Have you read Dorothy Whipple? If not, do, as she's far too good to overlook. For a superb summary of the Whipple style, read this article by 'one who knows'.
I find it hard to choose a favourite of her novels but would suggest starting with Someone at a Distance.
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Thank you for that link. I started to read Someone at a Distance a couple of nights ago. Will save Adele Geras's thoughts until I've finished. My third Whipple book and enjoying it immensely.
Posted by: Claire | 12 August 2008 at 12:17 PM
Thank you for that. I was shocked when I first heard of 'the Whipple line'. Adele puts the pro-Whipple case so well and I agree with every word, especially about Geoffrey, a horribly believable character.
Posted by: Barbara | 12 August 2008 at 01:58 PM
Adele is getting around - I have just posted about this as well!! Needless to say I agree with every word.
Posted by: Elaine Simpson-Long | 12 August 2008 at 02:31 PM
Agreed! Someone at a Distance is my favourite, of the ones I've read. And the Persephone Classics version is so beautiful.
Posted by: Simon T | 12 August 2008 at 03:44 PM
I've just read this novel and I'm about to post a review, too. I now want to read everything by Dorothy Whipple.
Posted by: Nicola | 12 August 2008 at 06:01 PM
Fuuny you should post about Someone at a Distance. I added it to my "Books I would like for my birthday" list earlier today.
Posted by: Liz | 12 August 2008 at 08:51 PM
I recently ordered Someone at a Distance, and am looking forward to it all the more having read Adele Geras's fine review. In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying another one of your recommendations, Good Evening, Mrs. Craven: The Wartime Stories of Mollie Panter-Downes.
Posted by: Lisa W | 12 August 2008 at 10:54 PM
I read 'They knew Mr Knight' and remember the dreadful sense of claustrophobic inevitability in the family's fate. The monstrous neighbour, however was a great treat. When I read it I hadn't picked up the religious dimension to it which is probably why I didn't quite 'get' the final scenes.
Posted by: probablyjane | 13 August 2008 at 03:28 PM
Norman Geras' article is excellent ... I couldn't agree with him more about Dorothy Whipple. Someone at a Distance was my very favorite Whipple novel and when I turned the final page, I was sorry not to have Ellen as a dear friend anymore.
Posted by: Becca | 15 August 2008 at 12:01 AM