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Barbara's Reviews > Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
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Often described as hilarious, this book is anything but. Maybe I am overly sensitive, but just as I was saddened by clowns as a child, so now I felt saddened by the elderly residents of the Claremont Hotel. While Mrs. Palfrey displayed a little bit of spunk, the other residents of the hotel had basically given up on life; their conversation was as bland as the food they ate. They had no zeal, no purpose, and very few interests. They were just passing time until death ended their dreary lives.
This was my first book by Elizabeth Taylor. She is (or was) an excellent writer. The dialogue was often amusing and the insights spot on. If her intent was to make the reader aware of the emptiness of life in old age, the abandonment by children and grandchildren, Taylor's goal was definitely achieved. Please - if you hear that I have in future years decided to spend my last days at the Claremont Hotel, find me and shoot me!
Though this was far from a glowing review, I will read Elizabeth Taylor again. She is a fine writer. I will make sure any other book by her does not portray one's final days so heartbreakingly.
This was my first book by Elizabeth Taylor. She is (or was) an excellent writer. The dialogue was often amusing and the insights spot on. If her intent was to make the reader aware of the emptiness of life in old age, the abandonment by children and grandchildren, Taylor's goal was definitely achieved. Please - if you hear that I have in future years decided to spend my last days at the Claremont Hotel, find me and shoot me!
Though this was far from a glowing review, I will read Elizabeth Taylor again. She is a fine writer. I will make sure any other book by her does not portray one's final days so heartbreakingly.
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Jun 26, 2020 02:47PM
Your fine review made me smile Barbara .......... this doesn’t sound like the most uplifting book but I am intrigued by Elizabeth Taylor and will definitely try one of her books eventually.
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As a senior, I’m sure this would not be my cup of tea.
Richard wrote: "Your fine review made me smile Barbara .......... this doesn’t sound like the most uplifting book but I am intrigued by Elizabeth Taylor and will definitely try one of her books eventually."She is definitely a good writer and worth exploring more extensively. Thanks for your comment, Richard.
Judith wrote: "As a senior, I’m sure this would not be my cup of tea."I definitely missed the humor, although some of the dialogue was amusing. I hope to find a more satisfying book by this fine author. Thank you for commenting, Judith.
Mary Beth wrote: "Fab review, Barbara!.❤"Thanks so much, Mary Beth. Have a great weekend.
I haven't read Taylor yet, but I'd like to. Thanks for the great review - and the warning, Barbara! Does sound a bit depressing!
It doesn't sound very hilarious to me either, Barbara. I'm glad you found a new author you like though and hope her other books aren't quite so bleak.
Candi wrote: "I haven't read Taylor yet, but I'd like to. Thanks for the great review - and the warning, Barbara! Does sound a bit depressing!"The writing was excellent. I will definitely try another one of her books. Thanks for commenting, Candi.
Wonderful review, Barbara! I'm sorry it wasn't what you had hoped. Fingers crossed your next book by this author will be more uplifting! :-)
Kimber wrote: "Wonderful review, Barbara! I'm sorry it wasn't what you had hoped. Fingers crossed your next book by this author will be more uplifting! :-)"Thanks for your kind comment, Kimber. I apologize for the delayed response. And yes, the next three books I read were wonderful. It's like a rainy day; you always enjoy the beautiful sunny days after a rainy one.
I agree that expecting this to be a comedy would have been a bad way to start out. I read it quite a long time ago, and did enjoy it and sought out other works, because, as you say, she is a fine writer. I saw the movie too, which I at least remember as being quite faithful.
Seana wrote: "I agree that expecting this to be a comedy would have been a bad way to start out. I read it quite a long time ago, and did enjoy it and sought out other works, because, as you say, she is a fine w..."I will have to search for the movie. I do look forward to reading more of her work. Thanks so much for your comment, Seana.
You're welcome. And thanks for bringing the book back to my consciousness again.
Barbara, this definitely isn't a comedy, yet there is humor to be found. While Taylor is sometimes brutal in her look at aging, she does show Mrs. Palfrey exhibiting dignity and grace, as well as her ability to be open to the unexpected.
Lisa wrote: "Barbara, this definitely isn't a comedy, yet there is humor to be found. While Taylor is sometimes brutal in her look at aging, she does show Mrs. Palfrey exhibiting dignity and grace, as well as h..."You make some great points that I certainly agree with, Lisa. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I agree with Lisa Barbara but I understand your thoughts on the senior living part. I really enjoyed her way of writing though.
Lesle wrote: "I agree with Lisa Barbara but I understand your thoughts on the senior living part. I really enjoyed her way of writing though."Thanks for commenting, Leslie.
