"The Sweet Dove Died" by Barbara Pym follows the story of Leonora Eyre, an unmarried woman of a certain age who forms strong attachments to Humphrey Boyce and his nephew James. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships between men and women, portraying a bittersweet tale of unrequited love, jealousy, and manipulation. Barbara Pym's writing style is characterized by subtle wit, incisive observations, and a focus on the inner lives of characters living quiet, retiring lives in England.

The plot of "The Sweet Dove Died" revolves around Leonora's interactions with Humphrey, James, and other supporting characters, exploring themes of aging, loneliness, and the dynamics of human relationships. Pym's narrative skillfully navigates the nuances of social nuances, snobbery, and the emotional intricacies of the characters, creating a compelling story that offers insights into the complexities of human nature.

Characters:

The characters are intricately drawn, featuring a self-absorbed yet vulnerable protagonist, a weak-willed young man, and supporting characters that complicate the central relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by subtlety and incisiveness, blending irony with poignant observations about social interactions and relationships.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Leonora Eyre's intricate relationships with two men, leading to jealousy and manipulations as she navigates her desires, loneliness, and the impact of her choices on others.

Setting:

The setting provides a reflective backdrop, emphasizing class distinctions and the nuances of social interactions in a post-Victorian context.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and deliberate, focusing on character exploration and emotional depth rather than a fast-moving plot.

‘The sale room is no place for a woman,’ declared Humphrey Boyce, as he and his nephew James sat having lunch with the attractive stranger they had picked up at a Bond Street sale room half an hour ag...

Notes:

The Sweet Dove Died is considered to be different from other Barbara Pym novels, featuring less coziness and more sharpness.

Leonora Eyre, the protagonist, is characterized as fragile, flirtatious, and self-absorbed, with a preference for beautiful things over personal relationships.

The story revolves around a complex love triangle involving Leonora, her admirer Humphrey, and his much younger nephew James.

Leonora is portrayed as a snob who looks down on others and is manipulative in her relationships.

The novel explores themes of loneliness, aging, and the fragility of human connections.

The title of the book references a poem by John Keats, highlighting themes of grief and emotional ties.

Leonora has romantic history in various famous gardens in Europe, yet has remained unmarried and emotionally detached.

The narrative is episodic, focusing on everyday events in the characters' lives, rather than a clear plotline.

Many readers felt Leonora was unlikable at first but came to find her story sympathetic by the end.

The novel features a presence of younger characters, including Phoebe, who represents a contrast to Leonora's manipulative nature.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of unrequited love, emotional manipulation, and the exploration of characters grappling with aging and loneliness.

Has Romance?

The romance in the book is present but often complicated by unrequited feelings and manipulations.

From The Publisher:

Pym observed the intricate rituals of English life with a sharp but understanding eye. In THE SWEET DOVE DIED, Pym uncovers the sometimes troubling truths behind relationships. A chance encounter over a Victorian flower book brings together Humphrey, and antiques dealer, his nephew James, and Leonora. Although she is considerably older, Leonora develops a fondness for James all the while knowing Humphrey has feelings for her. Leonora is determined to keep James under her spell until she realizes that she has to contend with the bookish Phoebe. Then Ned, a wicked young American, appears on the scene.

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About the Author:

A writer from the age of sixteen, Barbara Pym has been acclaimed as 'the most underrated writer of the century' (Philip Larkin). Pym's substantial reputation evolved through the publication of six novels from 1950 to 1961, then resumed in 1977 with the publication of Quartet in Autumn and three other novels. She died in 1980.

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The Sweet Dove Died

Barbara Pym