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Original poster

Penelope Lively : is anyone else a fan of her novels and short stories?

38 replies

FolioQuarto · 30/01/2026 21:34

I am currently reading my third Lively book since the beginning of the year. All rereads, I find them easy to read but not at all lightweight. I love how she explores perceptions of time, and the links between history and now.

I'll read something else next, probably something I haven't read before, then read a few more Lively novels.

OP posts:
ImDuranDuran · 31/01/2026 01:52

TheBookShelf · 30/01/2026 23:01

I highly recommend The House in Norham Gardens, if you haven't already read it. A wonderfully perceptive and evocative book.

I agree. This was my introduction to PL and I’ve loved her style ever since.

I was always a big fan of timeslip growing up. She and Alison Uttley were favourites of mine for this topic.

BigKissByeBye · 30/01/2026 23:17

The Wild Hunt of Hagworthy is brilliant.

ErrolTheDragon · 30/01/2026 23:15

I read quite a few of her novels in the past and always enjoyed them. There was one which was set in a particular geological location which I recognised immediately.

TheBookShelf · 30/01/2026 23:01

I highly recommend The House in Norham Gardens, if you haven't already read it. A wonderfully perceptive and evocative book.

semideponent · 30/01/2026 23:00

I've really enjoyed her books and re-read them. It all started with Moon Tiger at A level.

Original poster
FolioQuarto · 30/01/2026 22:38

Kittyberry Passing On was my first too I think, or possibly According to Mark.

I have read most if not all of her children's books too. She is indeed a hidden treasure.

Ammonites and Leaping Fish is a fascinating look back at her life, not quite an autobiography but very thought provoking.

OP posts:
Kittyberry · 30/01/2026 22:19

Passing On - was the first PL I read and was hooked thereafter. My boys - now adult - loved her Children titles - which I cant recall now. She's a hidden treasure.

MapleOakPine · 30/01/2026 22:19

I love Penelope Lively, my favourites are Moon Tiger and The Photograph.

RichardOnslowRoper · 30/01/2026 22:16

Loved Moon Tiger.

PermanentTemporary · 30/01/2026 22:16

I’ve really only read one, but I adored it - According to Mark. I read it when I was quite young and it seemed sophisticated. I must read some more. I’m always mixing her up with the other one - Penelope Fitzgerald.

Original poster
FolioQuarto · 30/01/2026 22:13

Nebulosity So many to recommend but perhaps my favourites are Moon Tiger (which won the 1987 Booker), Spiderweb, Cleopatra's Sister and The Road to Lichfield.

OP posts:
Nebulosity · 30/01/2026 21:37

I love The Ghost of Thomas Kempe, and all the history/time elements. I don’t think I’ve read anything else of hers though - what would you recommend?

Kittyberry · 30/01/2026 21:36

Love her … always have - The Purple Swamp Hen and others - is my bedtime read atm.