If you get tired of novels about married angst, or alien invasions, or children misbehaving, then try Miss Read’s novels set in small English villages. Her people enjoy life; they meet problems and forge through, always with neighbors and friends along to help (or gossip).
I enjoy Miss Read’s novels. I like to read about people whom I would like to know in person, and people who embody the best of human nature, generally good but imperfect, with failings large and small. I like that there is little or no profanity, no vulgarity, no smut, no blasphemy. The characters attend church, grocery shop, help out a neighbor, clean the house, enjoy life as it comes.
The characters in Friends at Thrush Green confront serious problems. Elderly Bertha Lovelocks is senile and has taken to thieving, driving her gentle sister nearly to tears. Margaret Lester is an alcoholic. Percy needs a wife and several young ladies need to get married suddenly. Friends come together to help.
The setting is enjoyable. We are in a tiny village where not everyone has a telephone. No cell phones or internet mar the peace and the biggest hobby is gardening. This is a peaceful novel about life in a quiet English village.
I think this novel may be easier to read in print format. If you want to look up a given character (is he the minister or the retired doctor??) it is much easier to flip back in a print book.
4 Stars
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