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Teacher, Teacher!
It's 1977 and Jack Sheffield is appointed headmaster of a small village primary school in North Yorkshire. So begins Jack's eventful journey through the school year and his attempts to overcome the many problems that face him as a young and inexperienced headmaster.
The many colourful chapters include Ruby the 20 stone caretaker with an acute spelling problem, a secretary who worships Margaret Thatcher, a villager who grows giant carrots, a barmaid/parent who requests sex lessons, and a five-year-old boy whose language is colourful in the extreme. And then there's also beautiful, bright Beth Henderson, who is irresistibly attractive to the young headmaster...
Warm, funny and nostalgic, Teacher, Teacher is a delightful read that is guaranteed to make you feel better, whatever kind of day you've had.
The many colourful chapters include Ruby the 20 stone caretaker with an acute spelling problem, a secretary who worships Margaret Thatcher, a villager who grows giant carrots, a barmaid/parent who requests sex lessons, and a five-year-old boy whose language is colourful in the extreme. And then there's also beautiful, bright Beth Henderson, who is irresistibly attractive to the young headmaster...
Warm, funny and nostalgic, Teacher, Teacher is a delightful read that is guaranteed to make you feel better, whatever kind of day you've had.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2007
48 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Jack Sheffield
43 books76 followersJack Sheffield (born Jack Linley, 1945) is a British author who wrote a series of books of fiction about the headmaster of a village school in a fictional Yorkshire village. The stories are set from the late 1970s to the early 1980s and attempt to portray life in Yorkshire as it was at that time.
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 10, 2019
This is really a feel good book. The different chapters start with an entry in the school log, thus recounting a whole school year. The writer clearly cares deeply about children and their parents. With lots of humor, but also discrete and serious, we get a sketch of some wonderful characters.
I doubted between a 3 and 4 star. Finally I decided on the 4 star, because the book really felt a bit magical: a combination of melancholy, humour and a cast of everyday heroes.
I doubted between a 3 and 4 star. Finally I decided on the 4 star, because the book really felt a bit magical: a combination of melancholy, humour and a cast of everyday heroes.
January 15, 2021
This book confirmed my reasons to pursue this profession further. Such a delightful read with a country side setting, homely staff and interesting students. I specially loved how he stated what became of most of the students in future. Great experience!
June 18, 2012
As both a contemporary of Jack Sheffield and a retired primary head teacher myself you might expect me to give five stars to this book; just for its nostalgia value ,but NO it if far more than this. As a gently humorous read it has a lot to teach us of community and its positive influences on children then and now.
Jack Sheffield is the head of a rural school in a Yorkshire village and this is his first year of headship.Excerpts from the school logbook begin each chapter but soon we realize that there is richness and detail in the part the school plays in its community.
Community is about listening and paying attention to each others needs and responding with tolerance understanding and appreciation of difference. Jack Sheffield is a keen observer and listener and paints a vivid picture of all the children, staff, pupils and villagers as they live our their lives in the late 70's .
The capacity of this community to teach values to children with a sense of welcome, fun ,and purpose is poignantly focused in the story of Ping a vulnerable Vietnamese Boat girl who arrives at the school for three weeks and leaves a mark which has an impact on many she leaves behind in the years to come.
These days we hear a vastly different story about schools through the media and based on targets and test results but we do not hear enough about those schools were Jack's values are still alive and kicking. Here children learn in a supportive atmosphere where the greatest seeds of all are nurtured and where children leave with a thirst and enjoyment of life and learning.
Thank you Jack for a great read .Mister Teacher the second in the series arrived yesterday.
Jack Sheffield is the head of a rural school in a Yorkshire village and this is his first year of headship.Excerpts from the school logbook begin each chapter but soon we realize that there is richness and detail in the part the school plays in its community.
Community is about listening and paying attention to each others needs and responding with tolerance understanding and appreciation of difference. Jack Sheffield is a keen observer and listener and paints a vivid picture of all the children, staff, pupils and villagers as they live our their lives in the late 70's .
The capacity of this community to teach values to children with a sense of welcome, fun ,and purpose is poignantly focused in the story of Ping a vulnerable Vietnamese Boat girl who arrives at the school for three weeks and leaves a mark which has an impact on many she leaves behind in the years to come.
