You've Done What, My Lord?: Hilarious Tales from a Country Estate

Country Estate #1

by Rory Clark

Rumshott is one of the finest landed estates in England. However, when James Aden takes up the position of Deputy Agent he does not realise the full extent of what the job entails.He finds himself spending his days negotiating with royalty, farmers, and even wildlife, as well as the imperious Lady Leghorn. In order to survive, James must come to terms with his role quickly, and not let himself get too distracted by Sophie, the pre-college assistant.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Comedy, Contemporary

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[gabgab · Rating 5 out of 5]

they should soo write more narrative-style yet real first-hand accounts of my favorite historical figures acting insane. Just look at her on the cover. Mostly eclectic and silly episodes of farmers and aristocrats acting wacky aka my dream book

[Lynne Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. It's not often one gets the chance to go behind the scenes at a grand country estate yet this novel takes us there. Lots of good inner thoughts shared, and perhaps the most poignant is the general takeaway that one never expects to do the job one ends up performing. Certainly, some additional proofreading is likely wise, but overall the story won out. A fun, light read for anyone interested in country estates, the aristocracy and farms. Warmly written with characters owning unique voices.

[Mrs B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps not quite the laugh-out-loud hilarious tales promised by the title of the book, but pleasantly amusing. Deputy Land Agent James describes his adventures managing a huge country estate, dealing with everything from overflowing toilets, to restoration projects, to escaped sheep, to cantankerous landed gentry.

[kay cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable

Thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written book! I felt completely involved with the characters, their description's were perfect. These same with the estate and country side. I can't wait to read the next book in the collection.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me sniggering away on my commute to and from work. A collection of anecdotes humourously narrated. However, a proofreader's nightmare.

[Valerie Sutherland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a pleasant read , a few laughs along the way , if you are going on a journey, train ,plane etc it would while away the hours.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I read these books a bit out of order, I have enjoyed them. A look into a different world.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun I loved it all. I definitely recommend reading this one.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would describe this as 'mildly entertaining' rather than hilarious. I smiled a few times reading it, but I don't think I laughed once. It seems to be an attempt to write a gently fictionalised account of rural life, a la James Herriot or Gervase Phinn, but from the viewpoint of a land agent instead of a vet or school inspector. But it doesn't quite come off.

It would also have benefited from firmer editing - not only are there numerous proof-reading errors (several per chapter), but many of the descriptions are tediously repetitive. For example, one theme of the book is James' passion for his pretty assistant Sophie and his concern over whether or not it would be appropriate to date her while she is working for him. He has numerous debates with himself over this- by the time they do get together, about 3/4 of the way through the book, my only emotion is one of relief that I won't have to listen to him debating it any more! He also seems incapable of mentioning Sophie without describing her -always in the same way 'attractive, slim, dark-haired', 'slim, tall, long dark hair', 'tall, slim and graceful'. Other characters are also described repetitively, although not to such an extent. I found myself muttering 'you've already said that' with increasing frequency as I read through the book.

Overall, it's a harmless way of passing an evening, but I won't be rereading it.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

James applies for the job of deputy estate agent for a large estate in central England. He is in for a surprise at the odd things that will occur in his new role. He has to deal with the lady of the estate taking money out of their accounts to support redecorating in the main house and tea room that are open to tourists, rogue sheep, and a lord who while well intentioned, really only has interests in his pet projects and not the management of the estate as a whole. There are some positives to his new life, including a lovely young girl, Sophie, who works in the office with him. He manages to negotiate his position, and juggle a slightly precarious relationship with Sophie, while maintaining a good sense of humor and building his own mini farm as well. While this is a pleasant, light read, the title probably should not boast of hilarious tales.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still not sure about this one, there are a fair few spelling errors in the copy I have... There were a few funny moments, but other parts were a bit too rambling. There were a few repetitive parts and there were some parts where the description of the events didn't live up to the build up or where the subject changed mid way through the telling of the anecdote, chapters didn't appear to equate to a single tale either.
I presume that it is fiction as the main character's name is not that of the author, but usually books of a similar nature (certainly those that I have read previously) are memoirs & at least based in factual events. I didn't hate this one, I even enjoyed parts of it, but I wouldn't read it again and overall I was a little bit disappointed with it.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still not sure about this one, there are a fair few spelling errors in the copy I have... There were a few funny moments, but other parts were a bit too rambling. There were a few repetitive parts and there were some parts where the description of the events didn't live up to the build up or where the subject changed mid way through the telling of the anecdote, chapters didn't appear to equate to a single tale either.
I presume that it is fiction as the main character's name is not that of the author, but usually books of a similar nature (certainly those that I have read previously) are memoirs & at least based in factual events. I didn't hate this one, I even enjoyed parts of it, but I wouldn't read it again and overall I was a little bit disappointed with it.

[Vanessa.Willetts]

Based on the title I was expecting this to be hilariously funny. It actually uses the word hilarious on the cover. No. Not funny. Maybe a little smile every now and then but definitely not funny. Cute maybe. I guess I was expecting a James Herriott laugh out loud kind of country adventure. But this was just bland and made me wonder why it was published - it is not bad but it is nothing original or out of the ordinary. I'll come back to my favourite comment this year "I just don't get it."

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny stories of how James Arden has to deal with Lord and Lady Leghorn owners of the estate he helps manage. Lady Leghorn spends a fortune and expects her every wishes to be obeyed. The Lord of the manor has some crazy ideas but everyone has to go along with it. James gets distracted by Sophie his pre college assistant.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my book club. Oddly enough this was a better reading experience when under the wrong impression that it was a non-fiction set of memoirs and anecdotes. It was pleasant but several humorous scenes were cut short rather than diving into outright farce.

[EchoHouseLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was even more amused to realize that these tales are based in reality! I adore English country life fantasies and this glimpse into that world was such a treat for me. I did laugh out loud a few times and I will be coming back for more in this series!

[Cath Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never buy a book with hilarious in the title and expect it to be funny!

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny read, a bit old fashion, as well an interesting look into the landed gentry.