The novel is narrated by Mildred.

The author succeeds at the difficult task of making her constantly interesting to the reader, in spite of Mildred's rather dull life.

Gentle satire is a characteristic of many Pym books. She finds humor in people's devotion to rituals and customs, church functions, the role of tradition in running a "jumble sale" or a reception. An especially amusing passage in Excellent Women concerns the behavior of those attending a scholarly meeting at which Everard Bone delivers a paper. The pomp and pretense of the audience and their questions and discussion are affectionately presented.