Barbara Pym's literary trajectory is a fascinating study in the ebbs and flows of an author’s recognition. Her early career was marked by critical acclaim, a devoted readership, and moderate commercial success. However, this initial phase of acknowledgment was overshadowed in the 1960s and 1970s when her works fell into neglect. Pym's renaissance began in 1977, when she was celebrated as one of the "most under-rated writers of the century" by The Times Literary Supplement. This newfound recognition sparked a revival of interest in her novels, leading to the publication of new works and the reissue of her earlier ones.

Among Pym’s body of work, Excellent Women stands out as a particularly beloved novel. It achieved notable popularity upon its release, being chosen as a Book Society Choice and serialized on the BBC's Woman’s Hour. The novel’s resonance with readers persisted well beyond its initial success, becoming emblematic of Pym’s unique fictional world. Upon its reissue in the United States, the writer John Updike noted its enduring charm, remarking, “Excellent Women, arriving on these shores in a heyday of sexual hype, is a startling reminder that solitude may be chosen, and that a lively, full novel can be constructed entirely within the precincts of that regressive virtue, feminine patience.”

The journey of Excellent Women through Pym’s fluctuating popularity highlights the novel's distinct appeal. It remains a testament to the timelessness of Pym’s insights into human relationships and societal norms. The book’s title itself has become synonymous with Pym’s literary world, embodying the charm and depth that characterize her storytelling. As Pym’s readership continues to grow, Excellent Women stands as a beacon of her literary prowess, capturing the nuances of solitude and patience with both wit and sensitivity.