Judy’s Comments (group member since Feb 24, 2017)

Judy’s comments from the Retro Reads group.

Oh no, sorry to hear that, Carol. Hope you don't have to wait too long and that you have a good weekend anyway.

So sorry to hear about all this, Carol. Glad you are OK.

Mrs Rivers and son Julian are also both very funny, with the same high opinions of themselves and their "Work".

Up to halfway through now and I'm enjoying it more again as there has been more of Thirkell's snarkiness. Love Lord Pomfret ordering the publisher about!

I've read about a third now, and, while I'm quite enjoying it, at the moment I'm not finding it quite as funny as some of the other Thirkells I've read. I'm hoping it will branch out a bit from the young people at the house party, as I think the older characters have been the most amusing so far, especially Lord and Lady Pomfret.

Cooler here today, Susan, but thank you! I know you are also having a heatwave in parts of the US and around the world.

And yes, many parents will sympathise with the Bartons' dilemma about how far to push Alice, as you say.

Early days for me, but I'm feeling quite sorry for Alice as she is so nervous of everything and everyone. And definitely enjoying Thirkell's humour.

I've just started reading this in a gorgeous Virago Modern Classics paperback - not very far in, but I'm enjoying it so far. Interesting that we have another novelist mother here, Mrs Barton (I believe Mrs Morland writes) whose son is not particularly interested in her work.

I loved this line:
"Guy... like most children made fun of his mother's work and was genuinely surprised when he found out that real people in London spoke of her books with respect. That she earned a good deal of money by them seemed to him quite fantastic and a little unfair, but he bore her no grudge."

I've just finished and, while I quite enjoyed it, must admit I found it a bit dull in places compared to the other Thirkells I've read so far. Lydia was a joy, but in terms of the adults I think perhaps my problem was that everyone is so nice and well-meaning - I would have enjoyed someone causing a bit more trouble at times (beyond Rose's tantrums).

Kate in particular struck me as somewhat boring with her endless thoughts about the joys of needlework and mending! And while Rose seemed hilarious to start with, I agree with Janetje that she became rather overdone. I've got the next two books in the series, which I picked up secondhand, so am hoping they return to form.

I also had the misleading blurb, but was quite relieved Tony had grown up a bit from his Demon in the House days!

I'm getting towards the end now and, although I've quite enjoyed it, I don't think it is as funny as some of Thirkell's others. I found August Folly much funnier and think some of the school parts in this one are a bit repetitive - admittedly the jokes about Latin etc are somewhat lost on me!

Susan, I will look forward to meeting Lydia again in later books. Nice to meet the slightly older Tony in this one.

I'm about halfway through now and mainly enjoying it - although I would like to see more of the terrible Rose in action and a bit less of everyone complaining about her when she isn't actually there ;)

I've read about 100 pages so far and am enjoying this book - I found a copy in a charity shop on holiday, which I thought was a sign to me to join in, especially as I'm reading in order and this is the next one in the series!

My favourite character so far is Lydia, who is hilarious - so bossy and determined. I do think Thirkell is great at portraying children.

I recently read The Blue Castle and didn't really see it as a children's book - I was expecting it to be, because of the author, but thought it was more aimed at an adult audience. I quite enjoyed it though.

I've read quite a few of the early Wentworth standalones republished by Dean Street Press and I think almost all of them had pretty weak plots, as this one does - they all seem to be more thrillers than mysteries and have loads of wild coincidences, but they do have some great characters and I enjoy the way she writes.

I was hoping the Miss Silver books would have better plots - it sounds from the comments here as if some of the later ones do.

Interesting, Carol! I think Miss Marple just came first as a character though - I remember looking this up for some reason, and she first appeared in a magazine short story (The Tuesday Night Club) in 1927, a year before The Grey Mask.

Possibly just a coincidence that they both came up with similar characters originally, but your idea that Wentworth revived Miss Silver after being inspired by Christie sounds likely to me.

I've never come across dreep and I'm English - I googled it and I think it may be Scottish?

Karlyne wrote: "But I do get a kick out of how their orders are ignored! Just like real life!..."

Very true!

Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ wrote: "I'm having issues with the dysfunctional Henry-Hilary relationship. I have a hard time believing those two are good for each other for the long haul ..."

There are a lot of these feuding young couples in some of Wentworth's early non-series books which have been republished by Dean Street Press in the UK. I can see the charm and wit of the characters, but the constant bickering can get a bit much, I do agree - plus Henry and other similar male characters do assume they can order their girlfriends around!

Kellie wrote: "Would it be a good idea for me to read the first book in the series 1st, or is it truly standalone? I'm a bit of a stickler for book order if there is a wider arc through a series..."

I noticed that one of the support characters in this book, Charles Moray, was also in the first book, Grey Mask, but I don't think there were any spoilers for that book in this one!

Thank you Peggy!