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Thrush Green #4
Battles at Thrush Green
The peace of a beautiful Cotswold village is about to be disturbed...'Unforgettable characters ... drama, romance and humour' EXPRESSChildren's voices ring out from the school playground; in the distance there is the gentle hum of a lawnmower; and all around the village, birdsong can be heard. But despite all evidence to the contrary, in the village of Thrush Green feelings are running high... The rector has a plan for the neglected churchyard which doesn't meet with universal approval; there is a clash of personalities at the local school; and someone has returned to the village after an absence of fifty years. Before long, the tranquillity of the Cotswold village is shattered.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1975
118 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
157 books514 followersDora 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 6, 2018
There were a few too many conflicts in the book to make it a cozy read for me (I am a worrier, even if it means I worry about fictional characters.) But the reasons I love Miss Read's books still hold true. Her writing is lovely: "The sparrow's tiny claws formed hieroglyphics in the snow." The people are three-dimensional and believable. And, most of all, I enjoy the way that the characters constantly extend grace to one another through small kindnesses.
May 18, 2025
A perfect book to take along on a trip. Loved catching up with all the familiar folk at Thrush Green. A few issues going on that was causing consternation but all suitably resolved by the end. Such a restful series to fall into- a comfort read after all the heavier books I have been reading.
July 10, 2019
Delightful to catch up with my friends in Thrush Green again, with quite a few "battles" going on amongst them. Such a pleasant way to pass time on a warm summer day!
November 20, 2024
Just such a wonderfully cosy series. A soothing balm.
February 23, 2016
I have been enjoying Miss Read's Thrush Green series. Her writing is quiet, with subdued plots; not multi-layered or complicated in scope. However they are restful reads, and cleverly put together. The characters are 'real' and down-to-earth. Who can not admire Charles Henstock, the vicar, so humble and satisfied with his lot?
"She led the way, still chattering, down the long dark corridor which acted as a wind tunnel, and kept the rectory in a state of refrigeration during the winter months. Harold's feet echoed on the shabby linoleum, and he thought guiltily of his own carpeted home across the green. It was shameful to think how appallingly some of the clergy were housed. Charles's stipend was barely enough to keep body and soul together, as Harold well knew. Not that he or Dimity ever complained. Their hearts were thankful, their concern for others governed all their thoughts. They were two of the happiest people Harold had ever met."
And who cannot but laugh at Albert Piggott's gloomy outlook and dealings with his village neighbors?
'Of course,' went on the rector, following his friend down the passage, 'Piggott never makes the best of anything. No one could accuse him of looking on the bright side of life.'
However, the peaceful quiet village life in Thrush Green is threatened when a dispute arises concerning the churchyard. Albert Piggott, never the most energetic caretaker at the best of times, is no longer able to keep the churchyard nicely mowed and neat. A plea for volunteer helpers to assist him is unsatisfactory, and the church council commences with meetings to discuss what could be done (is there ever anything more detrimental to calm stability than a Board meeting to resolve an issue?)
The indomitable Dotty acquires a car from a legacy and is a road menace, and ultimately her exploits land her in the courtroom. (The reader will find that even the irrepressible Dotty has her frailties). Even the recently and happily married Frank and his wife Phil are entangling over whether Phil's son Jeremy should attend boarding school.
The village school itself does not escape a period of conflict as a new teacher adds her perspective and less-than-flattering views on the upcoming Christmas pageant.
Meanwhile, Winnie Bailey's husband Donald finally succumbs to his lingering illness and somehow she must find a way to adjust to her life without Donald.
In between all of these major upsets, there are other various small problems to be resolved (like the remains of the Christmas turkey):
"I think curried turkey is the best way of finishing it up,' said Dimity one morning, when she was taking coffee at her former abode with Ella and Winnie.
'Not bad,' agreed Ella, 'but I prefer it with mushrooms and white sauce. Easy to do too. Or shepherd's pie, of course.'
'The fact is,' said Dimity, 'that any turkey dish, after five days of it, tends to pall. I'm longing for a steak and kidney pie!'
"I didn't buy a turkey this year," said Winnie.
'Then you're extremely lucky,' her friends told her."
'And now we've January to look forward to,' sighed Ella. 'Talk about the January blues! What with the bills, and the general damp and gloom, and so long to wait for spring - it does get one down!'
'I cheer myself up,' said Dimity, 'by tidying a cupboard. It makes me feel so virtuous and efficient.'
