from SandDune

Written in 1988, the narrator Mrs Hawkins reflects back over 30 years to when she was an overweight, 28 year old war widow living in a respectable but somewhat down-at-heel rooming-house in Kensington. Her current life is clearly a far cry from her life then, and even by the 1980's Kensington is ...

from lkernagh

After reading a number of rather heady books of late, a change for something lighter was in order. Sparks' A Far Cry From Kensington was just the right balance of circa 1950's quasi chick-lit piece with the sharp, witty humor that is, IMO, Sparks' trademark. I say 'quasi chick-lit' as the story i...

from PensiveCat

I can't say this is Muriel Spark's finest work, but it certainly is entertaining. Her narrator, Mrs. Hawkins, is a rotund war widow who people tend to confide in. One thinks this will be the sole plot of the book, but then we are introduced to Hector Bartlett, a horrible writer and detestable hum...

from rainpebble

A Far Cry From Kensington by Muriel Spark; VMC; ROOT; (4 1/2*); purged My thoughts & comments: Muriel Spark is an author whose books are 'to die for'. I really loved reading A Far Cry From Kensington. The story is not plot driven but is a whole lot of fun. I enjoyed how she drew her characters, h...

from lex10

I was handed this fictional memoir, by someone I trust to provide quality literary experiences- he assured me of its solid storytelling, and richness of content. For me, prior to being handed this book, Muriel Spark really brought two things to mind: lighting cigars, (get it?) and books like Plea...