These days we hear a vastly different story about schools through the media and based on targets and test results but we do not hear enough about those schools were Jack's values are still alive and kicking. Here children learn in a supportive atmosphere where the greatest seeds of all are nurtured and where children leave with a thirst and enjoyment of life and learning.
Thank you Jack for a great read .Mister Teacher the second in the series arrived yesterday.
April 18, 2019
This book is a mixture of the writer's memoirs, with a bit of late 1977-78 news and cultural points of reference, covered in a thick sauce of nostalgia. The characters are often caricatural, and the events related are somewhat humdrum, if occasionally mildly humorous.
Needless to say, I will not be reading any other novels in this series.
Needless to say, I will not be reading any other novels in this series.
July 28, 2017
A very charming book about a head teacher's first year in a small village school.
I plan to read the other nine books in this series.
I plan to read the other nine books in this series.
September 16, 2011
'I'm part of the Transworld book group' and was sent this book to review by Transworld.
I really loved the idea of this book, and had high hopes for it before I began, but for some reason, it just didn't quite live up to expectations.
The book is semi-autobiographical, and chronicles the first year of Jack Sheffield's role as Head Teacher at Ragley-on-the Forest primary school in North Yorkshire. There's a whole slew of colourful, larger-than-life characters, and life in the tiny village of Ragley seems idyllic. The school children are, on the whole, quite adorable, and I enjoyed the gentle, anecdotal style the book adopts. However, despite all that, there were a few little niggles - nothing major, but enough to pull me out of my enjoyment of the book, nonetheless. The fact that the book is semi-autobiographical - based on real events - had me wondering on a few occasions how much had happened and how much of it had been embellished (although we all get the idea of where the book's going); perhaps not a problem for some people, but for me personally, I would have preferred a straight-up memoir, or a straight-up fictional story; something in between didn't quite cut it. The dialogue too, is a little contrived in places, and I found myself cringing on a few occasions.
On the whole, however, I did like the book; I perhaps wouldn't actively seek out the rest of the series, but this is an easy read and I'm glad I finished it.
I really loved the idea of this book, and had high hopes for it before I began, but for some reason, it just didn't quite live up to expectations.
The book is semi-autobiographical, and chronicles the first year of Jack Sheffield's role as Head Teacher at Ragley-on-the Forest primary school in North Yorkshire. There's a whole slew of colourful, larger-than-life characters, and life in the tiny village of Ragley seems idyllic. The school children are, on the whole, quite adorable, and I enjoyed the gentle, anecdotal style the book adopts. However, despite all that, there were a few little niggles - nothing major, but enough to pull me out of my enjoyment of the book, nonetheless. The fact that the book is semi-autobiographical - based on real events - had me wondering on a few occasions how much had happened and how much of it had been embellished (although we all get the idea of where the book's going); perhaps not a problem for some people, but for me personally, I would have preferred a straight-up memoir, or a straight-up fictional story; something in between didn't quite cut it. The dialogue too, is a little contrived in places, and I found myself cringing on a few occasions.
On the whole, however, I did like the book; I perhaps wouldn't actively seek out the rest of the series, but this is an easy read and I'm glad I finished it.
October 20, 2011
This was my third book for the Transworld Book Group challenge, I was really intrigued by the synopsis and as I want to read a little more non-fiction this semi-autobiographical book seemed like a good step to take.
The book covers a school year, each chapter starts with an entry from the school log book and then proceeds to tell the story behind the entry. Whilst many of these stories are funny and thoroughly entertaining, dotted throughout the book are a few more touching and emotional stories. I found that I enjoyed the amusing stories but it was a couple of the touching stories that I carried on thinking about long after I put the book down.
Jack is a great narrator, and way into this small village, but it is the other characters who really steal the book away. There are both adults and children that delight, it would seem mean to pick out any favourites.
My only slight niggle was that Jack occasionally made comments that felt very modern in both their thinking and the language used. I think though that it is because I previously worked with schools that this grabbed my attention, most readers wouldn’t notice this.
I really enjoyed this book, I know that there are a further four books in the series and I’m sure that with time I’ll be reading them all.
