About the book
A blackly humorous story of loneliness, deception, and life in old age by one of the most accomplished novelists of the twentieth century.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon in January, the recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey moves to the Claremont Hotel in South Kensington. “If it’s not nice, I needn’t stay,” she promises herself, as she settles into this haven for the genteel and the decayed.
“Three elderly widows and one old man . . . who seemed to dislike female company and seldom got any other kind” serve for her fellow residents, and there is the staff, too, and they are one and all lonely.
What is Mrs. Palfrey to do with herself now that she has all the time in the world? Go for a walk. Go to a museum. Go to the end of the block. Well, she does have her grandson who works at the British Museum, and he is sure to visit any day.
Mrs. Palfrey prides herself on having always known “the right thing to do,” but in this new situation she discovers that resource is much reduced. Before she knows it, in fact, she tries something else.
Elizabeth Taylor’s final and most popular novel is as unsparing as it is, ultimately, heartbreaking.
Editions of Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781681375649
- EBook
- ISBN 9781681375656
Read an Excerpt
A blackly humorous story of loneliness, deception, and life in old age by one of the most accomplished novelists of the twentieth century.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon in January, the recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey moves to the Claremont Hotel in South Kensington. “If it’s not nice, I needn’t stay,” she promises herself, as she settles into this haven for the genteel and the decayed.
“Three elderly widows and one old man . . . who seemed to dislike female company and seldom got any other kind” serve for her fellow residents, and there is the staff, too, and they are one and all lonely.
What is Mrs. Palfrey to do with herself now that she has all the time in the world? Go for a walk. Go to a museum. Go to the end of the block. Well, she does have her grandson who works at the British Museum, and he is sure to visit any day.
Mrs. Palfrey prides herself on having always known “the right thing to do,” but in this new situation she discovers that resource is much reduced. Before she knows it, in fact, she tries something else.
Elizabeth Taylor’s final and most popular novel is as unsparing as it is, ultimately, heartbreaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont about?
A blackly humorous story of loneliness, deception, and life in old age by one of the most accomplished novelists of the twentieth century.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon in January, the recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey moves to the Claremont Hotel in South Kensington. “If it’s not nice, I needn’t stay,” she promises herself, as she settles into this haven for the genteel and the decayed.
“Three elderly widows and one old man . . . who seemed to dislike female company and seldom got any other kind” serve for her fellow residents, and there is the staff, too, and they are one and all lonely.
What is Mrs. Palfrey to do with herself now that she has all the time in the world? Go for a walk. Go to a museum. Go to the end of the block. Well, she does have her grandson who works at the British Museum, and he is sure to visit any day.
Mrs. Palfrey prides herself on having always known “the right thing to do,” but in this new situation she discovers that resource is much reduced. Before she knows it, in fact, she tries something else.
Elizabeth Taylor’s final and most popular novel is as unsparing as it is, ultimately, heartbreaking.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781681375649
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont?
Elizabeth Taylor
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont is available as paperback(ISBN 9781681375649) and ebook(ISBN 9781681375656)
Where can I buy Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont?