The Foolish Gentlewoman

Sentimental affectionate uncritical Mrs. Bracken so easily attached herself to persons places and even objects that after no more than two days in an hotel she had a favourite waiter a favourite ornament a favourite view. She had adored her husband and was very fond of her French pepper-mill.World War II has ended and widowed Isabel Brocken kind-hearted and generous if perhaps just a bit foolish is back in her old family home on the outskirts of London accompanied by her friend Jacky just out of the ATS and her newly-demobilized nephew Humphrey. Theyre soon joined by Isabels surly brother-in-law Simon who has decidedly mixed feelings about her but whose own home is under repair for bomb damage. Into this uneasy mix comes Tilly Cuff a poor relation to whom Isabel has been inspired-by a rare church venture and a particularly inspiring sermon-to make amends for having many years before sabotaged her one chance at romance.When Tilly proves manipulative and even malevolent the happiness of Isabels household is threatened. And where the story goes from there is pure unexpected delight. In The Foolish Gentlewoman Margery Sharp provides us a thoughtful funny and terrifically entertaining slice of British life in the immediate aftermath of war.Miss Margery Sharp has a sure-fire way of telling a story and a genius for writing dialogue - crisp in the comic vein yet able to carry the shadow of deeper feeling. Elizabeth Bowen