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"Quartet in Autumn" is a novel by Barbara Pym, published in 1977. The novel follows the lives of four elderly characters, all of whom work at the same government office: Letty, Edwin, Marcia, and Norman. As they approach retirement, the four friends struggle to find purpose and meaning in their lives.

Letty is a spinster who has spent her entire life working at the office and has no hobbies or interests outside of work. She is uncomfortable with change and finds it difficult to adjust to the prospect of retirement.

Edwin is a timid and unassuming man who is devoted to his work and has never married. He is deeply affected by the loss of his mother and is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality.

Marcia is a middle-aged divorcee who has a penchant for gossip and a talent for matchmaking. Despite her outgoing personality, she is deeply unhappy and feels unfulfilled by her job and her personal life.

Norman is a bachelor who has always been something of a ladies' man. He is charming and charismatic, but his promiscuity and lack of commitment have left him feeling empty and unfulfilled.

As the four friends navigate the challenges of aging and the prospect of retirement, they are forced to confront the realities of their own mortality and the choices they have made in their lives. Along the way, they find comfort and support in each other and come to appreciate the value of friendship and companionship.

Despite its bleak subject matter, "Quartet in Autumn" is ultimately a hopeful and uplifting novel. Pym's depiction of the challenges and joys of aging is nuanced and compassionate, and her characters are richly drawn and deeply human. The novel is a poignant exploration of the search for meaning and purpose in the later years of life.