Author: D.E.Stevenson
Published: 1934
304 pages
Setting: fictional English village of Silverstream
Times are hard and Barbara Buncle is getting desperate to increase her dwindling bank account. She turns her hand to writing, and publishes a novel depicting her home village with each villager portrayed true to life, warts and all. Luckily she publishes under an assumed name, as indignation at seeing themselves portrayed in such a manner causes some in the village to vow revenge. Miss Buncle is surprised that she even got published, let alone that the book is a smash hit. But when events in life start to imitate the events in her book, it really turns her little world upside down, and she will never be the same again.
Elements of a Gentle Read:
Tone: Upbeat and unpretentious. Reflects traditional values with no shocking surprises.
Pace: Pacing is gentle and leisurely.
Setting: Set in a small village, and characters pursue many daily, domestic pursuits such as gardening, baking, and shopping.
Story line: Story centers around relationships between characters with no explicit sex, violence or language.
Read-alikes:
Miss Julia Lays Down the Law by Ann B. Ross
Wed and Buried by Toni L.P. Kelner
Bridesmaids Revisited by Dorothy Cannell
Thrush Green by Miss Read
Personal critique: I really enjoyed this book! It really is a comforting, warm, gentle read that draws the reader into village life and gives a sense of peace and well-being. Personally, I liked the fact that it is not set in contemporary times but I think it would appeal to anyone who desires a book that allows the reader a glimpse into the domestic concerns of a small town and its inhabitants. I am a big fan of the Miss Read books and this is the closest thing I have found to her books yet.
Great annotation, full points!
ReplyDeleteI think what you have described here has very nicely summed up gentle reads. Some of these elements I can see in cozy mysteries, as well. Especially with Downton Abbey so popular these days, and BBC really making a comeback from a few decades ago, these sorts of novels are seeing renewed interest. Interestingly enough, as I was reading your annotation, I remembered this great Murder She Wrote episode that was almost identical to this, of course set in 1980's Maine. Now I wonder if that is where the storyline came from.
ReplyDeleteI really like your annotation; it makes me want to check this book out. You've given me enough information to be really interested, but you've left enough room for me to want to read it myself. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! Very good synopsis that makes it sound intriguing!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! Very good synopsis that makes it sound intriguing!
ReplyDeleteI am not as familiar with gentle reads, but would like to be. I think this genre is one that the senior patrons that visit the branch where I work at would like. I will keep this title in mind when giving reader's advisories. It was nice to read your own personal critique Great job with this annotation!
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