Affairs at Thrush Green: A Novel

Thrush Green #7

by Miss Read

Make a visit to this English “What you will find in the novels of Miss Read is an aura of warm happiness.” —The Columbus Dispatch In the quaint English village of Thrush Green, a terrible fire has burned the rectory to the ground. Now, kindly vicar Charles Henstock has been appointed to the neighboring town of Lulling and its combined parishes. But while he enjoys the beautiful Queen Anne house provided for him, and his pleasant new surroundings, going to a new church is never Poor Dr. Henstock has encountered some very redoubtable females in Lulling; a full-scale power struggle erupts over the question of kneeling cushions for the Lady Chapel; and other difficulties revolve around the crotchety old sexton Albert Piggott. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger arrives at the Fuschia Bush café, and its rivalry with the Two Pheasants becomes more acute. One knows, however, that Miss Read will set everything right in the end. “Affairs at Thrush Green will surely delight all those addicted to Miss Read . . . and may well make converts of those who read her here for the first time.” —The Plain Dealer

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, British Literature, Novels, Humor, Cozy, Classics

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Dora Jessie Saint MBE née Shafe (born 17 April 1913), best known by the pen name Miss Read, was an English novelist, by profession a schoolmistress. Her pseudonym was derived from her mother's maiden name. In 1940 she married her husband, Douglas, a former headmaster. The couple had a daughter, Jill. She began writing for several journals after World War II and worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC.

She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.

Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.

In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.

Reviews

[Carol Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officially, my favorite Miss Read novel. I was completely won over on page 40, when specific funeral hymns were mentioned. I just attended a memorial service two days ago; I wrote the lyrics to Ye Holy Angels Bright in a card I gave my friend. It's ironic to find the glorious words of Richard Baxter through a light novel.

Miss Read weaves themes that characterize the cozy English village genre: gratitude; restorative cups of tea; seasonal changes; dry humor; duty; the comfort of daily friendships.

In this book, the rector's life is examined. Dr. Charles Henstock is beset with melancholy. Nothing remarkable brought it on, just the pinpricks of life, those criticisms, petty comparisons, and thoughtless comments that, well, prick. I have to believe that this lovable cleric is the prototype for Jan Karon's Fr. Timothy Kavanagh.

If you like Anthony Trollope (and you should!) with a dollop of Wodehouse, you would enjoy Affairs at Thrush Green.



Bonus Content

Ye Holy Angels Bright
(to tune of Rejoice, The Lord Is King)

1 You holy angels bright who wait at God's right hand,
or through the realms of light fly at your Lord's command:
assist our song, or else the theme too high will seem for mortal tongue.

2 You faithful souls at rest, who ran this earthly race,
and now from sin released behold your Saviour's face:
his praises sound and all unite in sweet delight to see him crowned.

3 You saints who serve below, adore your heavenly King,
and as you onward go your joyful anthems sing:
take what he gives and praise him still through good and ill, who ever lives.

4 So take, my soul, your part; triumph in God above,
and with a well - tuned heart sing out your songs of love:
with joy proclaim through all your days in ceaseless praise his glorious name!

[Diane Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returned once again to Thrush Green and enjoyed my stay there. Caught up with all my friends. I have enough left to get me through the rest of this year, crazy as it is. It's nice to have a normal place to go.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There was a great deal to be said for living in a close community, mused the good rector. Irritating though it was at times to find that one had little or no privacy, yet when death or disaster struck how comforting to have the support of friends and relations close at hand.”

That is why I love returning to this series. I get to return to the Cotswolds with all my familiar friends and see what is going on in their lives. Often, it’s dull day to day stuff with a sprinkling of calamity now and then. It’s good to catch up with this wonderful group of people. A true comfort read that settles me down when I have a lot going on in my life.

Published: 1983

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always so lovely to catch up with our old friends at Thrush Green.

[❀⊱RoryReads⊰❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Wonderful as usual. Seven down, and only five more to go. I'll be very sad when I finish this series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Recommended for fans of the series. Nice to spend another year in Thrush Green.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the Thrush Green series so far. Perhaps because it was such a balm to my soul at this time. Perhaps because it included some truly lovely descriptions of nature and wildlife in all seasons. Perhaps because it went deeper into the lovely character of Charles Henstock, to whom I relate profoundly. However, I found its characters deeper and more compassionate than usual (and Miss Read sets herself a high bar for that). A very delightful read, one to savor.

---

Trying to imagine this world with visiting one's neighbors and shopping in town and going about normal business...



In other news, Affairs at Thrush Green is an absolutely lovely slip into a calm, slow-paced world.

