I am a huge Barbara Pym fan so I was thrilled when Stephen, a UK friend and pen pal, sent me a copy of this latest Pym biography which chronicles her early years. Below is an attempted Pym-like description of the book's delivery to my door!

Jane had suggested Sophie open the package only because the younger woman had been so disappointed to discover that her name had not been printed on any of the other mail carrier’s deliveries.

As Sophie held up the contents of the package with a listlessness that bordered on derision, Jane’s heart leaped.  It was a biography of an author she held in such high esteem that each lovely Dutton edition of the author’s novels decorated her bookshelf. This public adoration was no more than she had offered to her other favored writers—Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling included—but here in these pages might be the key to understanding the writer who had made her laugh aloud repeatedly; more frequently, it might be added, than either Jane Austen or J.K. Rowling, who were both brilliant wits.

Dear Stephen! Her UK pen pal had kindly inquired whether she had read this latest biography and when she had mentioned that no library in the Chicago suburbs had been sensible enough to order it, he insisted on purchasing one for her.

Ah, the friendship among bibliophiles! Who outside the world of those who bonded over beautifully written phrases, clever plot points, and deftly crafted characters could possibly understand a gift such as this?

Jane smiled as she arranged her Pym shelf, took a photo of the new book, and emailed it immediately to Stephen.