I don't read Miss Read's novels to look for hidden clues or discover a mystery, nor do I expect complicated plot twists or literary, scholarly paragraphs. What I do find when I read her series is a progression of stories in a small country village, a pleasurable, smooth story that exposes human character foibles within the happenings of daily life, and the enjoyment of identification with authentic, genuine individuals.
"...now I've burdened you with it,' cried Dotty distractedly. 'You won't ever tell anyone, will you, Winnie dear? I couldn't bear Thrush Green to get wind of my shameful fears.'
'No one will learn anything from me,' Winnie promised. 'And you know, Dotty, we all have fears, and I'm beginning to realise that we must accept them and not feel ashamed of them.'
"She led the way, still chattering, down the long dark corridor which acted as a wind tunnel, and kept the rectory in a state of refrigeration during the winter months. Harold's feet echoed on the shabby linoleum, and he thought guiltily of his own carpeted home across the green. It was shameful to think how appallingly some of the clergy were housed. Charles's stipend was barely enough to keep body and soul together, as Harold well knew. Not that he or Dimity ever complained. Their hearts were thankful, their concern for others governed all their thoughts. They were two of the happiest people Harold had ever met."
And who cannot but laugh at Albert Piggott's gloomy outlook and dealings with his village neighbors?
'Of course,' went on the rector, following his friend down the passage, 'Piggott never makes the best of anything. No one could accuse him of looking on the bright side of life.'
However, the peaceful quiet village life in Thrush Green is threatened when a dispute arises concerning the churchyard. Albert Piggott, never the most energetic caretaker at the best of times, is no longer able to keep the churchyard nicely mowed and neat. A plea for volunteer helpers to assist him is unsatisfactory, and the church council commences with meetings to discuss what could be done (is there ever anything more detrimental to calm stability than a Board meeting to resolve an issue?)
The indomitable Dotty acquires a car from a legacy and is a road menace, and ultimately her exploits land her in the courtroom. (The reader will find that even the irrepressible Dotty has her frailties). Even the recently and happily married Frank and his wife Phil are entangling over whether Phil's son Jeremy should attend boarding school.
The village school itself does not escape a period of conflict as a new teacher adds her perspective and less-than-flattering views on the upcoming Christmas pageant.
Meanwhile, Winnie Bailey's husband Donald finally succumbs to his lingering illness and somehow she must find a way to adjust to her life without Donald.
In between all of these major upsets, there are other various small problems to be resolved (like the remains of the Christmas turkey):
"I think curried turkey is the best way of finishing it up,' said Dimity one morning, when she was taking coffee at her former abode with Ella and Winnie.
'Not bad,' agreed Ella, 'but I prefer it with mushrooms and white sauce. Easy to do too. Or shepherd's pie, of course.'
'The fact is,' said Dimity, 'that any turkey dish, after five days of it, tends to pall. I'm longing for a steak and kidney pie!'
"I didn't buy a turkey this year," said Winnie.
'Then you're extremely lucky,' her friends told her."
'And now we've January to look forward to,' sighed Ella. 'Talk about the January blues! What with the bills, and the general damp and gloom, and so long to wait for spring - it does get one down!'
'I cheer myself up,' said Dimity, 'by tidying a cupboard. It makes me feel so virtuous and efficient.'
I don't read Miss Read's novels to look for hidden clues or discover a mystery, nor do I expect complicated plot twists or literary, scholarly paragraphs. What I do find when I read her series is a progression of stories in a small country village, a pleasurable, smooth story that exposes human character foibles within the happenings of daily life, and the enjoyment of identification with authentic, genuine individuals.
"...now I've burdened you with it,' cried Dotty distractedly. 'You won't ever tell anyone, will you, Winnie dear? I couldn't bear Thrush Green to get wind of my shameful fears.'
'No one will learn anything from me,' Winnie promised. 'And you know, Dotty, we all have fears, and I'm beginning to realise that we must accept them and not feel ashamed of them.'
July 18, 2024
Another reviewer put this very succinctly...these are restful reads. This is the fourth in this series and I'm still loving spending time in this community.
February 24, 2021
Miss Read is always so good. This time I found myself so jealous of the daily housekeepers they all have. Where is my Mrs. Bell??
March 28, 2022
Listened to the audiobook read by Gwen Watford for my second read. She is a wonderful narrator. I only wish my library’s overdrive had the whole series by her. These books are definitely comfort reads and listens. Miss Read has an observant and forthright narrative voice; there’s plenty of quirks from the characters, plenty of humor, and most of all kindness, both from the author to these beloved characters and amongst the characters themselves.