The book covers a school year, each chapter starts with an entry from the school log book and then proceeds to tell the story behind the entry. Whilst many of these stories are funny and thoroughly entertaining, dotted throughout the book are a few more touching and emotional stories. I found that I enjoyed the amusing stories but it was a couple of the touching stories that I carried on thinking about long after I put the book down.
Jack is a great narrator, and way into this small village, but it is the other characters who really steal the book away. There are both adults and children that delight, it would seem mean to pick out any favourites.
My only slight niggle was that Jack occasionally made comments that felt very modern in both their thinking and the language used. I think though that it is because I previously worked with schools that this grabbed my attention, most readers wouldn’t notice this.
I really enjoyed this book, I know that there are a further four books in the series and I’m sure that with time I’ll be reading them all.
June 3, 2015
A sticker on the front of this book said 'if you like Gervaise Phinn you'll love this' - and to be fair the books are very similar in style and subject. A gentle tale about a young headmaster and the village school he works at in the late 1970s. I enjoyed the book because it really conjured up the day to day life of a school throughout the seasons and also introduced a series of amusing characters and sub-plots apart from the school. I think it appealed to me more because I trained as a primary school teacher and have spent quite a lot of time in schools as an adult - maybe it would be less interesting to those without that insight. Possibly not quite as good as Gervaise but still very entertaining and I will most certainly read the other books in this series.
March 28, 2021
3.5*
Although not my usual genre as a teacher I found this book very relatable and could identify children, parents and teachers of my experiences within this book. Some laugh out loud moments and some ‘oh my!’ Moments- nothing short of what the reality of a day in the life of a teacher is like! Also as someone who has grown up around the Yorkshire accent it really does feel very close to home reading this. I look forward to more antics of The Ragley school.
Although not my usual genre as a teacher I found this book very relatable and could identify children, parents and teachers of my experiences within this book. Some laugh out loud moments and some ‘oh my!’ Moments- nothing short of what the reality of a day in the life of a teacher is like! Also as someone who has grown up around the Yorkshire accent it really does feel very close to home reading this. I look forward to more antics of The Ragley school.
August 25, 2021
A very enjoyable and entertaining book
Brought back memories of my early teaching days ( before National Curriculum and other constraints) when schools and teachers were able to work and teach in a more spontaneous way and ( generally) held in regard by children and families
An easy read with many hilarious anecdotes
Would like to read Jack Sheffield books !
Brought back memories of my early teaching days ( before National Curriculum and other constraints) when schools and teachers were able to work and teach in a more spontaneous way and ( generally) held in regard by children and families
An easy read with many hilarious anecdotes
Would like to read Jack Sheffield books !
October 15, 2023
Interesting read to compare teacher life in 70s compared to now. It did drag a bit and every single detail is mentioned so I found myself skim reading a lot of he said she said kind of writing. Would recommend for teachers today but one book of the series is enough.
December 7, 2025
A heartwarming humorous book that gives you an insight on the life of a Headmaster of a school in a small village during the 70s.
August 8, 2022
This is a charming book about school life in 1978 through the eyes of the new headmaster. Biographical written in the form of a novel. Really enjoyed it.
August 15, 2011
Teacher, Teacher by Jack Sheffield is the first in a series of books depicting the time back in the late 70′s when Jack took on the responsibility of becoming Headmaster at a little primary school called Ragley School.
It’s 1977 and Jack starts his first day at the School near York in North Yorkshire. In charge of approximately 80 children and a handful of Teachers, catering personnel and his extremely organised secretary Vera. Jack starts each chapter covering the full academic school year with the official log from the School Log book and then writes what really happened from his own personal log book!
A semi biographical book, these are true and often extremely funny accounts of the goings on in this very Yorkshire school in a tiny village. Everyone knows each others business but just sometimes they need a helping hand.
A gentle fun read. Something you can pick up and put down when you have a quiet moment. Really well written and was lovely to get to know some of the people involved and how their friendships developed and how the Children progressed.
I read this as part of the Transworld Book Group Challenge.
It’s 1977 and Jack starts his first day at the School near York in North Yorkshire. In charge of approximately 80 children and a handful of Teachers, catering personnel and his extremely organised secretary Vera. Jack starts each chapter covering the full academic school year with the official log from the School Log book and then writes what really happened from his own personal log book!
A semi biographical book, these are true and often extremely funny accounts of the goings on in this very Yorkshire school in a tiny village. Everyone knows each others business but just sometimes they need a helping hand.
