Retro Reads discussion

This thread is for open spoilers & final conclusions!

I must admit, if you’ve seen my review, you know this was only a three-star read for me, compared to my usual 5-star ratings for Thirkell.

As with any any long-running series, there will be ups and downs as to quality; it wasn’t that, there were the usual humorous set pieces with autocratic ladies, star-crossed young lovers, meetings to protest this or that, drink tea, gossip and achieve nothing. My problem was the less than upbeat ending-Catherine’s unhappiness and emotional exhaustion were palpable. Her young swain was off to pursue his dream with his music, and I felt confident his heart would heal in time. But Catherine seemed so trapped and miserable - not the Thirkell happy buzz I was expecting. Now I remember why I hadn’t revisited this one, or rated it first time! What did anyone else think?

I liked it much more than you did, Susan, but I have no idea how much of that is low expectations (pretty sure I saw how many stars you gave it before I read it), having the book in my hand rather than reading it on a kindle, and various other things. well, my mood is always better in what are for me the longest days of the year!

Catherine was certainly unhappy but I also think she truly loved her husband (hard to imagine, but I accept that she did) and will go back to being satisfied with him. I also can't help but remember he is much older than her (20 years, was it?) and in my mind Denis spends so much time/energy on his music that he never has a love....and then he is ready when Catherine becomes a widow.

But the main reason I enjoyed it so much was just because I loved what you so wonderfully described - a lot of gossip and nothing achieved! - but brilliantly told.

I actually bought a used copy of this and I'm not sorry I did: I expect I will enjoy it at least as much on re-read. Meanwhile, I need to read more Thirkell!

You are so right, I love those meeting scenes- talk, gossip, tea, nothing accomplished! Good practice for the war years, and all the meetings and work parties to come….

I agree, Catherine does love him, I guess I found him funny at first, then annoying- I felt like he was George Knox the lesser! Of course, George is such a brilliant comic creation, I guess I can’t blame Thirkell for mining that rich vein again…

I’m going to adopt your view of the future in my mind; Catherine appreciates her silly but endearing old man, Denis is free to pursue his first true love, music, and someday, when she is a widow, their time will come…much nicer!;o)

p.s. as to reading more, I look forward to doing the same - the war years are upon us, and some of her finest books, I feel.

Are we the only two who read the book?

I guess so!