May 1, 2018
This being Thrush Green, the ‘battles’ being fought are all just the stuff of daily life - and even the dramas with potential unpleasantness (Dotty Harmer’s car accident) are more comic than tragic. Still, there are a few surprisingly poignant moments, which I’ve come to associate with this fictional world. In this novel, Doctor Bailey loses his final battle - and the scene is handled in a particularly wonderful ‘Miss Read’ way. I enjoyed finding out what various characters think of life after death, particularly the conversation which occurs between two of the village’s more eccentric inhabitants: Ella and Dotty Harmer. Miss Fogerty, the elderly teacher at the village school, gets a starring role in this book - and she chafes at the imbalance of power caused by a new and young staff member.
You do realise that you are reading a period piece, for all of enduring truths about human nature, when you read the line: Another bedjacket! But that is certainly part of the charm.
You do realise that you are reading a period piece, for all of enduring truths about human nature, when you read the line: Another bedjacket! But that is certainly part of the charm.
May 21, 2023
Five star comfort read. However I think it worth noting that the Kindle version is FULL of typos - very distracting.
February 3, 2013
My wife Pat found this book (first edition, beautiful dust jacket) at a used bookstore in Durham. The proprietor told her: "Oh, I used to have a customer who loved Miss Read. But she was very old, and it was a long time ago, and I think she died."
Well, add me to the fan club. This novel puts me in mind of Alexander McCall Smith. Nothing much happens, but the characters and their relationships are beautifully drawn, and while the setting is idealized and the narrative a little sentimental, the insights into people are real.
Well, add me to the fan club. This novel puts me in mind of Alexander McCall Smith. Nothing much happens, but the characters and their relationships are beautifully drawn, and while the setting is idealized and the narrative a little sentimental, the insights into people are real.
January 13, 2019
I'm so glad I decided to give "Miss Read's" books another chance. Years ago I started one (I think it was a different series from this), and I found it rather dull. Either I wasn't in the right mood, or else the Thrush Green series is just better, because I'm thoroughly enjoying these tales. (Thank you, Rebekah!)
These books exemplify what I love best in a story: social truths handled with a deft and kindly hand. That is to say, when an author brings characters together and then pulls back the curtain on what they are each thinking and feeling about each other or about themselves, it adds real depth to the things that they actually do and say. And when all the characters are fundamentally decent people, but with loads of idiosyncrasies, it makes for a cozy, totally relatable story.
In "Battles at Thrush Green," the battles are small and (mostly) civil, but they're still important to the people who have a stake in them. The rector wants to beautify the cemetery, but several parishioners are against it. The eccentric old maid Miss Harmer inherits a car which no one thinks she should drive, and causes an accident. The schoolteachers experience a rift in their friendship after the intrusion of a third teacher in their domain. And the doctor's wife is fighting a private battle of how to face up to life as a widow. Mostly it's a story of how regular people get on with life. It's real life, but it's gently handled, and that's kind of a nice escape.
These books exemplify what I love best in a story: social truths handled with a deft and kindly hand. That is to say, when an author brings characters together and then pulls back the curtain on what they are each thinking and feeling about each other or about themselves, it adds real depth to the things that they actually do and say. And when all the characters are fundamentally decent people, but with loads of idiosyncrasies, it makes for a cozy, totally relatable story.
In "Battles at Thrush Green," the battles are small and (mostly) civil, but they're still important to the people who have a stake in them. The rector wants to beautify the cemetery, but several parishioners are against it. The eccentric old maid Miss Harmer inherits a car which no one thinks she should drive, and causes an accident. The schoolteachers experience a rift in their friendship after the intrusion of a third teacher in their domain. And the doctor's wife is fighting a private battle of how to face up to life as a widow. Mostly it's a story of how regular people get on with life. It's real life, but it's gently handled, and that's kind of a nice escape.
April 23, 2019
At times one wants an effortless, comfortable book to cocoon with. Miss Read's books fill the bill. I've read a few titles willy-nilly, but I'm finding the benefit of reading them in order.
It's a book of manners in a Cotswold village. The quiet things. Small courage, little resentments, gardens, goats, curtains, tea. Always tea. The 'Battles' occur in the community, in the classroom, in the courtroom, on the road, in a newly-blended family, and in one man's fight with a terminal disease. I wished Miss Read hadn't so tidily resolved each and every conflict.