A gentle fun read. Something you can pick up and put down when you have a quiet moment. Really well written and was lovely to get to know some of the people involved and how their friendships developed and how the Children progressed.
I read this as part of the Transworld Book Group Challenge.
February 27, 2013
This is semi-autographical book where Jack Sheffield becomes the new headmaster of a little village school in Ragley, North Yorkshire. It tells the story of his first year in the form of various anecdotes.
It is an easy read and is a heart-warming book. Each chapter is effectively a different short story and they vary in success. Some are very funny, some are heart-warming whereas others feel a bit pointless. It really is a varied book and if every chapter was as good as some of the best ones, I would have given it a higher rating.
The characters are mostly are largely likeable and easy to get to know, although some of the parents feel like very stereotypical locals. Mind you, they may be based on genuine characters from Sheffield's career so it's not his fault if sometimes people live up to their stereotypes.
An enjoyable read which doesn't take very long with some very funny moments and some chapters that are probably worth skipping.
It is an easy read and is a heart-warming book. Each chapter is effectively a different short story and they vary in success. Some are very funny, some are heart-warming whereas others feel a bit pointless. It really is a varied book and if every chapter was as good as some of the best ones, I would have given it a higher rating.
The characters are mostly are largely likeable and easy to get to know, although some of the parents feel like very stereotypical locals. Mind you, they may be based on genuine characters from Sheffield's career so it's not his fault if sometimes people live up to their stereotypes.
An enjoyable read which doesn't take very long with some very funny moments and some chapters that are probably worth skipping.
August 17, 2011
Brilliantly writen as a whole book which many people will enjoy, but also as many mini stories of the goings on in the school. Jack has hit the nail on the head with the 70's where Children respected their parents and the people around them. In this time of trouble this could be the sort of book that would lift your spirits and bring back faith in humanity. A author i will be looking out for again very soon :)
‘I’m part of the Transworld Book Group!’
‘I’m part of the Transworld Book Group!’
September 15, 2012
Fantastic book! I can't wait to read some more of his books. Although set in the 70s, teachers now will recognise the families and the children - in some respects they haven't changed that much. I laughed and giggled and cried all the way through this book. It is written with genuine warmth and based on true events, which makes it believable and heart-warming.
May 15, 2012
Brilliant story, full of charm and humour, the teaching equivalent of the James Herriott's All creatures great and small, written in the same witty style, full of larger than life but at the same time believeable characters.
Well worth reading.
Well worth reading.
August 28, 2019
I really did not enjoy this book. The humour sounded too forced instead of coming naturally. To be honest it sounded like the author had read and tried to imitate the wonderful Gervase Phinn but this unfortunately did not work.
September 10, 2024
A Heartwarming Tale That Will Leave You Smiling
Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just tell a story but envelops you in warmth, nostalgia, and joy. Jack Sheffield’s first novel in the Teacher series is exactly that—a delightful journey back to small-town life in Yorkshire during the late 1970s, where both the challenges and the simple pleasures of village life unfold in the most endearing way.
What stands out from the very first page is the effortless, tender storytelling. There are no dramatised moments; instead, we’re offered a sincere and touching portrayal of village life, introducing us to its characters with genuine affection. From the no-nonsense locals to the spirited and mischievous children, each personality shines through, leaving you smiling at their quirks and heartfelt moments.
The humour in the novel is perfectly balanced—never overdone, but naturally woven into everyday antics and conversations. I couldn’t help but laugh at the adventures of Heathcliff Earnshaw, a five-year-old with a rather colourful vocabulary, and his hilarious take on the Big Bad Wolf in the school’s version of The Three Little Pigs. These moments of humour, both subtle and laugh-out-loud funny, make every page a joyful read.
Beyond the humour, there’s a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply. The mentions of long-gone shops, traditional school dinners, and daily routines paint a picture of a time that feels both distant and wonderfully familiar. It’s a book that reminds us of the beauty in life’s simple moments.
This novel is highly recommended for anyone in need of a good laugh, a touch of nostalgia, and a reminder of the warmth that can be found in the everyday.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just tell a story but envelops you in warmth, nostalgia, and joy. Jack Sheffield’s first novel in the Teacher series is exactly that—a delightful journey back to small-town life in Yorkshire during the late 1970s, where both the challenges and the simple pleasures of village life unfold in the most endearing way.
