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Thrush Green #5
Return to Thrush Green
It's spring again in the village, and with the change of the seasons comes change in the lives of many villagers. The Young family's tranquility is disrupted by the sudden arrival of Joan's father, while Molly and Ben Curdle consider putting an end to their wandering days in order to finally settle down. Even the reappearahce of Sexton Albert Piggott--one of the Thrush Green's most malevolent sorts--cannot dim the happiness that inevitably prevails at Thrush Green.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 1978
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442 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
158 books510 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 91 reviews
September 14, 2019
Deliciously comforting! I love how all the village problems are wrapped up neatly by books end and how deeply they care for one another.
August 20, 2025
It was a delight to be back in Thrush Green with familiar friends from past books. I love the time I spent there. I actually find it very soothing to go through the days with these likeable, gossipy people. This time around we had some returning back to Thrush Green and one newcomer. They will all fit in very nicely.
Must share a line I loved:
“It was very uplifting to live with a saint, but it had its problems.”
A poem by W.H. Davies that was mentioned in the book really spoke to me as it will to most who read it I think.
What is this life,
If full of care,
We have no time
To stand and stare.
It is called Leisure.
I look forward to reading more books in this series. It is truly the ultimate comfort read for me.
Published: 1975
Must share a line I loved:
“It was very uplifting to live with a saint, but it had its problems.”
A poem by W.H. Davies that was mentioned in the book really spoke to me as it will to most who read it I think.
What is this life,
If full of care,
We have no time
To stand and stare.
It is called Leisure.
I look forward to reading more books in this series. It is truly the ultimate comfort read for me.
Published: 1975
July 30, 2024
I returned once again to this little village and it's people, most of whom are now my friends.
January 29, 2025
These books are comfort reading at its best, and the characters have become like old friends. Set in a Cotswold village, nothing too much happens, but the lives of these people are a pleasure to read about.
In this one we have quite a lot of movement, with the parents of Ruth and Joan moving back, while Miss Foggerty's friend is also looking for somewhere to settle. On top of that, the Cuddles want somewhere permanent to stay, and what about the flighty Nellie?
Always pleasant to catch up with the comings and goings, and I will look forward to the next instalment.
In this one we have quite a lot of movement, with the parents of Ruth and Joan moving back, while Miss Foggerty's friend is also looking for somewhere to settle. On top of that, the Cuddles want somewhere permanent to stay, and what about the flighty Nellie?
Always pleasant to catch up with the comings and goings, and I will look forward to the next instalment.
March 7, 2025
4 Stars
February 22, 2019
Charming and occasionally wise, I'm so glad I found the Thrush Green books (or, rather, that Rebekah reviewed one and stirred my interest)!
It just occurred to me: the perfect comparison. If you love the TV series Lark Rise to Candleford, you will definitely enjoy the Thrush Green books. The action may be a half a century later, but the atmosphere is similar.
It just occurred to me: the perfect comparison. If you love the TV series Lark Rise to Candleford, you will definitely enjoy the Thrush Green books. The action may be a half a century later, but the atmosphere is similar.
August 5, 2023
I hadn’t read this one for years as it’s not available on audio & not in my collection of paperbacks either. Decided to buy a copy to plug in a gap. Ah -lovely relaxing stuff. Hopelessly dated now but an old favourite.
July 6, 2024
Read it so fast because I wanted to make sure everything turned out right. Now that I know, I want to begin again, to savor it.
October 5, 2011
Once again, Miss Read spins a delightful tale of village life in Thrush Green, chronicling the little and big events in the lives of the villagers that provide a rich fodder of gossip and speculation for all involved. The villagers are saddened by the illness of Robert Bassett but are happy to welcome him back to the village, where he fulfills his "threat" of claiming his retirement home, where his daughter and son-in-law have lived for years. The village also welcomes back Molly and Ben Curdle, as they make the difficult decision to give up traveling life and settle in a single place. Other interesting events include a new relationship for that staunch bachelor, Harold Shoosmith, and a return to life after the loss of her husband for Winnie Bailey. Other recurring characters, including the irascible Albert Piggot and his wayward wife Nellie, the stingy Lovelock sisters, nutty Dotty Harmer and the ever-patient rector all contribute their own small stories to the book. Upheavals and changes occur but, as always, Miss Read ends on a hopeful and cheery note, promising good things for the future.
