🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Penelope Lively
Penelope Lively is a British literature and fiction books author born in Egypt. She is also the author of many award-winning novels and short stories for children and adults. She was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize According to Mark and The Road to Lichfield in 1984 and 1977, respectively. Penelope is a famous author for children and has won Whitbread Award and Carnegie Medal. She lives in London. In her Award-winning novel, Penelope Lively digs deeper into the innermost debris of human lives spanning centuries of history, examining the most trying moments while simultaneously being private and personal through the eyes of her protagonist Claudia Hampton and her close friends and acquaintances. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Penelope Lively has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Penelope Lively
Fanny's Sister
Fanny's Sister is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Fanny Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Fanny And The Monsters
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Fanny Books with Fanny And The Monsters, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Fanny and the Battle of Potter's Piece
Conflict and courage define Fanny and the Battle of Potter's Piece, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Fanny Books series by Penelope Lively that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Astercote
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Astercote, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
The Whispering Knights
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Whispering Knights, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
The Wild Hunt of Hagworthy
The Wild Hunt of Hagworthy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Driftway
The Driftway continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe
The Ghost of Thomas Kempe is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
The House in Norham Gardens
The House in Norham Gardens is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Going Back
Going Back continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Stitch in Time
A Stitch in Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
The Road to Lichfield
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Road to Lichfield, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
The Voyage of QV66
The Voyage of QV66 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Judgment Day
Judgment Day is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Treasures of Time
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Treasures of Time, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
The Revenge of Samuel Stokes
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Revenge of Samuel Stokes, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Next to Nature, Art
Next to Nature, Art is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Perfect Happiness
Perfect Happiness continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
According to Mark
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with According to Mark, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Moon Tiger
Moon Tiger is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
City of the Mind
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with City of the Mind, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Passing On
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Passing On, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Cleopatra's Sister
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Cleopatra's Sister, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Heat Wave
Heat Wave is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Spiderweb
Spiderweb continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A House Unlocked
A House Unlocked is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
The Photograph
The Photograph is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Making it Up
Making it Up continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Consequences
Consequences continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Family Album
Family Album continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
How It All Began
How It All Began continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Abroad
Abroad is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Boy Without a Name
Boy Without a Name continues the Publication Order of Chapter Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Stained Glass Window
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Chapter Books with The Stained Glass Window, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Dragon Trouble
Epic adventure awaits in Dragon Trouble, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Chapter Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Penelope Lively has built.
A House Inside Out
A House Inside Out continues the Publication Order of Chapter Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Judy and the Martian
Judy and the Martian is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapter Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
The Cat, the Crow, and the Banyan Tree
The Cat, the Crow, and the Banyan Tree is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapter Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
A Martian Comes to Stay
A Martian Comes to Stay is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapter Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Staying with Grandpa
Staying with Grandpa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapter Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Ghostly Guests
Ghostly Guests continues the Publication Order of Chapter Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Debbie and the Little Devil
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Chapter Books with Debbie and the Little Devil, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
A Martian in the Supermarket
A Martian in the Supermarket continues the Publication Order of Chapter Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Princess By Mistake
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with Princess By Mistake, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Good Night, Sleep Tight
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with Good Night, Sleep Tight, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Two Bears and Joe
Two Bears and Joe continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Disastrous Dog
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with The Disastrous Dog, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
One, Two, Three, Jump!
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with One, Two, Three, Jump!, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Nothing Missing But The Samovar
Nothing Missing But The Samovar is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Corruption
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Corruption, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Uninvited Ghosts
Uninvited Ghosts continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Pack of Cards
Pack of Cards is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
A Long Night at Abu Simbel
A Long Night at Abu Simbel continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Lost Dog and Other Stories
Lost Dog and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Five Thousand and One Nights
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Five Thousand and One Nights, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Beyond the Blue Mountains
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Beyond the Blue Mountains, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
The Purple Swamp Hen
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Purple Swamp Hen, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
Metamorphosis
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Metamorphosis, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
The Presence Of The Past
The Presence Of The Past is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Oleander, Jacaranda
Oleander, Jacaranda is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
In Search of a Homeland
In Search of a Homeland continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dancing Fish and Ammonites
Dancing Fish and Ammonites continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ammonites & Leaping Fish: A Life in Time
Ammonites & Leaping Fish: A Life in Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Life in the Garden
Life in the Garden is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
Travellers in Time: Past, Present, and to Come
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Travellers in Time: Past, Present, and to Come, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
New Woman, New Fiction
New Woman, New Fiction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Penelope Lively have come to expect.
A Century Of Children's Ghost Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with A Century Of Children's Ghost Stories, another outstanding contribution from Penelope Lively.
AQA GCSE Anthology Sunlight on the Grass
AQA GCSE Anthology Sunlight on the Grass continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Penelope Lively's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Penelope Lively?
Penelope Lively is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 68 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Fanny Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Penelope Lively series to start with?
For readers new to Penelope Lively's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 28 books. Begin with Astercote to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Penelope Lively written?
Penelope Lively has written over 68 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Penelope Lively books in order?
Yes, reading Penelope Lively's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Penelope Lively write in?
Penelope Lively writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 68 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Penelope Lively's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Penelope Lively's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Penelope Lively's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Penelope Lively's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Astercote, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.