Books with female main characters who are shy or lonely spinsters

[Rainbowheart]

Hi guys,

Looking for books with female main characters who would be described as old-fashioned, shy, or lonely spinsters. Never married, childless, who live alone or with elderly parents or siblings. Women who are preferably in their 30s or older. She might work as a teacher or librarian or she might keep house.

I'm not looking for genre romance novels. It's ok if the main character has some sexual experiences in the book, but the story itself should not focus exclusively on romance. I'm not looking for the type of book where the protagonist is focused on dating or getting married.

A few books of this type would be A Jest of God and The Blue Castle.

Thanks mucho!

[...cats?]

I wouldn't consider all of them lonely and shy, but all the protagonists of these books are childless, unmarried older woman and most of them live alone:

Natural History
Cranford
Convenience Store Woman
Look at Me
Lolly Willowes
The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne

Additionally, maybe An Unnecessary Woman? The protagonist was briefly in a loveless marriage, is more reclusive than shy, and is considered odd rather than old-fashioned, but she is an older, childless, divorced woman who has spent most of her adult life alone.

[Rainbowheart]

Thanks, cats! Those are all great.

[Becca]

Are these for a list / general research, or for you to read? Consequences by E.M. Delafield (written 1919) was the first that came to mind - it's about an awkward young woman who 'fails' at finding a husband so enters a convent, but it's incredibly bleak so while it is an interesting example of an author criticising the limits of society, it's not a fun read!

I found Spinster by Sylvia Ashton-Warner an interesting product of its time but wouldn't necessarily recommend it as an entertaining read.

Miss Mole by E.H. Young is one I want to read but haven't yet - it sounds like it fits your criteria (and also sounds more fun / light-hearted than than the other two!)

[Rainbowheart]

Mostly just research and lists, but I might read one or two if they strike my fancy!

Thanks so much, Becca. All of these look awesome. :)