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ClareR (6230 KP) rated The Party in Books

Sep 7, 2025  
The Party
The Party
Tessa Hadley | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Even though this is a novella there’s so much packed into it. From the party in the pub to the smaller gathering in the old mansion.

The Party is richly atmospheric and descriptive. The post-war pub is lively, crowded and seems like a lot of fun! Post-war Bristol is described in such a way that I had no problem seeing the damage around the port and the pub as I read.

The contrast of the sisters is also interesting: Moira is worldly wise, Evelyn is young and inexperienced, which shows particularly at the mansion gathering. These people are clearly from a different social class to the sisters. At first, they’re not exactly welcomed by some of their hosts, but everyone warms up as the evening progresses - in a number of ways. It’s an entertaining evening!

Another enjoyable read from Tessa Hadley, and I’m reminded yet again why I’m always happy to pick up another of her books.