Pretty sure if I was a kid in this unique global moment, I'd pretend I was an invalid Victorian child, sequestered due to my tuberculosis or scarlet fever or something. Was it scarlet fever in The Velveteen Rabbit? Or, I'd pretend we were housebound due to a blizzard like in The Long Winter. I did that anyway, since I grew up in a snowy land, but there's more scope for the imagination when one's reality does not match one's imaginations.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arriving in Utah with 3 books on my Nook, I promptly dropped it while in the midst of grandmother chores. The poor Bronte sisters faces bled into the background. Although I have precious little reading time here as I supervise 3 boys ages 3 and under, I was desperate for a book. Being somewhat a Luddite, I nevertheless was sure I could figure out how to read a book from my phone. Sure enough I conquered technology and what did I turn to in my hour of need? Thrush Green, of course! This volume was delightful. A new character or two. The return of the infamous Nelly Piggott. All in all, the exact balm at the end of very busy days here.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm partial to well-written novels about men of the cloth (Dean's Watch by Goudge and The Warden by Trollope are my favorites) so I was delighted that this seventh installment in the Thrush Green series focused on Charles Henstock, the rector of Thrush Green. (There are still many other much-loved characters in the book, but he holds a larger place in this one than in the other books.)

He is assigned to a new church at Lulling and is grieved by the fact that he is often compared to the former minister. This is not because he is jealous or vain, but because he really wants what is best for the church and is not sure he fits the bill. He humbly responds to one particularly critical busybody and reaps the fruit of his kindness later in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed occasional glimpses into his heart (his humility, his faithfulness and his gratefulness, to name just a few qualities) At a discouraging moment, "he remembered suddenly a phrase someone had shared with him - Fear nothing, thank God! The first two words covered the unknown future. The last two covered past mercies received. The rector turned over the four words in his mind, and was strengthened and comforted." (p. 70)

These books are not saccharine sweet. There are happy marriages and troubled ones. Some characters smoke, drink, or swear. But for the most part, the people of the village of Thrush Green look out for one another. And Miss Read does a bang up job of describing their daily trials and victories.

[Beth Bonini · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was slightly more than the usual gentle flutter in this instalment in the Thrush Green series. A romance, a rover’s return, and the face-off between the gentle rector Charles Henstock and local bossy-boots Mrs. Thurgood make up a good deal of the ‘action’ in this book. I also enjoyed a glimpse into the lives of the Lovelock sisters, who usually don’t get much mention except for their extreme parsimony. (It was unexpectly poignant to realise that Violet Lovelock still had a few romantic yearnings, despite her long settled years of being a spinster.)

Although I find these books rather slow at times, I do appreciate their understanding of human nature. Miss Read really puts her finger on the peculiar and distinctive mixture of small pettiness, kindness, inconsistency and predictability that make up each person. Many of the characterisations in the book tend to rely too much on a few fixed qualities or habits, but there are always unexpected depths, too. Charles Henstock’s struggle to rise above the enmity and criticisms of some of his local parishioners is the backbone of this novel, and such a good example of why so many people find great comfort in the fictional world of Thrush Green.

[Susan in NC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely visit to Thrush Green. I think this is a particular favorite, I enjoyed seeing life from the POV of the saintly Rev. Charles Henstock, as he and his beloved wife settle in to their new vicarage. They are following on the heels of a very popular, handsome, charismatic rector and his wealthy wife - dear old friends, but beloved of many parishioners. One, a wealthy merchant’s widow, makes it vociferously clear that the new vicar isn’t a patch on his predecessor. It was touching and relatable to see the vicar carry on despite some negativity.

We get to catch up with other beloved characters, and meet a few new ones as the book follows the seasons from early spring at the opening to Christmas morning at the end. I never regret time spent reading the newest (to me) entry in this delightful and sentimental (but never mawkish or treacly sweet) series-rather, I come away refreshed and happy! I look forward to continuing on with the series.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visiting Thrush Green after a time away in other, heavier books, is like a tonic. This is one of my new favorites in the series, probably due to its focus on Rev. Henstock and his (gentle) trials leading four different parishes.

Usually I feel partial to Fairacre over Thrush Green but this volume may have pulled T.G. into the lead.

[Stephanie Erb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the Kit Armitage storyline to be confusing at best. Miss Read didn't seem certain how old she wanted him to be - he was said to be Dotty' s contemporary, but the plotline was more appropriate for a much younger man. The other plots are wonderful as usual, but the Connie-Kit-Violet storyline required much mental gymnastics.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget Virgin River! I want to move to Thrush Green! No one is perfect. People are fat and thin, kind and cranky and don't jump into bed at the drop of a hat. Now, if I could only find the place!

