Title: The subversion of romance in the novels of Barbara Pym
First published: 1998
Description: This book seeks to explore how Barbara Pym subverts the discourse of the romance novel through her use of food, clothes, heroine and hero characterizations, and marriage customs. The text begins with a brief history of the romance novel and how that history relates to the writing of Barbara Pym. The discussion will compare Pym's writing techniques with those of romance writers, particularly those who write for the British publisher Mills and Boon, and Barbara Cartland.

Through this and all of Pym's writings, there resounds the question, "Can single women of a certain age live a full life?" Through rewriting and subverting the romantic paradigm, Pym answers with a resounding, but heartfelt, "Yes!"
Subjects: History, Manners and customs in literature, Social norms in literature, Literature and society, Middle-aged persons in literature, Criticism and interpretation, Women and literature, Man-woman relationships in literature, Single women in literature
Places: England
People: Barbara Pym
Time periods: 20th century
LC classification: PR6066.Y58 Z88 1998