ago, and although I liked the black humour and the quality of the writing, it was an uncomfortable read knowing how much truth there was in it.

    The novel's raw and honest portrayal of marriage and motherhood makes it a compelling read.

    The blend of humour and honesty makes it a memorable, if uncomfortable, experience.

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