What stands out from the very first page is the effortless, tender storytelling. There are no dramatised moments; instead, we’re offered a sincere and touching portrayal of village life, introducing us to its characters with genuine affection. From the no-nonsense locals to the spirited and mischievous children, each personality shines through, leaving you smiling at their quirks and heartfelt moments.
The humour in the novel is perfectly balanced—never overdone, but naturally woven into everyday antics and conversations. I couldn’t help but laugh at the adventures of Heathcliff Earnshaw, a five-year-old with a rather colourful vocabulary, and his hilarious take on the Big Bad Wolf in the school’s version of The Three Little Pigs. These moments of humour, both subtle and laugh-out-loud funny, make every page a joyful read.
Beyond the humour, there’s a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply. The mentions of long-gone shops, traditional school dinners, and daily routines paint a picture of a time that feels both distant and wonderfully familiar. It’s a book that reminds us of the beauty in life’s simple moments.
This novel is highly recommended for anyone in need of a good laugh, a touch of nostalgia, and a reminder of the warmth that can be found in the everyday.
May 22, 2024
On my continuing search for gentle reads, I came across this autobiographical novel set in a fictional village, and I settled into the feel-good nature of it.
The novel has got quirky small-town folks and some truly laugh-out-loud moments along with cozier ones, sprinkled with poignancy. For real, one of the most empathetic scenes had me blinking back tears. There's also a little thread of romance woven into Jack's school year.
Granted, not every minute here is full of warm fuzzies, including Jack's face-off with a bigoted parent who has a problem with a new international student who gets admitted into the school. On the lighter side, I might have done a bit of blushing at some (chuckle-worthy) potty-mouthing from one of the little schoolchildren, though Jack is obliged to bleep-out the child's choice word for the reader's sake.
There's a fortune-telling scene that I admittedly skipped—not my thing. And a brief moment that's meant to be a light one refers to two men looking like minstrels, due to their faces being blackened after they fix a boiler. The reference wasn't funny to me, but again, the moment was brief, and there's no actual blackface in the story.
Overall, I found this to be relaxing reading about a lead who enjoys his chosen, valuable vocation. And the ending of the story is downright beautiful.
As this is the first book in a series, I plan on checking out more of it.
The novel has got quirky small-town folks and some truly laugh-out-loud moments along with cozier ones, sprinkled with poignancy. For real, one of the most empathetic scenes had me blinking back tears. There's also a little thread of romance woven into Jack's school year.
Granted, not every minute here is full of warm fuzzies, including Jack's face-off with a bigoted parent who has a problem with a new international student who gets admitted into the school. On the lighter side, I might have done a bit of blushing at some (chuckle-worthy) potty-mouthing from one of the little schoolchildren, though Jack is obliged to bleep-out the child's choice word for the reader's sake.
There's a fortune-telling scene that I admittedly skipped—not my thing. And a brief moment that's meant to be a light one refers to two men looking like minstrels, due to their faces being blackened after they fix a boiler. The reference wasn't funny to me, but again, the moment was brief, and there's no actual blackface in the story.
Overall, I found this to be relaxing reading about a lead who enjoys his chosen, valuable vocation. And the ending of the story is downright beautiful.
As this is the first book in a series, I plan on checking out more of it.
April 20, 2020
Oh dear, I keep coming back to Miss Read. Honestly, she is just such a fine observer and writer. She inserts herself into the story, beyond being narrator, only when the plot deems. Her books really are about the community and human relationships set in a rural village and school. You learn a lot from her, including kindness and patience. So, I am a sucker for books set in villages and told from a teacher's perspective. Jack Sheffield writes a perfectly lovely story, but. . .
He is the narrator and protagonist and occupies the main plot pretty heavily. Aside from its secular pastoral moments, it is a story of Jack's struggles and romance. Fortunately, he is surrounded by lovable, or at least interesting, characters full of charm and life. While not a replacement for Miss Read, of whose Fairacre series I have only one novel left, Sheffield's books will still be a nice bookish repast.
