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From the inimitable Jane Gardam, whose Old Filth trilogy cemented her status as one of England's greatest living novelists, comes a collection of short stories that showcase her subversive wit, gentle humor, and insight into the human condition. Gardam's versatility is on full display, while her sublime grasp of language and powers of observation remain as provocative as ever.
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (11/13/2025)
Ii just finished "The Elements by John Boyle and loved it. Also did a close read with Haley Larsen on Substack and read "The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton-so clever and enjoyable. Currently reading "Old Filth" by Jane Gardam. I saw it recommended somewhere and so glad I decided to read ...
-Candace_Broman
"Starred Review. The full range of Gardam's talents are on display here, and readers will feel lucky to have so much good writing in one place." - Publishers Weekly
"A rich haul from a well of talent." - Kirkus
This information about The Stories of Jane Gardam was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Novelist Jane Gardam was born Jean Mary Pearson in Coatham, North Yorkshire on July 11, 1928. She was educated at Saltburn High School for Girls and won a scholarship to the University of London, where she read English at Bedford College. In 1951 she worked as a Red Cross Travelling Librarian to Hospital Libraries, afterwards taking up editorial posts at Weldon Ladies Journal (sub-editor, 1952) and the literary weekly Time and Tide (Assistant Editor, 1952-4).
Her first book for adults, Black Faces, White Faces (1975), a collection of linked short stories about Jamaica, won both the David Higham Prize for Fiction and the Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize. Subsequent collections of short stories include The Pangs of Love and Other Stories (1983), winner of the Katherine Mansfield Award; Going ...
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