About FDU Press

Pym (1913-80) had published six novels by 1961, but in 1963 her publisher refused her latest effort on the grounds that the author was no longer contemporary. In 1977, two prominent literary figures named Pym one of the most undervalued writers of the 20th century. This praise led to her rediscovery, the publication of recent novels, a volume of scholarly articles, and books about aspects of her writings. Since her death Pym has become a favorite of American feminists. Donato’s premise is that “Pym’s novels may always support scholarship, but what they warrant is a wider and continuing readership.” To support this contention, the author critiques four of Pym’s novels: Some Tame Gazelle (1950), Excellent Women (1952), Jane and Prudence (1953), and Quartet in Autumn (1977). She discusses Pym’s aversion to plot and her introspectiveness, and at the same time demonstrates how Pym writes of daily life with humor. She compares Pym with other writers and argues that reviewers have missed the essence of Pym’s writings. Donato proves her point. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.

T. M. Racz, emerita, Eastern Michigan University
Choice, July/August 2006