Any book full of British colloquialisms and understatements is a sure hit with me. I learned these words:
skrim-shanked - to avoid one's obligations or share of work, shirk
spencer - a short, close-fitting jacket
pig's breakfast - total mess; mixed-up slops
Quotes:
It's a book of manners in a Cotswold village. The quiet things. Small courage, little resentments, gardens, goats, curtains, tea. Always tea. The 'Battles' occur in the community, in the classroom, in the courtroom, on the road, in a newly-blended family, and in one man's fight with a terminal disease. I wished Miss Read hadn't so tidily resolved each and every conflict.
Any book full of British colloquialisms and understatements is a sure hit with me. I learned these words:
skrim-shanked - to avoid one's obligations or share of work, shirk
spencer - a short, close-fitting jacket
pig's breakfast - total mess; mixed-up slops
Quotes:
Injustice rankles at any age.
It is always exhilarating to be the first to know of something of note, particularly in a small community, and Miss Fogerty's quiet life held little excitement.
'A baby? But she's not married!'
'It has been known to happen.'
September 20, 2020
Refreshing as always.
April 13, 2022
"The Cotswold village of Thrust Green is normally a peaceful backwater where the placid surface remains unruffled by adverse winds. It was all the more surprising, therefore, when a number of squalls blew up within the space of one autumn and winter. The most widely felt, perhaps, is the good rector's innocent suggestion that the neglected churchyard should be tidied up. Disturb the tombs of their forefathers? Thrush Green was outraged.
"Miss Read's latest account of the village brings back all the delightful individuals of News from Thrush Green and earlier stories.
"Sexton Albert Piggott, his temper not a bit improved by his operation, is finding the care of the churchyard too much for him -- and letting Dottie Harmer's two goats nibble the weeds down is obviously no solution.
"In the village school, too, feelings are running high. To little Miss Fogerty, infants' teacher for over thirty years, the ways of the new young teacher are a sore trial. And worse still, Miss Watson, the headmistress, seems to take the newcomer's part against her old colleague.
"Then Dotty Harmer inherits a car. She has had a driver's license, of course, since she was seventeen but no one in the village can remember seeing her behind the wheel. In the face of her slow and careful driving, no one is able to persuade her to give it up -- until the accident and a threatening court case to come.
"Indeed, it seems that wherever you look in Thrush Green, there are difficulties and changes. But all troubles pass, and by the time spring comes again matters are settled, if not to everyone's complete satisfaction, yet with that cheerful compromise on which rational men and women depend for happiness in an imperfect world."
~~front & back flaps
Another warm cozy escape into the imagined world of England between the wars, in a small village where everyone knows everyone else, tea is always served, and life goes on much the same every day. The troubles that arise are indeed small ones in the grand scheme of things, even though they're worrisome to those involved. Thrush Green is a world that most of us wish we could live in: simple, rustic, gentle, comfortable.
"Miss Read's latest account of the village brings back all the delightful individuals of News from Thrush Green and earlier stories.
"Sexton Albert Piggott, his temper not a bit improved by his operation, is finding the care of the churchyard too much for him -- and letting Dottie Harmer's two goats nibble the weeds down is obviously no solution.
"In the village school, too, feelings are running high. To little Miss Fogerty, infants' teacher for over thirty years, the ways of the new young teacher are a sore trial. And worse still, Miss Watson, the headmistress, seems to take the newcomer's part against her old colleague.
"Then Dotty Harmer inherits a car. She has had a driver's license, of course, since she was seventeen but no one in the village can remember seeing her behind the wheel. In the face of her slow and careful driving, no one is able to persuade her to give it up -- until the accident and a threatening court case to come.
"Indeed, it seems that wherever you look in Thrush Green, there are difficulties and changes. But all troubles pass, and by the time spring comes again matters are settled, if not to everyone's complete satisfaction, yet with that cheerful compromise on which rational men and women depend for happiness in an imperfect world."
~~front & back flaps
Another warm cozy escape into the imagined world of England between the wars, in a small village where everyone knows everyone else, tea is always served, and life goes on much the same every day. The troubles that arise are indeed small ones in the grand scheme of things, even though they're worrisome to those involved. Thrush Green is a world that most of us wish we could live in: simple, rustic, gentle, comfortable.
