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Thrush Green #6
Gossip from Thrush Green
GOSSIP FROM THRUSH GREEN returns readers to the delightful English village, neighbor to Fairacre, for a golden summer. But this sleepy, pristine setting conceals a flurry of activity amongst the villagers. Rumor has it that Mr. Venables is considering retirement just as the village's teacher is about to make an important decision. Molly Curdle prepares for a new baby. The kindly vicar, Charles Henstock, works on his sermon -- quite unaware of the disaster that will overtake him. However, there is never any doubt that all will end well in this very English village.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
129 people are currently reading
536 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 96 reviews
October 11, 2019
Oh what a most satisfactory comforting read, just what I needed nursing a miserable chest cold. I was thinking why I enjoy these books so much, and I believe it is the going-out-of-your way kindness and civility that the Village of Thrush Green people exhibit to everyone and the simple lifestyle in this beautiful setting.
August 20, 2024
This is #6 in the series and my favorite so far. This is a community that takes care of its own, even those who are less than popular or well-liked. It's such a balm to me to read this series. Even though it's British with a different mindset, it reminds me of Wendell Berry's Port William books. Just like his novels, you can be sure of returning to your friends.
March 15, 2018
All of Miss Read's books pay homage to the humble afternoon ritual of tea and sponge cake, but this one excels them all with its extended tribute to tea time on the first and last pages. Now that I've read six books in the series the characters are beginning to feel like family. I was inordinately happy that Dotty got the help she needed and that the vicar found a better house in which to live. The sophisticated Harold Shoosmith, Agnes, the timid, lonely school teacher, the gruff but loving Ella, and the crotchety old groundskeeper are only a few of the endearing characters you'll meet in these books.
October 17, 2025
What a perfect start to this book- with afternoon tea being shared by Ella and Winnie.
“Taking tea is a highly civilized pastime, and fortunately is still in favour at Thrush Green, where it has been brought to a fine art.”
I am,once again, in the village of Thrush Green, in the Cotswolds. This is #6 in the series and a series I think of as perfect comfort/cozy reads. I know all these people like they were family and friends. Gossip is rife amongst the villagers- what with a fire, a courting, bad boarders and many changes upcoming. As always, I feel happy knowing that the people in Thrush Green are always there for each other and there is always time for tea!
Published: 1981
“Taking tea is a highly civilized pastime, and fortunately is still in favour at Thrush Green, where it has been brought to a fine art.”
I am,once again, in the village of Thrush Green, in the Cotswolds. This is #6 in the series and a series I think of as perfect comfort/cozy reads. I know all these people like they were family and friends. Gossip is rife amongst the villagers- what with a fire, a courting, bad boarders and many changes upcoming. As always, I feel happy knowing that the people in Thrush Green are always there for each other and there is always time for tea!
Published: 1981
July 8, 2014
This was my first visit to Thrush Green, one of those idyllic places we all dream of discovering, if not actually dwelling in. Hopefully this isn’t my last visit.
In Gossip from Thrush Green it is early summer and the residents are primarily concerned with the weather, each other and plans for the immediate future, more or less in that order. Although an idealized view of humanity, this cozy, feel good novel is thoroughly delightful. I listened to Gwen Watford’s reading and she was perfect. My only regret was that this isn’t the first in the series. But even that is a small regret as I can always go back and begin with the original, Thrush Green, which—God willing, I hope to do.
Recommended!
In Gossip from Thrush Green it is early summer and the residents are primarily concerned with the weather, each other and plans for the immediate future, more or less in that order. Although an idealized view of humanity, this cozy, feel good novel is thoroughly delightful. I listened to Gwen Watford’s reading and she was perfect. My only regret was that this isn’t the first in the series. But even that is a small regret as I can always go back and begin with the original, Thrush Green, which—God willing, I hope to do.
Recommended!
June 24, 2018
I particularly enjoyed this one, especially the end with the scenes between Charles and Dimity and the Curdles.
March 10, 2025
4 Stars
If you're looking for a place to hide in troubled times, I highly recommend Thrush Green.
If you're looking for a place to hide in troubled times, I highly recommend Thrush Green.
April 8, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ I’m running out of steam with this series as it seems to be dragging along.
June 12, 2024
This series is just so easy to read. Every time I finally get around to starting another, I wonder why I’ve waited so long.
