Spiderweb - by Penelope Lively (Paperback)

About the Book

Booker Prize-winning author Penelope Lively has written a suspenseful novel about a fiercely independent woman who must finally confront her conflicting needs for solitude and human companionship.

Book Synopsis

At age sixty-five, retired anthropologist Stella Brentwood buys a cottage in Somerset, England, and slowly acquires neighbors, a dog, and a professional curiosity about the country village where she intends to settle and put down roots for the first time. She has spent her life studying communities of people--their families, social structures, how they welcome outsiders into their midst-remaining an observer, privileged to share in their intimate life but not obliged, and finally unwilling to tie herself closely to any lover, friend, or social group. In Somerset, Stella once again finds an opportunity to become part of the web of relationships that make for human society, as well as a chance at true friendship and love. How will independent-minded Stella, Lays reluctant to make an emotional commitment, respond? Written in exquisitely nuanced prose, Spiderweb is a captivating and deeply moving novel, a brilliant vision of our modern experience.

From the Back Cover

At age sixty-five, retired anthropologist Stella Brentwood buys a cottage in Somerset, England, and slowly acquires neighbors, a dog, and a professional curiosity about the country village where she intends to settle and put down roots for the first time. She has spent her life studying communities of people -- their families, social structures, how they welcome outsiders into their midst -- remaining an observer, privileged to share in their intimate life but not obliged, and finally unwilling to tie herself closely to any lover, friend, or social group. In Somerset, Stella once again finds an opportunity to become part of the web of relationships that make for human society, as well as a chance at true friendship and love. How will independent-minded Stella, always reluctant to make an emotional commitment, respond? Written in exquisitely nuanced prose, Spiderweb is a captivating and deeply moving novel, a brilliant vision of our modern experience.

Review Quotes

"Understated and elegant....Penelope Lively makes a strong case for risk-taking in one's personal life and for allowing oneself to get entwined in spiderwebs of other people's making." --"Wall Street Journal""Her work is invariably intelligent, thoughtful, humane and far deeper than first impressions might suggest....a fine work of fiction." --Jonathan Yardley, "Washington Post""Clever, low-key and deeply observant." --"Seattle Times""Lively cuts to the complex heart of human emotion and motivation....Carefully thought out and exceedingly smart." --"Philadelphia Inquirer""Lively's perceptive vision about the insularity of modern life rings true." --"Publishers Weekly""A strong addition to the already impressive list of Lively's fictional accomplishments....A quietly compelling drama with many shades of sadness, this is also a scrupulous portrait, both honest and sympathetic, of the proverbial rolling stone." --"Kirkus Reviews" (starred)"Penelope Lively's latest novel has the usual wonderful Lively strengths: gentle, intelligent, seamlessly written. Any jangled reader can find solace in her prose....Lively's a great writer." --"Boston Globe""Any fan of Penelope Lively will find familiarity and comfort in her latest novel, Spiderweb....Lively has a keen eye for detail and an authority in her writing that is admirable." --"Providence Sunday Journal""A splendid novel...I hated to see the last of Stella." --"Trenton Times"

"Lively cuts to the complex heart of human emotion and motivation.... Carefully thought out and exceedingly smart". -- PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER