A Far Cry from Kensington
| Industry | Publishing (fiction) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Muriel Spark |
| Products | Novel |
A Far Cry from Kensington is a 1988 novel by British writer Muriel Spark, classified as a roman à clef.
Plot introduction
The narrative, set in 1954, is delivered by Agnes (Nancy) Hawkins, a young widow from the war who resides in South Kensington and works as an editor at a financially troubled publishing firm. The plot centers on Wanda, an anxious Polish dressmaker who receives menacing letters, and Hector Bartlett, whose behavior suggests he is stalking Agnes, ultimately resulting in her dismissal. The story also incorporates the concept of radionics, a form of pseudoscience. This work is recognized as Spark's literary retaliation against a former partner who caused her personal anguish.
Reception
Robert Plunkett, writing for The New York Times, described the book as Spark's "most delightful novel in years," likening its charm and entertainment to classic Alec Guinness films such as The Lavender Hill Mob. He commended it for successfully merging artistic quality with captivating narrative.
Publication history
- 1988, UK, Constable, , hardcover
- 1988, US, Houghton Mifflin, , hardcover
- 1988, Canada, Viking, , hardcover
- 1989, UK, Thorndike Press, , large print hardcover
- 1989, UK, Penguin, , paperback
- 1990, US, Avon, , paperback
- 1990, UK, Chivers, , large print hardcover
- 1991, US, Listening Library, , audio cassette (narrated by Eleanor Bron)
- 2000, UK, New Direction, , paperback
- 2008, UK, Virago, , hardcover
- 2009, UK, Virago, , paperback
- 2011, UK, Blackstone, various ISBNs, audio CD/cassette/MP3 (narrated by Pamela Garelick)