Retro Reads discussion

This thread is for open spoilers & final conclusions!

So what did everyone think?

I haven't started yet and it's a first time read for me, so I plan to stay out of this thread for a bit. I will start soon, hopefully this weekend.

Oh, sorry, just asked in other thread if you started! I’ll check back to see if anyone else is joining.

I found it a bit of a slow start on this reread, straightening out in my mind who was who, but since my first read many years ago, I’ve read several more Thirkell novels and learned to spot her humorous and quirky types.

There’s the perpetually tired but adored middle-aged heroine (vicar’s wife), the younger man who adores her from afar (or in this book, up close; the young officer billeted in her home - poor lady!), but in this case I chuckled several times at how often he told her devotedly how “tired you must be”! Every woman loves hearing that every day…I loved how she’d get irritated under her breath - much more realistic!

Then there’s the mixed group of bouncy, bright young lovers to pair off - the two nieces and the young officers (never did get them straight, but I don’t think it matters - I thought it was slyly hilarious the way Thirkell herself refers to one only as “the other niece” - she didn’t even bother coming up with a name).

The masterful, rather scary older ladies who brook no nonsense-here she gives us two great ones, some younger, fluffy character’s aunt (again, she doesn’t make a thing of naming her - she definitely telegraphs to us readers the characters that matter, and the ones who are just types!) The other tough older lady is the scholarly one, constantly described as “ugly” (she doesn’t pull punches, that’s for sure), who keeps the shy French poetry scholar as a boarder and guards him like a dragon!

And of course the brilliant, obnoxious Mrs. Spender, the only character whose name I remember always (sorry, my book is in another room where a guest is sleeping, can’t access it). She was a whirlwind, descending every once in awhile to shake everyone up! Her scenes were my favorites-and everyone’s reaction to her - like a plane full of passengers after a six-hour flight with a screaming baby…

Overall I enjoyed it - liked the gentle humour and the characters overall......Haven't read many Thirkell but can't help thinking that I have to be in the mindset for them.

Mostly enjoyed the village life and a glimpse of "the war" from another angle/perspective.

Cphe wrote: "Overall I enjoyed it - liked the gentle humour and the characters overall......Haven't read many Thirkell but can't help thinking that I have to be in the mindset for them.

Mostly enjoyed the vill..."

I’ve heard that from other readers over the years, and definitely agree - I have to be in the mood to appreciate Thirkell.

I have also found that a Thirkell improves on re-read. (I think my brain just kind of relaxes into her world or something)

I agree, I love the pace, the humor - nothing really happens, but I’m entertained. It’s like Seinfeld (often described as ‘a show about nothing’!) set in WWII-era rural England. ;o)