A Favourite of the Gods and A Compass Error

“In its diversity, its erudition, and above all, its moral and intellectual fastidiousness, Sybille Bedford’s work is remarkably similar to that of her friend Rebecca West… This Favourite of the Gods, blessed by them with so multifaceted a talent, deserves to become the favourite of every discerning novel-reader.” —Francis King, The Spectator

“Sybille Bedford’s A Compass Error is a moving and fascinating novel…a witty book, both in sentiment and idiom…full of civilised and satisfying ironies… There is a notable element of suspense which is cunningly sustained, both on a moral and a practical level, to the last page.” —Simon Raven, The Spectator 

“Taken as a tour of a picture gallery hung with family portraits painted in elegant and commanding style, A Favourite of the Gods has its own unmistakable distinction.” —Virgilia Peterson, Newsday
 
“Often compared to Henry James, [in A Compass Error] Mrs. Bedford moves through an expatriated, cultivated circle just before the war with an older, equally unattached, less knowing Maisie…one cannot overlook the assured presence of a graceful, worldly writer.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
“Sybille Bedford has an original talent. Her portraits are razor sharp and individual and she views the world with wit, irony, and cool restraint. In [A Favourite of the Gods], she gives a panoramic view of life where each action plays its part in determining events to come.” —Grace P. Comans, The Hartford Courant
 
“Gracefully written and, in one portion, as filled with suspense as anything you are likely to find…A Compass Error gives much pleasure.” —Cecile Shapiro, Saturday Review
 
“A Jamesian world artfully re-shaped by an unconventional female writer.” —Emma Hagestadt, The Independent
 
“[A Compass Error] demonstrates a firm control of form and a clarity of style.” —Stanley Reynolds, New Statesman
 
“A Compass Error has major virtues. It has narrative strength, felicity of phrase and the ability to evoke, with the most exquisite economy, the way people used to live and behave…. An important, perhaps a major book.” —Meryle Secrest, The Washington Post