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The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories

By Penelope Lively
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories by Penelope Lively is a captivating collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. The narratives weave through various settings and time periods, delving into themes of history, identity, and the nuances of personal connection. With her characteristic wit and insight, Lively offers a reflection on the unexpected turns life can take.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this collection of stories if you appreciate keen observations of human nature and the eloquence of finely crafted prose. The narratives explore a variety of settings and characters, examining relationships and life's unpredictable turns with wit and insight, typical of Penelope Lively’s storytelling style. Fans of thoughtful and engaging fiction that often offers a twist of the unexpected will find this book appealing.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A new collection of short stories from the Man Booker Prize-winning writer.

A dream house that is hiding something sinister; two women having lunch who share a husband; an old woman doing her weekly supermarket shop with a secret past that no one could guess; a couple who don't know each other at all even after fifteen years together; and, in the story from which this collection takes its name, a bird and a servant girl in ancient Pompeii who cannot converse, but share a perfect understanding.

In this new and varied collection of short stories, Penelope Lively shows that she remains a master of her craft, and one of our finest English writers.

The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories is a testament to Lively's talent in weaving intricate tales that captivate and intrigue readers.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The collection by Penelope Lively is praised for its thoughtful and intricate storytelling, adeptly weaving connections between past and present. Reviews highlight her masterful skill in crafting stories with unexpected twists and an enchanting touch. Lively is recognised for her style, intelligence, and ability to reveal layers of complexity in human interactions, making each narrative vibrant and captivating.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241978535

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 May 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 151g

Pages: 208

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penelope Lively Penguin Books

About the Author

Penelope Lively is the author of many prize-winning novels and short-story collections for both adults and children. She has twice been shortlisted for the Booker Prize- once in 1977 for her first novel, The Road to Lichfield, and again in 1984 for According to Mark. She later won the 1987 Booker Prize for her highly acclaimed novel Moon Tiger. Her other books include Oleander, Jacaranda, a memoir of her childhood days in Egypt; Spiderweb; her autobiographical work, A House Unlocked; The Photograph; Making It Up; Consequences; Family Album, which was shortlisted for the 2009 Costa Novel Award, and How It All Began. She is a popular writer for children and has won both the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Award. She was appointed CBE in the 2001 New Year's Honours List, and DBE in 2012. Penelope Lively lives in London.

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