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The Diary of a Provincial Lady

Penguin Classics

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The Diary of a Provincial Lady

By: E.M. Delafield
Narrated by: Kirsty Besterman
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This Penguin Classic is performed by Kirsty Besterman, an experienced TV and theatre actress known for her leading role as Lady Macbeth in the National Theatre Tour, as well as a number of roles with Shakespeare's Globe and the RSC.

'January 22nd - Robert startles me at breakfast by asking if my cold - which he has hitherto ignored - is better. I reply that it has gone. Then why, he asks, do I look like that? Feel that life is wholly unendurable, and decide madly to get a new hat'

It's not easy being a Provincial Lady in Devonshire in the 1920s, juggling a grumpy husband, mischievous children and a host of domestic dilemmas - from rice mould to a petulant cook. But this Provincial Lady will not be defeated; not by wayward flower bulbs, not by unexpected houseguests, not even by the Blitz. She will continue to preside over the W.I., endure rain-drenched family picnics and succeed as a published author, all the while tending to her strawberries.

The Diary of a Provincial Lady is a brilliantly observed comic novel, as funny and fresh today as when it was first written.

 Biographical Fiction Classics Genre Fiction Funny Witty
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Critic reviews

I re-read, for the nth time, E.M. Delafield's dry, caustic Diary of a Provincial Lady, and howled with laughter (India Knight)
She converts the small and familiar dullness of life into laughter
I finished the book in one sitting, leaving the children unbathed, dogs unwalked, a husband unfed, and giving alternate cries of joy and recognition throughout (Jilly Cooper)
A Pooterish masterpiece of 20th-century humour (Christopher Fowler)
In the pages that follow is laid out the best of British womanhood, and you will fall in love with a capable, funny, clever, and never cloying woman ... EM Delafield has provided us with a faithful and funny and lasting record of having it all at a time when the concept was so alien that it didn't even exist (Rachel Johnson)
All stars
Most relevant
Very very well read, a real tonic that reminds you that life is is funny and give you a bit of perspective and a sense of joy

Fabulously observed and very entertaining

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What a wonderful book. I could relate to so many of the Provincial Lady’s worries and joys, and laughed out loud listening to her tales. It is incredible to think how modern and relevant her musings are 80 years on. Loved it and didn’t want it to end.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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I first came across the Provincial Lady years ago, and was pleased to find that these audiobooks do her full justice. The reader brings out the full humour of the writing and, for the cost of just one credit, struck me as terrific value. Would highly recommend.

Definitely worth getting

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Story is captivating and a charming exploration of middle class lady at various stages. Humorous vignettes of home life and preoccupations, then life on tour and finally during early WWIi time.
Excellent narration withFive stars.

Narrator was excellent

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I adore these books, but the slightly slack vowels of this narrator do not convey the essential upper middle class nature of the “Lady” in question to me. I much prefer the crisp delivery in the version of Georgina Sutton. I bought this version in order to have all the books together but the delivery has a modern twang to it that interferes with my enjoyment.

Wonderful writing, narration not to my taste

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