Ups And Downs

Adams Family Saga #26

by Mary Jane Staples

As the 1950s progress, several unexpected happenings ruffle the usually calm atmosphere of Adams family life. Sammy and Boots are troubled by the first stirrings of industrial unrest, as the unions start to flex their muscles and old loyalties change, while an attractive new employee causes Sammy some troubles of a different kind.

The older generation are more than a little surprised at what they see around them as society moves on and the lives of the youngsters are being taken over by rock 'n' roll. Young Emily, still only thirteen but old beyond her years, catches the eye of a teddy boy, while Linda is pursued by a smooth-talking young man. But good sense and good luck prevail, and the Adams family find the strength to cope with these challenging times.

Genres: Family Saga

389 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Mary Jane Staples is a pseudonym used by British author Reginald Thomas Staples (1911-2005). He is also published under the name Robert Tyler Stevens, R.T. Stevens, and James Sinclair.

Reviews

[Jay Rothermel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aumonier will not be to everyone's taste. But if like me you appreciate that certain tone of voice in Bierce, Maupassant, Saki, Collier, Dahl, Waugh (and Maugham at his most acidic), Aumonier will be worth a look.

His stories are not brief by today's standards (or at least by my standards). Slowly accumulating setting, context, and characters through concrete action, they take their time. 

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read. Adams family book 26.

In this book which takes place right after the previous book. Dec 1956 to summer 1957. Linda meets a chap at Phoebe's wedding and meets him for walks in the park, and so on, but is he too good to be true.
Emma meets a boy dancing at the local hall and he continually pesters her by ringing up at her home to speak to her. At 13, it's a bit young. But although he apes American speech it is thought that he might be better than he looks.
We do see a bit more of the younger clan. Maureen still getting her photos taken. An old colleague of Amos' tries to pull one over, re pics of Maureen but he catches on.
Nothing of Jimmy and Lulu in this one. Not much of Philip and Phoebe either.
But on the whole a good read.

[Jennsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the series so far. This is a light-hearted book where the title says it all - some minor business trouble, the death of one of the characters who has been a part of the series since the first book, some devious encounters, but also some birthday celebrations and weddings. I am starting to feel sad that the story is coming to an end.

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable holiday read.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all the Adams Family series. Only 3 books to go and that’s 29 read.
Brilliant reading. Thanks.

[Jeff Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Stories already rated in Miss Bracegirdle Does Her Duty and The Love-a-Duck are not included here.)

One Sunday morning --2
Overheard --3
The friends --2
Juxtapositions --3
The old lady with the two umbrellas --2
The kidnapped "general" --3
The fall --2
The happy man --3
The song of praise --3
The spoil-sport --3
Arpeggio --2
Burney's laugh --2
One law for the rich --2
Two of those women --3
The Grayles --2
Armistice --3

[Ketevan Todadze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of main characters, the whole genealogy tree is needed to know them all. That's why the author has no time and place to develop their personalities. All of the characters are really very kind and proper people, and everyone hopes for better future. Reading process is easy and flowing, but there is nothing that catches the reader.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, some good stories, some ok, some weird march music between the stories.

[Florence🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i get why he’s called one of the greatest short story writers of britain