[Linore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the series. Ms. Read excels at introducing new characters just when they're needed, unobtrusively and seamlessly. Before you know it, you've grown quite fond of the person and feel, as you do with all her people, that you know them well. This foray into Thrush Green includes a happy wedding as most all do, but focuses quite a bit on our beloved Charles Henstock, the rector, who we see rising to new challenges that deepen our understanding of, and respect for him. The usual enjoyable attention to nature and its creatures is here in the precise, lovely detail Read's fans are accustomed to; and we close the book on a happy note made more so because we know the series isn't over!

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the aspects that I most enjoy in this series is how Miss Read makes the seasons so integral to the events that she is narrating. The characters seem so close to nature; too often, this is sorely missing from modern life. We drive to work in heated or air conditioned cars (and by the way, I’ve noticed that even in moderate weather, people don’t ride with their windows down as I remember we did as a child), we work in heated or air conditioned offices, we shop in heated or air conditioned businesses.

(I got a bit sidetracked there! Truly, I always feel inspired to garden after reading this series, much like reading Betty Neels puts me in the mood to cook and clean!)

When the book opens, Charles Henstock, whose viewpoint is featured in this book, has woken up to a strange light in his bedroom. He discovers, upon looking out the window, that snow has fallen during the night. He and Dimity are enjoying living in Lulling Vicarage, a much more beautiful and comfortable dwelling than the old rectory at Thrush Green.

And in Thrush Green, a stranger has been seen several times, one who looks faintly familiar to its older residents. Percy Hodge and his second wife, Doris, are not getting on very well: she isn’t as good a cook as Gertie was, and even worse, she isn’t nearly as frugal. Percy unwisely tells Doris that she doesn’t measure up to her predecessor, and not unsurprisingly, Doris soon leaves. Meanwhile, Nelly Piggott returns, her oilman, Charlie, is being unfaithful, and she goes back to Albert.

Charles has some difficulties with a few of his new St. John’s parishioners who do not feel he measures up to their former vicar. In particular, there is a conflict over some kneelers in the Lady Chapel; a Mrs. Thurgood wants to replace them all even though many are still in good shape. She says she will donate the materials but the church ladies will have to do the actual sewing work. Charles is determined not to give in, even when confronted face-to-face by Mrs. Thurgood and her daughter, Janet. He sticks to his guns and wins the battle although Mrs. Thurgood leaves the congregation.

Robert Bassett dies and the entire village is saddened by the loss of such an old friend. Edward Young is busy directing the building of some cottages for elderly residents on the site of the old rectory. The “stranger” is revealed to be Kit Armitage, who grew up in Thrush Green and is returning to live there once more, providing he can find a suitable house. Nelly Piggott begins working at the Fuchsia Bush, delighting its clientele with her talented baking. Charles and Dimity dog-sit for an elderly gentleman who lives on the river, Tom Hardy, while he is in hospital for an operation. Polly, his dog, is a delight and comfort to his temporary caretakers.

Meanwhile, winter has melted into green spring, and then warm summer weather returns. Kit Armitage has renewed his acquaintance with his old Thrush Green friends, and he is seen most often at Dotty Harmer’s; her niece and caregiver, Connie, is often seen accompanying him on house-hunting expeditions. Is something more romantic going on than mere house-hunting?

Throughout the autumn, Charles is plagued by depression, a large part of which is a result of the Thurgood incident. He is a deeply conscientious man and devoted to his calling, and he feels as though he has let his Church down. Dimity is always a comfort to him, and Polly is also a balm to his spirits. Tom Hardy soon recovers and is released from hospital; Charles takes Polly home, who is ecstatic to be with her favourite person again. Charles does a favour for Janet Thurgood - coals of fire, you know - and ends up back in her mother’s good graces.

As the book wraps up, winter has returned and Charles wakes up early on Christmas morning, ready for all the services on that day. The depression of autumn is behind and he feels a genuine celebration in his spirit on this holy day.

[Rebekah Giese Witherspoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Do bend down, dear, and fetch Flossie out. She badly needs kempting.’
‘Kempting?’ echoed Connie.
‘Well, if she’s unkempt, which she most certainly is, then she should be made the opposite. Now, where did I put that brush?’

Returning to Thrush Green is just as comforting as ever, although this novel seemed less humorous than the others (probably because Dotty was sick in bed and unable to venture out for her usual shenanigans).

