At Home in Thrush Green

At Home in Thrush Green by Miss Read is the eighth book in her Thrush Green series, and picking this book up is like greeting an old friend. Thrush Green is a village set in the Cotswolds and although very small still simmers with rumours, events and occasional conflicts. The author, a retired teacher and country woman, describes school events, parish affairs, human relationships and seasonal changes with a warm understanding of village life. Although somewhat sentimental, she adds a touch of asperity to her characters that keep the stories from being overly sweet.

Visiting Thrush Green is like stepping back in time. These gentle novels set in the British countryside describe a way of life that has long disappeared. Tea parties, flower show more shows, thatched cottages, and old-fashioned holiday celebrations are described with gentle wit and sly humor. These books are comfort reads for me and although seemingly slight in content, they both charm and delight me. show less

More gentle enjoyment from the residents of Thrush Green.
What I like about these characters is that they refuse to let life become melodramatic. They may worry about things, but they pretty much say what they need to say in order to keep the air clear and go on about their business. No one gets overreached or overwhelmed for long. And they manage to do it with a general kindliness. Which is comforting. Not that there's not also sly humor peeping around the corners... because there is, and it's fun.
For instance:
She suddenly remembered an anecdote about Winston Churchill, who was asked, during the war, if he worried much at night.
"No," answered the old warrior, "I think: 'To hell with everybody!' and I go to sleep."
And very sound advice show more to follow, thought Connie, turning her face towards the pillow. show less

More activity in Thrush Green - it feels as though the series could go on indefinitely but, if in the right mood, I enjoy the gentle meanderings of this trip through the idealised country life of Middle England.

Now that the hideous, uncomfortable old rectory has burnt down, sheltered housing for the elderly is being built on the site. Some old friends move in and also some new characters.

This is book 8 in the series and I must admit it's not scratching the nostalgia itch the way the others have done. I'm starting to forget who is who, and the ebook formatting is not helping with no white space to show when we move from one scene to another. I'm not sure whether to continue.

I didn't like this title as much as most of the previous books in the series. It had a very "modern" feel to it that isn't what I read Miss Read for. I also had a hard time keeping up with all the new characters along with all of the old ones.

This was my first "Miss Read" book, and I have to say that I was underwhelmed. It records the day-to-day lives of the residents, who are all a-clamour over the new retirement homes being built. Character development and plot development were both rather thin. I have about 10 more Miss Reads in my TBR pile. I will give one of the Fairacre novels a try before sending them off in swaps.