March 3, 2025
I always treasure a visit to Thrush Green - the characters are like old friends, it’s always a delight to catch up with them and their small, everyday happenings. These novels of rural Cotswold life are sentimental, charming and entertaining, never smarmy or mawkish. Characters grow older, become sick and die, or marry, or go on holiday, or endure tragedies-but always carry on with the help of dear friends and neighbors.
There’s a dash of modern reality in this book - a married couple go on a six-week business trip to America, leaving her young son with a dear neighbor, and renting their home to friends of their adult son. Unfortunately, they arrive with another couple in tow, who make no effort to be friendly and are rarely seen while in residence-but their roaring motorcycle and rock band practice are certainly heard! The visiting vicar smells an odd, herbal burning smell when he drops by to welcome the temporary visitors, and wonders if they’re cooking something interesting….😉
There’s also a burglary, a fire, and a couple of older characters dealing with health problems and making life adjustments as they age - the everyday things we all cope with, and help friends and family get through - very comforting and charming, I think! And right now, with the state of the world, these books are a balm I appreciate very much.
There’s a dash of modern reality in this book - a married couple go on a six-week business trip to America, leaving her young son with a dear neighbor, and renting their home to friends of their adult son. Unfortunately, they arrive with another couple in tow, who make no effort to be friendly and are rarely seen while in residence-but their roaring motorcycle and rock band practice are certainly heard! The visiting vicar smells an odd, herbal burning smell when he drops by to welcome the temporary visitors, and wonders if they’re cooking something interesting….😉
There’s also a burglary, a fire, and a couple of older characters dealing with health problems and making life adjustments as they age - the everyday things we all cope with, and help friends and family get through - very comforting and charming, I think! And right now, with the state of the world, these books are a balm I appreciate very much.
February 22, 2024
Delightfully soothing comfort reading, perfect for bedtime. I used to think I preferred the Fairacre books to the Thrush Green series but now I think I love them about equally. The inhabitants of Thrush Green are aware of the modern world (Rock music! Drugs!) but they keep on with their tea times, and gentle care of others, and almost always endure with patience the many foibles of their neighbors.
June 20, 2018
After six month, I have finally gotten into this series. Writing out the character names helped me as I find too many names to be similar: Dimity and Dotty. Hurst and Helmsmith. Given all that is going on the world, I found myself craving to return to this small Cotswold village. I wasn't disappointed.
July 24, 2021
Any book that begins by eulogising the lost art of afternoon tea is bound to be a lovely read, and this book is no exception. I'm sure life never was as perfect as it's painted in Miss Read's books, but it's nice to imagine that it might be. Reading this book is a lovely, gentle way of catching up with characters that feel like old friends.
October 28, 2019
I always treasure a peaceful visit to Thrush Green, and this one did not disappoint--probably my favorite so far.
April 23, 2019
Any time is time to be drinking tea.
Reading Gossip from Thrush Green was a welcome respite from the heavier reading in my stack. Commentary on the habit of taking tea bookended the narrative.
I greatly appreciate the fact that Miss Read includes the miscreants and difficult personalities. The drunk remains the drunk...and how the community responds interests me. The eccentric gets more eccentric, but her neighbors gather around her and are a real help when she needs it.
Reading Gossip from Thrush Green was a welcome respite from the heavier reading in my stack. Commentary on the habit of taking tea bookended the narrative.
The very ritual of tea-making, warming the pot, making sure that the water is just boiling, inhaling the fragrant steam, arranging the tea-cosy to fit snugly around the precious container, all the preliminaries lead up to the exquisite pleasure of sipping the brew from thin porcelain, and helping yourself to hot buttered scones and strawberry jam, a slice of feather-light sponge cake or home-made shortbread.While the plot points didn't reach out and grab me, the character development keeps me reading.
I greatly appreciate the fact that Miss Read includes the miscreants and difficult personalities. The drunk remains the drunk...and how the community responds interests me. The eccentric gets more eccentric, but her neighbors gather around her and are a real help when she needs it.
February 25, 2018
The very eccentric character of Dotty is thinking of adopting and pretty much everyone greets this with a horrified reaction. A temporary rental of a house leads to major noise problems. Percy is courting someone who doesn't want him at all. One of the main characters becomes kill while another finds out just how much he likes goats. Meanwhile, someone is thinking of retiring. Business as usual at Thrush Green.
