The Poorhouse Fair

Jan 13, 2026 2:19 AM

Author:John Updike

The Poorhouse Fair

At the Diamond County Home for the Aged, the inmates prepare for the annual ritual of the Poorhouse Fair, a summer celebration at which the old and infirm sell their produce on stalls to the people of the local town. Bitter, resentful and edging towards senility, the elderly residents of the Home take pride every year in the responsibility and self-respect they gain from this one day. But when the fair goes less well than the old folks had hoped, they are in no doubt who to blame: Conner, the new prefect of the home. Together, they begin to revolt against the younger man, and reassert their own independence.

Reviews

One of our foremost writers of naval fiction.

—— Sunday Times

As always with Eco, there is much to admire

—— Sunday Times

A beautiful evocation of a difficult period of Italian history, full of the flair and erudition for which we love Eco

—— Metro

Genuinely clever...the writing, the quotes and the pictures often tickle the brain

—— Irish Independent

Witty, playful, and incorrigibly erudite, Eco clearly had fun writing this book. There is much to enjoy

—— Daily Mail

Another great exhilaration from Eco. Eye-poppingly fascinating

—— Guardian

Perhaps the most intellectual novelist in Europe today. A highly idiosyncratic by engrossing novel

—— Herald

Profound and moving. A wonderful entertainer

—— Scotsman

Engaging

—— Sunday Times

The opening is delightful, the sort of stuff that has readers rubbing their hands in anticipation...it is good to see Eco recapture something of his former glories, bouncing ideas of his readers with characteristic zest

—— Sunday Telegraph

Stimulating

—— Big Issue

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