April 30, 2018
#MissReadAlong - April 2018
October 11, 2014
The story takes place not long after the last book, though it was written several years later and seems to have a contemporary setting. Battles are waging at Thrush Green. Albert Piggot, unable/unwilling to work as hard after his surgery, has a complaint about the churchyard. It's too much for him to keep up and looks like an eyesore. The good Rector and Harold Shoosmith agree and come up with a plan to renovate the churchyard based on one they liked in another town. This plan meets with opposition from some of the church council members. It could take years and money to come to a conclusion and Rev. Henstock doesn't like conflict. He's also waging a battle with the drafts in his house. He doesn't mind them but for dear Dimity's sake, he wishes he could provide a more comfortable home, but how to do it on so little salary? Battle is waging at the Tullivers too. Frank wants to send young Jeremy to boarding school but Phil thinks he should attend Paul's day school for a time until he's older and more adjusted to the changes in his life. There's a battle waging in the schoolhouse too. Miss Fogarty has never looked forward to retirement more than this term. A new, young, modern teacher had come to take the younger junior class and Miss Watson takes the new teacher's side against her old friend. It's a long term and something has to change. Dotty Harmer is left a car by her late brother and everyone is shocked. No one can remember her driving - at least not for the last 50 years! Dotty insists she has had her license since she was 17 and kept it up. She won't be swayed and persists in driving (at 30 miles an hour). When a boy on a bicycle runs into her and has to go in the hospital, Dotty is summoned to court. She maintains an outward calm but is inwardly worried. What will the outcome of the trial be?
This is another slow moving entry in the series. The hook comes almost halfway through the book and it wasn't enough to keep me interested. The other battles didn't interest me at all. I disagreed with the plan for the churchyard and I agreed with Phil about Jeremy's schooling. The teacher plot was already done in her Fairacre series and it bored me in that series and still here, though this one was better. There is one death in the story that made me sad. This story doesn't contain a romance or love story at all. I missed it and felt that it made the first two books better. Modern life intrudes again a bit, yet some of the old biddies are straight out of Cranford. Miss Fogarty even wears a spencer in winter! I think this story would be best appreciated by older ladies who can relate better to the characters.
This is another slow moving entry in the series. The hook comes almost halfway through the book and it wasn't enough to keep me interested. The other battles didn't interest me at all. I disagreed with the plan for the churchyard and I agreed with Phil about Jeremy's schooling. The teacher plot was already done in her Fairacre series and it bored me in that series and still here, though this one was better. There is one death in the story that made me sad. This story doesn't contain a romance or love story at all. I missed it and felt that it made the first two books better. Modern life intrudes again a bit, yet some of the old biddies are straight out of Cranford. Miss Fogarty even wears a spencer in winter! I think this story would be best appreciated by older ladies who can relate better to the characters.
February 5, 2019
Battles in Thrush Green is aptly named, for it covers a number of disputes among Thrush Green inhabitants. Miss Fogerty, the infants’ teacher, is jealous that a new, young teacher who, in Miss Fogerty’s opinion, does not measure up to the proper standards of a teacher, yet enjoys the favor of Miss Watson, the headmistress. Phil Prior, now Hurst, and her new husband and former publisher, are at odds over whether to send Jeremy to boarding school - she wants him to be a day student at a prep school in Lulling.
Dotty Harmer inherits a car from her brother and routinely frustrates and terrorizes the denizens of Lulling and Thrush Green until, inevitably, she hits a boy on a bicycle. He was injured and taken to hospital. Poor Dotty is distraught and worried and even imagines going to prison! The fact that he was riding a bike far too big for him, and that he was noted to have been riding erratically, are used by Dotty’s solicitor to get her case dismissed.
The churchyard, under Albert Piggot’s care has gone from untidy to an eyesore, and Mr. Hemstock is too kind to sack him, and the church too short of funds to hire an additional worker. So he and Harold Shoosmith come up with a plan to divide it into “old graves” and “new graves” and move all the old headstones next to the church, leaving most of the churchyard smooth and easy to mow. Not surprisingly, not all the parishioners are in favor.
And lastly, the beloved Dr. Bailey is fighting for his life - his final battle, and one that he is destined to lose. The entire village mourns his passing and Winnie is, of course, left feeling lost for some months. Eventually, she decides a plan that will provide her with companionship and benefit someone else as well.
So Thrush Green passes through autumn and winter, and emerges in spring whole and (more or less) happy.
Dotty Harmer inherits a car from her brother and routinely frustrates and terrorizes the denizens of Lulling and Thrush Green until, inevitably, she hits a boy on a bicycle. He was injured and taken to hospital. Poor Dotty is distraught and worried and even imagines going to prison! The fact that he was riding a bike far too big for him, and that he was noted to have been riding erratically, are used by Dotty’s solicitor to get her case dismissed.
