Barbara Pym’s Less Than Angels is a humorous and insightful exploration of the lives and relationships of anthropologists and their associates. Set in post-war England, the novel revolves around a quirky cast of academics, students, and young women navigating the worlds of romance, career, and ambition. Pym’s trademark wit shines through as she gently satirizes the academic world, capturing the nuances of human behavior with empathy and humor. For those who appreciate Pym’s quiet humor and talent for making the ordinary feel extraordinary, Less Than Angels is a delightful read that blends satire with warmth.

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Barbara Pym’s Less Than Angels

Plot Summary

Less Than Angels follows the lives of a diverse group connected to the world of anthropology. At the center are Catherine Oliphant, a writer and somewhat disillusioned girlfriend of the ambitious anthropologist Tom Mallow, and a cast of characters that include students, fellow anthropologists, and family members. Tom returns from Africa and soon finds himself caught between Catherine and Deirdre Swan, a young student who is captivated by him.

As the relationships evolve, so do the personal and professional ambitions of the characters, all set against the backdrop of an academic world where rivalries, funding struggles, and fieldwork are constant topics of conversation. Pym skillfully blends romance, ambition, and a hint of melancholy, drawing readers into a community where human interactions and emotions are often as complex as the cultures the anthropologists study.

You can get a copy of Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym on Amazon.

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Character List

Catherine Oliphant

Catherine is a writer and Tom’s girlfriend, though she is beginning to question her relationship with him. Independent and observant, she provides much of the novel’s humor through her wry take on the people around her. Catherine’s wit and resilience make her a central, relatable figure in the story, especially as she navigates her evolving feelings for Tom.

Tom Mallow

Tom is a young anthropologist recently returned from fieldwork in Africa. Ambitious and charming, he captures the interest of both Catherine and the young student Deirdre, though he remains somewhat detached and self-centered. His character represents the typical academic, absorbed in his work but less attuned to the emotional complexities of those around him.

Deirdre Swan

Deirdre is a young anthropology student who quickly becomes infatuated with Tom, finding in him a symbol of romance and adventure. Her youthful idealism contrasts with Catherine’s more pragmatic outlook, creating a subtle tension between the two women. Deirdre’s innocence and romantic dreams make her both endearing and naive.

Professor Mainwaring

A respected but somewhat eccentric anthropologist, Professor Mainwaring embodies the quirks of academia. He is both passionate about his work and occasionally oblivious to the realities of life outside his field. His interactions with the younger characters add humor to the novel, particularly as he grapples with generational differences.

Alaric Lydgate

Alaric is a somewhat reclusive anthropologist with an interest in studying death rituals. His intense personality and passion for his subject make him a peculiar yet compelling figure, providing a foil to the more lighthearted students and colleagues. Alaric’s character adds a layer of depth and introspection to the story.

Rhoda and Mabel

Rhoda and Mabel are anthropology students who provide comic relief through their endless discussions and slight jealousy of Deirdre’s connection with Tom. Their gossip and curiosity about their professors add an amusing touch to the novel, capturing the petty rivalries and alliances within academic circles.

You can get a copy of Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym on Amazon.

Themes in Less Than Angels

The Complexities of Romantic Relationships

Less Than Angels delves into the intricacies of love and attraction, especially in an environment where academic ambitions and personal desires often conflict. Catherine’s evolving feelings for Tom and Deirdre’s idealized affection highlight the different facets of romance, from infatuation to disillusionment. Pym’s portrayal of these relationships is both humorous and touching, reminding readers of the often messy nature of love.

Satire of Academic Life

Pym’s gentle satire of the anthropology world is one of the novel’s most enjoyable aspects. Through characters like Professor Mainwaring and Alaric, Pym explores the quirks of academia, from funding struggles to fieldwork gossip. The novel’s portrayal of the academic community is both affectionate and lightly mocking, as Pym reveals the humor in scholarly ambitions and the eccentricities of anthropologists.

The Search for Identity and Purpose

Many characters in Less Than Angels, especially the younger students, are searching for meaning and identity, both in their work and personal lives. Deirdre’s idealism, Tom’s ambition, and Catherine’s self-reflection all underscore the universal theme of finding one’s place. Pym’s depiction of these journeys is empathetic, resonating with readers who have also navigated questions of purpose and fulfillment.

Youth and Idealism vs. Experience and Realism

The novel contrasts the youthful idealism of characters like Deirdre and Rhoda with the more seasoned perspectives of Catherine and the older anthropologists. This generational divide adds a layer of depth to the story, as Pym examines the clash between romantic dreams and the practical realities of life and career. The theme speaks to the tension between aspiration and acceptance, a recurring motif in Pym’s work.

You can get a copy of Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym on Amazon.

Why Less Than Angels Still Resonates Today

Less Than Angels remains relevant for its insightful portrayal of relationships, career ambitions, and the universal search for meaning. Pym’s gentle humor and nuanced depiction of love, jealousy, and academic life resonate with readers who see themselves in her characters’ struggles and triumphs. The novel’s exploration of the balance between work and personal life, as well as the idealism of youth versus the realism of experience, continues to feel fresh and relatable.

For modern readers, Less Than Angels offers a comforting escape into a world where humor and empathy guide the characters through life’s small and large challenges. Pym’s keen eye for human behavior and her gentle satire make this novel a timeless exploration of love, ambition, and the quirks of academia.

Final Thoughts on Less Than Angels

Less Than Angels is a beautifully crafted novel that brings humor, insight, and warmth to the lives of anthropologists and their friends. With a cast of memorable characters and themes that touch on love, ambition, and identity, Barbara Pym offers readers a delightful glimpse into a world that feels both familiar and unique. For those who, like me, find solace in Pym’s ability to capture the charm of everyday life, Less Than Angels is a must-read.

You can get a copy of Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym on Amazon.

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