Less Than Angels

A Novel

By: Barbara Pym

Narrated by: Mary Sarah

A tale of a woman's romantic entanglements with two anthropologists - and the odd mating habits of humans - from the author of Jane and Prudence.

Catherine Oliphant writes for women's magazines and lives comfortably with anthropologist Tom Mallow - although she's starting to wonder if they'll ever get married. Then Tom drops his bombshell: He's leaving her for a 19-year-old student.

Though stunned by Tom's betrayal, Catherine quickly becomes fascinated by another anthropologist, Alaric Lydgate, a reclusive eccentric recently returned from Africa. As Catherine starts to weigh her options, she must figure out who she is and what she really wants.

With a lively cast of characters and a witty look at the insular world of academia, this novel from the much-loved author of Excellent Women and other modern classics is filled with poignant, playful observations about the traits that separate us from our anthropological forebears - far fewer than we may imagine.

©1955 Barbara Pym (P)2020 Tantor

Pity about the narration …

Narrator has a very pleasant voice, but the style, inexplicable pronunciation manglings and peculiar pacing of spurts of words make sections of the text unintelligible.
That is such a pity!

Barbara Pym excellent! Narrator a mismatch

Wonderful Barbara Pym novel. Really enjoyed it. Surprised that whomever chose The narrator was so off the mark. The narrator was just fine for another book. But not for a Barbara Pym novel. Unfortunate selection.

Agree Excellent Book Exerable Narrator

Love Barbara Pym and loved the recording and narrator of Excellent Women. This narrator uses a breathy over-dramatic voice that is annoying and out of sync with the material in places. Disappointed.

Need a different narrator

Narrator had misplaced emphasis -made the softness of the book appear all trite. Expected Barbara Pym writing- true to form

Unique story. Funny and insightful perspective into 1950s Britain.

A forgotten literary genius. I’ve read several of her books.
Worth your while
Liked it all. Recommended ( see above) Rick Lieberman