The arbitrary decisions of the principal (and one decision in particular) also fit into this theme. The title plays on the phrase 'man proposes, God disposes', and Miss Pym certainly does a lot of the disposing - playing God, if you like - throughout the book.

The decision-making - of the college principal throughout the book, and of Miss Pym in certain places but particularly at the end - is also interesting. Those who like things a little less clear cut may find it very intriguing. There is a lot of deliberate vagueness and ambiguity, and those who like to know exactly whodunnit, and how, and why, will be disappointed. Or possibly the strongest, depending on how you look at it. There's a lot of detail on the structure and functioning of the college which reflects the author's own experience. The characters - not just sketched but sustained in detail through the books - are very strong.įirst published in 1946, it's very interesting as a period piece: the atmosphere and attitudes of the period are displayed in detail, although it seems more 1930s than 40s, and I am curious to know whether it was written before or during the war and only published after. Show More getting to know the staff and students, and becoming a part of the community. Great characterizations help to move this book along and keep it interesting. This book is by no means a fast paced action thriller, instead we are gently led through the last days of the term and the impact that certain decisions have on everyone. Whether she is correct or not, the reader is left to judge. Miss Pym makes her choices based on her belief in psychology and on what she feels is the right and just thing to do.

Rather than a full blown mystery or whodunit, this book examines moral questions and a person’s responsibility to pass on evidence, even if it is extremely damaging. She also enjoys the sense of belonging and she experiences.

She enjoys getting to know and becoming attached to some of these young women. Set in the isolated world of a Women’s Physical Training College, Miss Pym, as a current best seller of a book on psychology, arrives as a guest lecturer Meaning to leave the day after her lecture, she succumbs to this insulated world of young women and eventually stays through to the end of the year and the graduating exercises.

Miss pym disposes