July 13, 2017
Didn't want it to end-chock full of comfy village adventures and problems, with a warm ending all round!
February 18, 2025
Would have been more appropriately named "Tea at Thrush Green"!
March 12, 2025
Familiar characters living in a small town where neighbors take care of each other. It’s all very charming and I find comfort and peace reading about their lives.
November 2, 2021
One of my favorites in the series so far, not a lot of drama as in one of the previous books. Definitely a quick, cozy read.
June 27, 2018
3 1/2 stars.
So far, this is my least favorite title in the Thrush Green series. I still loved visiting this charming little village and meeting my fictional friends there. It just felt like this entry didn't really move our story along very much. Even so, it is lovely to relax with these wonderful people as they care for and watch over one another.
So far, this is my least favorite title in the Thrush Green series. I still loved visiting this charming little village and meeting my fictional friends there. It just felt like this entry didn't really move our story along very much. Even so, it is lovely to relax with these wonderful people as they care for and watch over one another.
February 13, 2019
This is book 6 of the series and the title is quite apt. It is early summer in Thrush Green. Jenny, live-in maid and friend of Winnie Bailey, gets chicken pox and is pretty ill for a while. Percy Hodge, a local farmer, begins courting her, bringing her eggs, flowers, fruit and other delectable samples of her potential future. Winnie sends her to the seaside to recuperate and visit an old friend who lives there. They discuss whether she wants to marry at all; she can’t imagine being happier than she is already.
The Fuchsia Bush café is the object of vexation of the ladies of Lulling and Thrush when they stop serving afternoon tea. 😱 Instead, they begin closing after lunch and reopening for dinner. Ella Bembridge in particular predicts that it won’t last - tourists want afternoon tea, and for that matter, so do ladies who have been doing the weekly shopping! As it turns out, Ella is right - by autumn (when the book ends), the Fuchsia Bush once again is open daily until 6pm.
Dotty Harmer has been showing her age, and one day when she stops at Winnie Bailey’s house, she is confused and delirious. Winnie calls Dr. Lovell, who admits her to hospital for severe malnutrition. Dotty’s niece, Connie, comes to help out when her aunt is finally released. Dotty comes to realize she needs to cut back on the number of animals, which she does. By the end of the book, Dotty is needing a full-time companion, so Connie sells her own home and comes to make her home with Dotty.
The most shocking event is the destruction of the rectory in a fire. Luckily, Charles and Dimity we’re away at the time, having just left for a holiday in Yorkshire. Edward Young, the architect, is secretly happy - he has always hated the ugly Victorian eyesore in the village of mostly lively Georgian homes. And to prove the adage that “it’s an ill wind that blows nobody good,” Charles is “promoted” to the priest over a new combined parish and will be living at Lulling Vicarage, a beautiful home! Dimity is so happy that Charles has to offer his handkerchief.
Miss Watson and Miss Fogerty are retiring from the school and are looking for a cottage at Barton on Sea. Percy Hodge eventually gets engaged to Doris, a barmaid at the Drovers Arms in Lulling. And Ben and Molly Curdle welcome a new baby girl, whom they name Anne in honor of Ben’s grandmother who was beloved by the entire village.
The Fuchsia Bush café is the object of vexation of the ladies of Lulling and Thrush when they stop serving afternoon tea. 😱 Instead, they begin closing after lunch and reopening for dinner. Ella Bembridge in particular predicts that it won’t last - tourists want afternoon tea, and for that matter, so do ladies who have been doing the weekly shopping! As it turns out, Ella is right - by autumn (when the book ends), the Fuchsia Bush once again is open daily until 6pm.
Dotty Harmer has been showing her age, and one day when she stops at Winnie Bailey’s house, she is confused and delirious. Winnie calls Dr. Lovell, who admits her to hospital for severe malnutrition. Dotty’s niece, Connie, comes to help out when her aunt is finally released. Dotty comes to realize she needs to cut back on the number of animals, which she does. By the end of the book, Dotty is needing a full-time companion, so Connie sells her own home and comes to make her home with Dotty.
The most shocking event is the destruction of the rectory in a fire. Luckily, Charles and Dimity we’re away at the time, having just left for a holiday in Yorkshire. Edward Young, the architect, is secretly happy - he has always hated the ugly Victorian eyesore in the village of mostly lively Georgian homes. And to prove the adage that “it’s an ill wind that blows nobody good,” Charles is “promoted” to the priest over a new combined parish and will be living at Lulling Vicarage, a beautiful home! Dimity is so happy that Charles has to offer his handkerchief.
