The School Inspector Calls!

Little Village School #3

by Gervase Phinn

Summer has arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale, and as a new term begins at the little primary school, it's not just the warm weather that's getting people hot under the collar. Meetings with the teachers from Urebank School to discuss the merger are producing more than a few fireworks, a disruptive new pupil arrives and is set to cause trouble, and a surprising staff love affair is exposed. There's also a big school production of The Wizard of Oz to organize, as well as an impending visit from the Minister of Education. Headteacher Elisabeth Devine certainly has her work cut out for her. And that's just some of the drama set to shake-up the village. Throw in a sprinkling of secrets, shocking revelations, old flames, new liaisons, psychics, weddings, and misfortune . . .There's plenty to gossip about this term.

Genres: Fiction, British Literature, Humor, Novels

416 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2014

About the author

Gervase Phinn (born 27 December 1946, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England) is an English author and educator. After a career as a teacher he became a schools inspector.

He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.

In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.

He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next in the little village school series which I could not resist diving into as I loved the characters from the previous book so much. For those who haven’t read the earlier books, I would recommend you do so, although the author does fill in some of the background. For anyone like me who had just finished the previous book, I found it a little off putting to be told things I already knew. But that is perhaps a minor quibble in what is a heart-warming read filled with characters that are so engaging and mostly likeable.
I loved some of the comments Danny’s remembers word for word from his grandfather, who he lived with till he died. ‘E sed a lot o’ things did mi granddad but I reckon most o’ t’time what ‘e sed med a lot o’ sense. ‘E also sed that them what swears ‘aven’t got t’intelligence to use proper words.’ This gives you an idea of the way Danny’s grandfather thought and spoke. Again I found myself chuckling at many of the sayings and the wrong use of words by various characters.
If you want a good fun read that will take you away from the awful things happening in our world, then this series would be a great choice. That’s not to say that it doesn’t have a lot to say about how people treat others and the difference one person can make in another’s life. This is a book to enjoy and just let the atmosphere of the small Yorkshire village was over you and draw you in.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet of the series with my favourite characters returning and more new characters being thrown in.

The series two main stories concerning the school are; the Wizard of Oz school production and a school inspector comes to check on the school with the merger going to be taking place with other local school Urebank. The new name will be Barton-With-Urebank Primary School.

While in Elisabeth Devine's private life her wedding to Dr Stirling is drawing closer. I love her character and she is a great role model for the children. She's such a strong character and I love how she gets called ''Modern Bloody Woman'' and she's proud of it. I also love how it shows her side of struggling to leave the school at the gate. Even on her wedding day she's thinking she can't leave the place not taking a Inspector's job. She's too good with children to take the Inspector's job. I love how she's one of the few characters who doesn't give up on the troubled Robbie. She finds something other people don't in children such as Robbie and hopefully will continue to do so.

A character transformation takes place in this book with Miss Sowerbutts who is believed to have suffered a stroke. She later finds out was a migraine but her experience with death starts to change her for the better. Will this last in the next book?

Off to the next book with Elisabeth Stirling and the rest of the village locals. How will the villagers take to the new vicar Reverend Sparshott.

[Lata · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the book was a rehash of all Gervase Phinn's previous books. All the descriptions were the same. How many times does he have to tell about Miss Sloughthwaite's ample bosom on the shop counter? I got bored. The title didn't fit. The school inspector has a very tiny role in this one.
The Yorkshire dialect by some of the characters made it difficult to read.

I have enjoyed all Gervase Phinn's previous books, but I guess I am done now. Repeating the same thing over and over again doesn't make it any funnier.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is cosy and cosy. This lighthearted little book was so cosy it sent me off to sleep every night. The audiobook is perfect for a bedtime tale.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve read any of Gervase Phinn’s fictionalized autobiographies (the Dales series), or either of the previous two volumes in this Little Village School set, you’ll know what to expect here: cozy English fun set mostly around a primary school, full of Yorkshire dialect, quirky characters prone to malapropisms and many “kids say the darndest things” moments. Phinn has set up plenty of plot lines that will continue into future novels, including the arrival of a new vicar, curate Ashley’s professional and romantic choices, and the ongoing work of the school amalgamation. You won’t find anything groundbreaking or challenging here, just good old-fashioned yarn-spinning. Still, especially in the run-up to Christmas, there is something undeniably lovely about reading something completely inoffensive – and even uplifting.