He is the narrator and protagonist and occupies the main plot pretty heavily. Aside from its secular pastoral moments, it is a story of Jack's struggles and romance. Fortunately, he is surrounded by lovable, or at least interesting, characters full of charm and life. While not a replacement for Miss Read, of whose Fairacre series I have only one novel left, Sheffield's books will still be a nice bookish repast.
September 30, 2025
Teacher, Teacher! is a cozy memoir by Jack Sheffield. In 1977, Sheffield started working as headmaster of a primary school in a Yorkshire village. In a self-deprecating way, he describes fumbling his way through a bunch of situations that first year, while gradually falling in love with the woman he would later marry.
The chapters (which seem to have first been published as columns) each start with a laconic entry from the official school logbook describing an event, and then proceed to spin a funny story about what really happened. There are a lot of references to 1970s England that went over my head, but it was still amusing to read.
Sheffield went on to write 13 volumes about his time as headmaster, concluding with a book that is set in 1987 and entitled Last Day of School.
Thanks to Kaitlyn Beck of the Lady Bookish blog for the recommendation.
The chapters (which seem to have first been published as columns) each start with a laconic entry from the official school logbook describing an event, and then proceed to spin a funny story about what really happened. There are a lot of references to 1970s England that went over my head, but it was still amusing to read.
Sheffield went on to write 13 volumes about his time as headmaster, concluding with a book that is set in 1987 and entitled Last Day of School.
Thanks to Kaitlyn Beck of the Lady Bookish blog for the recommendation.
August 31, 2022
A series destined to fill a much lamented Gervase Phinn shaped hole in my reading list since I completed all his books. Also comparable - but with a more contemporary feel - to Miss Read.
The many social/cultural references of the day (late 70s) align almost exactly with my school days so those elements are particularly relatable and evoke a pleasant sense of nostalgia. Although typically viewed through a rose-tinted lens, the books surely speak to a more innocent time and I doubt a primary teachers memoir of today would make such lighthearted reading.
The many social/cultural references of the day (late 70s) align almost exactly with my school days so those elements are particularly relatable and evoke a pleasant sense of nostalgia. Although typically viewed through a rose-tinted lens, the books surely speak to a more innocent time and I doubt a primary teachers memoir of today would make such lighthearted reading.
January 21, 2019
Not usually my kind of book but I'm intending to read this series. Told perhaps with a little artistic license (it's not possible for the narrator to know what others are thinking) this makes for a novel that feels part storytelling and part memoir. As sad at times as it is humorous in others. I want to say this is a pleasant read though I don't think that does the book justice. For those who like books a little biographical in nature, perhaps, this is a much warmer tone of fiction.
January 3, 2020
I noticed that there are now two more books to the Teacher series so I decided to reread the others. This is a really light nostalgic feel good read and thoroughly enjoyed them last time. However this time although I enjoyed it some things really seem to irritate me. For example I feel that certain things are repeated over and over for example peoples ages. Another thing is that I think some of the characters need to be further developed but other than that I have enjoyed it.
September 7, 2020
A biographical mixed with fiction, I think. An easy read with a few moments of humour. I will continue with the series, but won't rush to get the to the next book. Set in the 1970s, this is a book about the headmaster of a primary school in England. Sheffield puts together some of his most memorable events leading a school with a roll of 82 or so. A colourful bunch of kids, and some interesting staff members.
March 30, 2024
1970s period piece set in rural England, took me back to family and primary school days in the 60s.
Started out well, full of possibilities, colourful characters and detailed descriptions of village/rural life in that time.
Really liked the school diary exerts setting up the story to come. Alas that grew weary, and eventually the book felt more like a collection of stories, the overall plot snd character development got lost along the way.
Two stars only I’m afraid.
Started out well, full of possibilities, colourful characters and detailed descriptions of village/rural life in that time.
Really liked the school diary exerts setting up the story to come. Alas that grew weary, and eventually the book felt more like a collection of stories, the overall plot snd character development got lost along the way.
Two stars only I’m afraid.
July 14, 2025
I started teaching in the 1970s and had a spell teaching in very small Cornish schools, so this brought back many memories. Though a combination of the author's memories, and stories I guess he heard from others means that this is a very rosy picture of school and village life back then, I enjoyed it greatly. My only worry is that is fodder for the nostalgic group of people that like to think life was really as lovely as it is portrayed in this book.
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