‘I don’t do meals, except breakfast, and that’s Continental.’
Albert wondered if that meant frogs’ legs or any other French nonsense.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Affairs" as in "Happenings in people's lives" not as in love affairs, just so you know. This is Miss Read after all ;>

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing much to say in a review of this book, other than I love this series. It just perfect for bedtime reading, so cozy and relaxing.

[Mskarla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fond of the previous Thrush Green books, but considered them fairly lightweight and restful novels to read before going to sleep. This, to me, had more weight than that, mostly due to the complex thoughts of the character of Charles Hemstock. Although there still is nothing here to disturb, and many of the wry observations and beautiful descriptions of the natural world that characterize the previous books, this adds some wisdom about the human condition. And I found it striking that a book published in the early 1980s has a passage that essentially advocates for the philosophy of the current mindfulness movement.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all my visits to Thrush Green but I admit this book is probably my least favourite and it's because of the Kit Armitage storyline. I just disliked this whole subplot to the point where when I read this book I skip all mentions of it. I wish if Miss Read wanted to bring on a love interest for Connie she hadn't had to tie him in with the Lovelock "girls". It just made no sense and was confusing, irritating and pathetic. That said everything else about Affairs at Thrush Green was wonderful most especially enjoyed the focus on Charles Henstock.

[Buffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! The return of Nelly!
It's interesting to read these quickly in a row, not as she wrote them, and see the continuity issues, especially around character ages. Dotty seems to have aged up (although that's age issues) and the Lovelocks have aged down.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, perhaps my favorite so far. It was a pleasure to return to the peace of Thrush Green because my personal life has been chaotic this month.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read.

[Whistler's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

In life, even changes for the good can be difficult.

This is the seventh in the Thrush Green series. In the last book, the rectory burned to the ground, leaving the Henstocks homeless. After the usual delays and rumors, the matter was settled satisfactorily. Charles Henstock was promoted to vicar of nearby Lulling and he and wife Dimity went to live in the beautiful vicarage there. The parishes were combined, as is frequently done in these days of low church attendance, so Thrush Green residents had the pleasure of retaining the services of their beloved rector, while seeing two old friends installed in a much more comfortable home.

But no change pleases everyone. Some members of the Lulling church unfavorably compare modest Charles Henstock with his handsome, dynamic predecessor. The formidable Mrs. Thurgood soon challenges his authority. When Charles stands his ground, she goes over his head to the bishop with her complaints.

The bishop appreciates Charles Henstock's many fine qualities as a parish priest and most of the Lulling congregation agree with him, but Mrs. Thurgood and some of her friends leave in anger. Charles never wavers in his determination to do his duty, but no one likes being labeled "a vulgar little man."

All he can do is help and comfort those who will let him. Thrush Green native son Robert Bassett is losing his battle to heart disease and Charles stays close to his old friend as the end comes. There is a departed friend to be mourned and his grieving family to comfort. With four parishes to cover, Charles Henstock stays busy visiting people like elderly Tom Hardy, who must be hospitalized and needs care for his ageing dog. Charles and Dimity happily care for old Polly until her owner returns.

Of course, there are some problems that even the kindest, wisest clergyman can't solve. Local farmer Percy Hodge has married a lively young woman and the marriage is imploding. She's bored and angry with her stingy husband. He expects her to have all the merits of his dead wife. If neither partner will compromise, the union is doomed.

And grumpy Albert Piggott learns that his estranged wife in is the hospital. His daughter and son-in-law insist that he visit Nelly. Even if she's deserted him for another man, she's Albert's wife and public opinion will be against him if he fails to offer help. It's typical of this author's shrewdness that she recognizes that country people are deeply conservative and very much concerned with their neighbors' opinions. Both Albert Piggott and Percy Hodge are unhappily married and would like to be single again, but they shy away from the expense and stigma of divorce.

Percy's wife departs, but Albert's Nelly comes home and at last finds happiness in Thrush Green. The owner of the Fuchsia Bush cafe desperately needs a cook and Nelly wants a job. Nelly's marriage will always be unhappy, but her partnership with Mrs. Peters proves lasting and profitable for both women. Romantic love isn't everything.

And as Thrush Green mourns the loss of Robert Bassett, everyone's happy to welcome another returning son, handsome Kit Armitage. Several of the older ladies who remember him from his youth have hopes of becoming the second Mrs. Armitage, but Kit turns his attentions to a younger woman. This author never sugar-coats the truth and (in Thrush Green as in other places) older men who wish to marry generally pick younger wives. It's a fact of life and must be accepted.