The churchyard, under Albert Piggot’s care has gone from untidy to an eyesore, and Mr. Hemstock is too kind to sack him, and the church too short of funds to hire an additional worker. So he and Harold Shoosmith come up with a plan to divide it into “old graves” and “new graves” and move all the old headstones next to the church, leaving most of the churchyard smooth and easy to mow. Not surprisingly, not all the parishioners are in favor.
And lastly, the beloved Dr. Bailey is fighting for his life - his final battle, and one that he is destined to lose. The entire village mourns his passing and Winnie is, of course, left feeling lost for some months. Eventually, she decides a plan that will provide her with companionship and benefit someone else as well.
So Thrush Green passes through autumn and winter, and emerges in spring whole and (more or less) happy.
March 15, 2016
What I remember most about this book is a quote from one of the characters, in one of the scenes where a group of the older ladies of Thrush Green are chatting over tea. They are discussing the winter doldrums and one of the ladies says "I always buy a new pair of shoes in January and that perks me right up". This book is full of little moments like that, that for me were very easy to relate to. It focuses on the community of Thrush Green and the ordinary issues that it's members face--a widow moving on after her husbands death, a mother debating the schooling of her son with her husband, an older woman's questionable driving habits, a falling out between the teachers at the school. What is remarkable and heartwarming is how the members of the community slowly and steadily tend to one another and work out compromises that create a harmonious ending. Read this one for a cozy uplift-it might even be just as good as buying a new pair of shoes.
April 27, 2018
Battles at Thrush Green is the fourth in the Thrush Green series. Unfortunately, troubled times have come to Thrush Green for many of the characters. There is controversy over what should be done with the overgrown graveyard and churchyard. Dotty inherits her brother's car. She believes that since she has previously rode in the car with her brother, she can easily drive it and no one's advice will change her mind. Dr. Bailey's health is steadily failing. Phil's new husband wants to send her son to a boarding school and she is adamantly against it. There's even trouble in the small school among the teachers. It was interesting to watch everything unfold with some triumphing over their troubles and others failing.
February 19, 2015
Thank you Lori for introducing me to this series. What a delight. A small English village series - short on plot and long on interesting characters. The writing is enjoyable and succinct, and the audio version had me chuckling throughout. It's like "The Penderwicks" for adults. If you need a delightful break from reality - this is a great find.
January 24, 2025
I like to renew my acquaintanceship with Miss Read's Thrush Green world every couple of years through any one of her books. When this world gets to be too much, it's wonderful to go back in time to a simpler world! It's like going home.
April 24, 2019
Every once in a while I feel the need to travel to Thrush Green. It's just a bit of Cotswold heaven created by a writer who reminds me a little of Jane Austen...oh not to the depth of grand and romantic/18th c. social insights but for the compassionate detail and humorous truths of English small town life, really any small town. The human feeling and companionship, everyday trials, grief, children, landscape, eccentric neighbors...Miss Read's eye for the subtle movements of character, behavior and personality make her books an absolute sanctuary! If you need to find a place other than the world you are inhabiting...go to Thrush Green and be revived.
March 8, 2021
I really enjoy Miss Read and this series! Her writing is a joy and this town is a microcosm of a small town anywhere.
This one didn’t capture me as completely as others but a lovely read!
This one didn’t capture me as completely as others but a lovely read!
February 19, 2024
I love the Thrush Green series - they are perfect for a light read, and they are full of village gossip!
May 19, 2025
I love this series. This book focuses on the winter, where there are a few “battles” amongst the residences and the village itself. Many unique happenings. I love visiting this village and the slow gentle story.
February 12, 2025
Well written, but a bit stressful, as "battles" might suggest.
May 23, 2020
Such a DELIGHTFUL, feel-good book! Thrush Green is a little like Mayberry in WW2 rural England. Simple plots, rich characters and a peaceful venue. I'm going to search out more books by Miss Read.
July 5, 2020
Not Miss Read's best effort, IMHO. It defies plausibility that all of the conflicts, disagreements and strife in this volume would ALL, unequivocably, turn out for the best. True, we lose Dr. Bailey in this volume, but it happens too early to have any real impact, and Winnie's grief is much too much glossed over. It seems to me that earlier volumes had just enough of an edge -- this one has none to speak of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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