(See my full review at The Bookbag.)

[Marie Greaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are pleasant books which I’m enjoying reading, the sort of “and they all lived happily ever after” stories which are unrealistic but are “nice” to read in a long hot summer! I must take issue with one of the author’s regular descriptions though... almost every time he bring the store owner, Mrs Sloughthwaite back into the story he mentions her “great bay window of a bust” which she rests on the counter... once is okay, more than that and something in me is offended. Just saying.

[Pempi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really liked Gervase Phinn's semi-autobiographical tales of his time as a school inspector and when I began reading this novel I felt as if I heard it all before but as the story progressed I got into it more and enjoyed it much better. I think I prefer his other type of books but I have the next in this series and I will be reading that one too.

[Les Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I used to really enjoy Gervase Phinn's Dales book, but this series of a village school had been a real disappointment to me. I have abandoned two books, so won't even open another one.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not since Mitford have I fallen so completely in love with a literary community and it's residents.

I'm listening to this series as I go for walks, and I'm finding myself walking a whole lot more, as I can't wait to visit Barton in the Dale!

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the redemption of a certain pickle-sucker. The healing journey of Robbie filled me with hope. The Wizard of Oz play was perfect. So much to love about this book and the series. It’s been super fun to read this with a friend.

[Fungai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written with numerous laugh out loud moments. A light hearted read with mild comedic moments. A real change from the 'heavy' books I normally read.

It's a story of a small village community with the main story revolving around the village school & the dynamic young head teacher, Elisabeth Devine. The descriptions of the various characters & interweaving of their individual stories is done well without much digression from the main plot. This is a story of human interaction, humanity at work and projects an idyllic community existence that does not exist anymore in our society, especially how a teacher does not give up on her students as is the case nowadays.

This is book 3 of a series but there is no need to have read the other books first as G. Phinn manages to bring the reader up to speed with previous plots in a concise manner without digressing from this current story. G. Phinn is a tremendous storyteller in that manner.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in Gervase Phinn's Litte Village School series. Delightful books, lots of laugh out loud moments, and some great characterisation. Light but hugely enjoyable- have loved the audio narration by the author..

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another delightful visit to the fictitious village of Barton-in-the-Dale. What with the forthright comments from the Yorkshire pupils and Mrs Sloughthwaite's malapropisms it's guaranteed to raise a few chuckles.

[R L Bland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

This book is entertaining, taking you through the story allowing you to experience and enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions through lives of those in the school and the village. Can't wait to read the next in the series

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.

[Emma]

I love these books. Quick, feel good, fun reads. I wish Mrs Devine had been one of my teachers. And I really hope there will be a 4th book in the series!

[Lynne Easy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this light hearted story, set in the past - schools have changed somewhat ! Recommend

[Milly Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

lots of fun- a lighthearted, enjoyable holiday read

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smashing lite 'arted read especially if thee's bin born an' bred in't Yorkshire Dales.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy these books especially the characters!

[Rosemary Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed all 3 in the series.Hope there will be more

[Alison Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best in the series so far and I hope there will be more. ..

[Karen wadey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant story, the only criticism is its so much more than a story about a school inspector. Great characters and interlocking stories I look forward to more.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely light entertainment. Very close to the realities of life in a small rural location.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't really matter so much about any 'plot', the characters in these books are extremely well drawn

[Elizabeth Dewfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series

[Sara Layfield-Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book - bedtime reading so calming

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have now read the series of little village school, and I found the characters quite endearing. Although the first book was a bit slow to start with overall it has been very enjoyable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Some surprising things happen that change a particular sour character :-)

I also enjoyed the relationship between Robbie and Mrs. Devine and her belief in him.

This is such a warm hearted cozy series. I love reading and discussing them with my friend!