Jane Duncan (1) (1910–1976)

I loved this book (thank you, markon) for both the characters and the setting. It is the first in a series of nineteen novels based on the author's life.

Janet is a curious, observant eight-year-old growing up on a farm in the Scottish Highlands in 1918. Her world is quite small--her family's farm, Reachfar, and the village, Achcraggan--but Janet's powers of observation make every person, detail of nature, and event come alive for the reader. Clearly this is not the voice of an show more eight-year-old, no matter how precocious, but the first-person narrative works. Although the title focuses on the Miss Boyds, six unmarried sisters, they are not major figures in the book. They do act as a foil for exploring village stereotypes toward spinsters and toward those in trouble, but the action focuses on what Janet sees and hears, and the Boyds are simply one of the many curious aspects of adulthood that Janet sees around her.

The characters are vivid and both quaintly exotic and familiar. The setting is beautifully rendered, and Janet's attention to detail gives the reader a close look without being claustrophobic. The plot is slow and uncomplicated, as befits a child in a small village; yet I could not stop reading and was regretful when the book ended. I immediately ordered the next in the series, but was sad to read that it picks up when Janet is twenty. I will miss the rest of Janet's childhood. show less

Written in the first person by eight-year-old Janet Sandison (known also by the name of the croft, Reachfar) this story is set in Scotland in 1918 when her world is beginning to change. Also a social history of manners and local customs, it describes a charming childhood where Janet is expected to "Do As She Is Told" but with solicitude and sensitivity. Granny is boss, except when Grandfather chooses make a decision, reminding me of my own beloved grandparents. The Miss Boyds were six show more sisters who came to the village from the town and were protected by the Reachfars. Although there are dark sections, the story is for the most part sweet and will tug at the heartstrings. show less

A pleasant tale of three brothers and their sister on holiday with their aunt. They meet a local shepherd and enjoy his tales of service in India and Egypt, then are part of the tragedy of an airplane crash on nearby mountain. Things end happily, but without unrealistic daring do on the part of the children. Written by Jane Duncan to amuse her niece and nephews.

This is the first of a new series for me. I think it came up as a suggestion here at LibraryThing. I liked the cover and decided to try it. I was just delighted! I kept sharing stories with my Mama. I think she would love this one as well. I did sort of wish that I had it on my Kindle to have easy access to a dictionary, though a lot of words might be slang for the area. A wonderful cozy read with an edge. I loved the characters and hope to read all 19 in the series.