The Girls of Slender Means

by Muriel Spark
The Girls of Slender Means cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 11562
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780811221047
  • Publisher: New Directions Publishing
  • Published: 2012-08-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Girls of Slender Means is set in 1945 London, where the residents of the May of Teck Club, a ladies' hostel, attempt to return to normalcy after the war. The novel is a sharp and humorous portrayal of the girls' lives, filled with elocution practices, suitors, and a shared Schiaparelli gown. However, beneath the surface, the girls are grappling with the emotional scars left by the war. The novel's ending is harrowing, revealing the tragic depths of their experiences. Dame Muriel Spark's novel is a masterful blend of comedy and tragedy, offering a poignant look at the resilience and fragility of the human spirit in the aftermath of war. The novel was chosen by Anthony Burgess as one of the Best Modern Novels in the Sunday Times of London, highlighting its enduring literary significance.

Reviews
BookerTalk · 2012-12-30
clever 4.00

The novel is clever and appears simple but delves into deeper themes. The story is engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer found the novel to be clever and engaging, with a seemingly simple premise that unfolds into a deeper exploration of its characters and themes. The setting of The May of Teck Club provides a unique backdrop that adds to the story's intrigue. The reviewer appreciates the cleverness and depth of the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The novel was indeed clever.

    It appears to be a simple story about a group of women who live in The May of Teck Club, a rather shabby but ...

    It delves into deeper themes and is thought-provoking.

Savage Reads · 2009-11-09
delightful 4.50

The writing is sparse yet punchy and full of life, making for a delightful read. The characters are engaging and the narrative is engaging.

The reviewer enjoyed the sparse yet punchy writing style, which is full of life and makes for a delightful read. The characters are engaging, and the narrative flows well, making it a pleasant experience. The reviewer found the time spent with the characters to be enjoyable and engaging, highlighting the charm of the story.

Quick quotes

    The writing is sparse yet punchy and full of life.

    A delightful hour or two whizzed by in the company of the girls of slender means.

    I am now a fan of Muriel Spark.

The Guardian · 2003-07-26
insightful 4.25

Rereading the novel offers a fresh perspective on the characters and their stories. The writing is sharp and insightful.

The reviewer found that rereading the novel provided a fresh perspective on the characters and their stories. The writing is sharp and insightful, allowing the reader to see the characters freshly and separately. The reviewer appreciates the depth and clarity of the narrative, making it a rewarding experience.

Quick quotes

    Rereading The Girls of Slender Means today is to pack away any befogging sense of relatedness.

    To see these young women freshly and separately.

    It's a taut and eerily perfect novel.

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