The Girls of Slender Means
The Girls of Slender Means
Book Brief
Beta140
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1940s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark is set in a London boarding house for young women in 1945. The story follows the residents as they navigate post-war challenges, personal ambitions, and relationships. Amidst these experiences, a tragic event unfolds, profoundly impacting their lives and shaping their future paths.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Dark
Reviews & Readership
8,203 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Muriel Spark's The Girls of Slender Means is praised for its sharp wit and economical prose, capturing post-war London society's vibrant yet precarious nature. Critics laud Spark's character depth and narrative structure, though some find the brisk pacing challenging. The novel's blend of humor and social critique resonates well with readers, solidifying its literary acclaim.
Who Should Read The Girls of Slender Means?
A reader who enjoys The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark likely appreciates literary fiction with sharp wit and social commentary. Fans of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen or Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh would enjoy its exploration of post-war life, nuanced characters, and dark humor.
8,203 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Girls of Slender Means was first published in 1963 and is considered one of Muriel Spark's most popular works, capturing post-World War II British life with both wit and precision.
Muriel Spark was inspired to write The Girls of Slender Means by her own experiences living in a boarding house for women in London during the early years of her career.
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The novel is often praised for its economical prose and vivid characterization, hallmarks of Spark's distinctive literary style that helped to establish her reputation as a leading 20th-century author.
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140
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1940s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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