Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym - 3 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym - 3* - My Review

Set in 1950s England, this book deals with a group of anthropologists and anthropology students. It covers their various interactions, relationships, and aspirations. The story focuses on a love triangle involving nineteen-year-old student, Deirdre, who has developed an infatuation with Tom, a working anthropologist who has just returned from Africa. Tom is initially living with writer, Catherine, and retains feelings for his first love, Elaine. Alaric Lydgate, another anthropologist, living nearby, is hoarding his research notes. Other characters include students Digby and Mark, Deirdre’s mother and aunt, Esther Clovis and Gertrude Lydgate, all of whom add humor and witty observations. This is the very definition of a “low key” book. It contains gentle humor and not much of a plot. This book “studies” the anthropologists themselves. I chuckled a few times and found it perfectly pleasant.