Miss Watson and Miss Fogerty are retiring from the school and are looking for a cottage at Barton on Sea. Percy Hodge eventually gets engaged to Doris, a barmaid at the Drovers Arms in Lulling. And Ben and Molly Curdle welcome a new baby girl, whom they name Anne in honor of Ben’s grandmother who was beloved by the entire village.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2018
Charles and Dimity Henstock leave the ancient rectory for a well deserved vacation. As they are driving off Ella says "Poor old Dim, do her a world of good to see the back of that dreary house". This proved to be prophetic as the gloomy Victorian house would be in ruins the next time they set eyes on it.
Jenny gets very sick. Winnie sends her off to the seaside to restore her health. A local farmer is pursuing Jenny to replace his recently deceased wife, but she is finally able to enjoy living life on her own terms and really doesn't want to get married.
The two school teachers are thinking about retiring soon. Dotty Harmer has a serious health problem that puts her in the hospital. Albert Piggott can no longer perform the sexton duties so residents put their heads together and come up with a good solution to that problem.
Lots of things going on in Thrush Green and gossip flows freely.
Jenny gets very sick. Winnie sends her off to the seaside to restore her health. A local farmer is pursuing Jenny to replace his recently deceased wife, but she is finally able to enjoy living life on her own terms and really doesn't want to get married.
The two school teachers are thinking about retiring soon. Dotty Harmer has a serious health problem that puts her in the hospital. Albert Piggott can no longer perform the sexton duties so residents put their heads together and come up with a good solution to that problem.
Lots of things going on in Thrush Green and gossip flows freely.
January 5, 2015
Changes are coming to Thrush Green... This story has way too many modern references, including smoking pot. The story focused a bit too much on the two teachers and their changes in the beginning. I didn't find their plot very interesting. I was also not interested in the new neighbors renting The Tullivers. My favorite character is Dotty Harmer, the eccentric animal-loving spinster (um me in several decades?). I was happy to see her included in the plot but sad at the direction the story takes her. I also love the three little old Victorian ladies. Winnie Bailey is another favorite but she's mainly an observer this time. It sounds like the author tried to wrap things up with the novel or perhaps take the story in another direction. I'll try the next book and see what happens.
April 27, 2020
As I'd mentioned on previous reviews in this series, I turned to these "Gentle Reads" due to the Covid-19 quarantine. An imaginary "nicer" time, set in a beautifully calm village, was just the ticket. Don't get me wrong, this is not all craft sales and knitting. There are crimes, break-ins, assaults and even a possible vehicular manslaughter. But each is handled in a non-lurid fashion. Beloved characters die as well, bringing a tear to the eye. These books are not for everybody, as a matter of fact, probably a very few, who need the calm distraction of an imaginary utopia. Out of print for many years, they are well worth the trouble to find and buy.
December 4, 2014
Any trip to Thrush Green is at least a 4 star for me. I apparently read this one out of order. I thought it was #4, but it was #6. I wondered about some significant changes in some of the villagers lives that the author seemed to gloss over. Now I must backtrack. This may be the only instance of backtracking that I don't mind. Obviously a transition book but still very enjoyable. And except for the brief intrusion of some - HORRORs! - pot smoking outsiders to Thrush Green (who were soon dispatched), there was the requisite idyllic setting that I makes me love these books.
September 25, 2024
I delayed listening to Gossip From Thrush Green until there were no more Thrush Green stories left to enjoy: the gossip part in the title put me right off.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been, as in ruinous gossip, though, nor was it as good as others in the series were ... perhaps because I already knew the events that follow after this book.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been, as in ruinous gossip, though, nor was it as good as others in the series were ... perhaps because I already knew the events that follow after this book.
February 22, 2022
As usual with book by 'Miss Read', the reader is instantly transported to an idyllic English village where everyone knows everyone and nothing goes unnoticed. The books are charming and written in a reflective style which makes them each a relaxing read. Perhaps England is not, and likely never has been so idyllic but one can dream.
April 27, 2021
5 stars
November 3, 2010
Lovely slice of village life. Nothing overly terrible ever happens, and everyone takes care of everyone else.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews