Blaming
Sharing the mature themes of Barbara Pym's Quartet in Autumn, Taylor's last novel is a finely nuanced exploration of responsibility, snobbery, and culture clash. When tragedy strikes Amy while on holiday in Istanbul, she is "adopted" by the kindly but rather slovenly Martha, an American who lives in London. Upon their return to England, Amy is ungratefully reluctant to maintain their friendship, but the skeins of their existence seem inextricably linked. With its compelling cast of characters--including Ernie, ex-sailor turned housekeeper, and Amy's precious granddaughters--Blaming delights even as it unveils the most uncomfortable human emotions. Elizabeth Taylor (1912-1975) is the author of many highly praised works, including At Mrs Lippincote's and Angel.