Thrush Green is an attractive world, but its creator never tries to convince us that it's paradise or that its inhabitants are saintly. But they become real to us and we are happy with them or mourn for them and (sometimes) roll our eyes at their shortcomings. Isn't that what friendship is all about?

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me very much of the Mitford books by Jan Karon, although these predate that series. This kind of book isn’t for everyone, but definitely hit the spot with me. We meander through the very common lives of the inhabitants of Thrush Green and neighboring Lulling, little villages in England. We meet Charles and Dimity Henstock first of all. Charles is a vicar whose home in Thrush Green burned down (probably in the previous book in the series). He has now become the vicar for four neighboring villages, and is living in Lulling with his good and faithful wife Dimity. His story is somewhat the backbone, the thread that runs most strongly through the book as he goes about his pastoral duties, meeting with an old friend who is dying, resisting the pressure of a wealthy parishioner named Mrs. Thurgood who wants to use her money and influence to make changes in the church, as well as trying to navigate the sense that he is a disappointment in his role compared to the previous vicar, the handsome and popular Anthony Bull.

We also meet:
Connie Harmer - a cheerful, hardworking single lady in her 40’s who is living with and taking care of her Aunt Dotty Harmer.
Albert Piggot - a curmudgeonly old fellow whose wife, Nelly, ran off with someone else, who eventually tossed her back out to slink back to Albert. She’s a good cook and a good housekeeper, but this is a definitely a marriage in name only. Still they manage to co-exist without too much rancor, as long as they stay out of each other’s way.
Kit Armitage - an older man who grew up in Thrush Green and having been widowed, has come back to settle there again. He seems to have his eye on Connie.
The Lovelock sisters - three “old maids” who live in Thrush Green: Bertha, Ada and Violet. Violet entertains hopes of getting a marriage proposal at last from the handsome widower, Kit Armitage.
Mrs. Thurgood and daughter Janet. Janet is an artist, very avant garde (sp?) but who is having trouble finding a job. Mrs. T., offended by Charles’ continued rejection of her attempts to bully him into accepting her plans for replacing the kneelers, leaves the church for another one. Nice story arc for these two, despite the initial bad feeling.
Miss Watson and Miss Agnes Fogarty - two older single ladies who have devoted themselves to the local school, but who long to take a vacation of sorts all by themselves.

There are apparently lots of books in this “cozy” series by Miss Read but this is the first one I’ve read. Things happen, but not in a “reading on the edge of your seat” kind of way. These are just interesting character studies of people whose lives might be very like the people in your neighborhood, the good, the bad and the ugly.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely return to the world of Thrush Green. This time we focus on Charles Henstock, the new vicar of Lulling. He has stewardship over several parishes, including his old home of Thrush Green. I love how Charles worries over his flock, how he gently intercedes when he can, but carefully refrains from offering unasked for advice. I love how conscientious he is in his calling, how aware of his differences from the previous vicar, and yet assured enough and patient enough to allow his parishioners time to come to know and accept him for who and what he is. I love his joy in simple things. On remembering a line of poetry, "It was a never failing joy to find a happy phrase surfacing to add to the pleasures of daily life." These four words are his guide in life, "Fear nothing! Thank God!"

[Iru Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another slice of village read and a delightful one! Miss Read's cozy, light-hearted books are a perfect antidote to escape from the reality and inject happiness into my reading hours. I love how rich her books are with the descriptions of the place, the changing seasons and the highs and the lows of living in a close-knit and ever-watchful society. Charles Henstock, a personal favourite and the protagonist of this book reminded me of a quote I'd read long back and love - "Sit with the Humble. The conversation is different." It's a joy and a comfort to have people like him around - humble, down to earth, God fearing/loving and one who would go out of the way to lend a helping hand to those in need. Besides being a pleasant read, there is much to learn from characters like him, in this. I throughly enjoyed this book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I go again, wanting to do Miss Read's book justice, but the same trite descriptions keep coming to my mind. For instance, "you'll laugh and cry" or "enchanting" or "characters are like old friends".
Every book I've read in the Thrush Green series, I have really loved. They are not all sweetness and light, however. There are tragedies, not so savory characters, heartache. As a matter of fact, this particular book ****SPOILER ALERT**** had one of the three elderly Lovelock sisters absolutely have her heart crushed unfairly, though in a way typically 2oth Century, when it's fine for a man in his 70's not even give a 2nd thought to his school days crush, because he has an admirer 30 years younger. Anyway, I said all that to say, it's not all sugary. Beautifully written.