Ivy Compton Burnett Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ivy Compton Burnett.

Ivy Compton-Burnett (1884-1969) was an English novelist known for her distinctive writing style and exploration of family relationships. Born in Pinner, Middlesex, she came from an affluent family and received a high-quality education. Compton-Burnett's first novel, "Dolan's Cadillac," was published in 1912, but it was not until the release of her third novel, "Pastors and Masters" in 1925, that she gained critical recognition.

She developed a unique narrative technique, employing dialogue-driven prose with minimal description or explanation. This approach allowed her to delve into the inner workings and complexities of human nature and the dynamics within families. Compton-Burnett's novels often showcased the hidden tensions, power struggles, moral dilemmas, and emotional complexities that exist within familial structures.

Throughout her career, she wrote a total of nineteen novels, including notable works like "More Women Than Men" (1933), "A House and Its Head" (1935), and "A Family and a Fortune" (1939). Her books, though not widely popular during her lifetime, garnered a cult following due to their insightful examination of human relationships and incisive wit.

Compton-Burnett's work established her as a highly regarded novelist, and she was awarded the 1955 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction. Despite the challenging and sometimes dark subject matter of her novels, she also displayed a dry sense of humor. Ivy Compton-Burnett's compelling exploration of the complexities of human nature within family settings continues to captivate readers to this day.