Joyce Cary wrote two trilogies, or triptychs as he later preferred to call them. The first comprises: "Herself Surprised", "To Be a Pilgrim" and "The Horse's Mouth". The trilogy (or triptych) is designed to show three characters, not only in themselves, but as seen by each other. Each of the novels is seen through the eyes of a different character, so that each part is complete in itself. This is the story of Sara. She sees herself as the victim of mysterious events and her own soft heart, whereas to Wilcher (the protagonist of "To Be a Pilgrim") she is the devoted and unselfish servant and mistress, and to Gully Jimon ("The Horse's Mouth") a vain, self-deceiving man-catcher. 'There seems to me more truth of human nature, a profounder understanding of the springs of action in "Herself Surprised", than in any novel I have read for long time' - L.P. Hartley.
- ISBN10 0571252109
- ISBN13 9780571252107
- Publish Date 18 June 2009 (first published July 1968)
- Publish Status Transferred
- Out of Print 24 January 2015
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Faber & Faber
- Format Paperback (UK Trade)
- Pages 220
- Language English