One of the best things about this series is the way it progresses through the years, showing how much village life changed with the growth of technology and how many of the old traditions were lost in that change. Although I'd never give up all the technologic advances that I rely on so much today, it's easy to see how many simpler things we no longer enjoy because of those advances. It's nice to at least reminisce about them by reading these charming books!
One of the best things about this series is the way it progresses through the years, showing how much village life changed with the growth of technology and how many of the old traditions were lost in that change. Although I'd never give up all the technologic advances that I rely on so much today, it's easy to see how many simpler things we no longer enjoy because of those advances. It's nice to at least reminisce about them by reading these charming books!
November 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Ah, Thrush Green: even when there are lots of changes, as there are in this instalment, it is a fictional place that the reader can count on staying much the same in all the important essentials.
The first time I read this series I couldn't get ahold of this particular edition and quite a lot happens in it. Nearly every Thrush Green novel has some 'pairing' or marriage in it, but this one has several: the most important being the marriage of longtime bachelor Harold Shoesmith to widow Isobel Fletcher.
I noticed more details of the 'real world' outside of Thrush Green in this particular book. Although Thrush Green's upheavals are mostly confined to the stuff of everyday life, as experienced by its cast of familiar characters, there were some hints of the changes taking place in the UK during 1978: the fairly new European Economic Community had formed in 1973, and characters reference the 'newish' VAT tax and change to the metric system. There is also a fair bit of grumbling over huge heating bills, and I cannot help but think that the high cost of living at the time had something to do with all of the characters who join forces in combined living situations. Even Ella considers taking in a lodger, although she is one of the few featured characters whose housing situation does not end up altering in any way..
As ever, there is a lovely sense of the 'seasonal round' and ritual of life in an English village, but rather less so than usual. I also missed Winnie Bailey, one of my favourite characters. She doesn't appear much in this particular novel.
An enjoyable instalment, but the truth is that these books can really only be wholly appreciated when read as a group.
There now began for Robert Bassett a period of intense joy. It was as if all his senses had been sharpened by the shock of his recent illness. He saw, with fresh awareness, the small beauties around him, and marvelled that he had not enjoyed them before.
Ah, Thrush Green: even when there are lots of changes, as there are in this instalment, it is a fictional place that the reader can count on staying much the same in all the important essentials.
The first time I read this series I couldn't get ahold of this particular edition and quite a lot happens in it. Nearly every Thrush Green novel has some 'pairing' or marriage in it, but this one has several: the most important being the marriage of longtime bachelor Harold Shoesmith to widow Isobel Fletcher.
I noticed more details of the 'real world' outside of Thrush Green in this particular book. Although Thrush Green's upheavals are mostly confined to the stuff of everyday life, as experienced by its cast of familiar characters, there were some hints of the changes taking place in the UK during 1978: the fairly new European Economic Community had formed in 1973, and characters reference the 'newish' VAT tax and change to the metric system. There is also a fair bit of grumbling over huge heating bills, and I cannot help but think that the high cost of living at the time had something to do with all of the characters who join forces in combined living situations. Even Ella considers taking in a lodger, although she is one of the few featured characters whose housing situation does not end up altering in any way..
As ever, there is a lovely sense of the 'seasonal round' and ritual of life in an English village, but rather less so than usual. I also missed Winnie Bailey, one of my favourite characters. She doesn't appear much in this particular novel.
An enjoyable instalment, but the truth is that these books can really only be wholly appreciated when read as a group.
March 11, 2018
Another pleasant visit to the village of Thrush Green. This was a nice sequel to Battles at Thrush Green; that book was a bit disconcerting with its many conflicts. This book was comforting in its many resolutions.
Although I'm used to some of the less savory characters in Miss Read's books I was taken aback by the use of the word "faggot" several times. I well remember that insulting word being quite common in the seventies (this installment of the series was written in 1978) so it shouldn't have been a shock, but it did jar me out of my small-town-England reverie.
Although I'm used to some of the less savory characters in Miss Read's books I was taken aback by the use of the word "faggot" several times. I well remember that insulting word being quite common in the seventies (this installment of the series was written in 1978) so it shouldn't have been a shock, but it did jar me out of my small-town-England reverie.
Read
September 14, 2024Another charming entry in the series. I’m always happy spending time in Thrush Green.
February 8, 2019
It’s always lovely to return to Thrush Green. Miss Read doesn’t merely relate new tales about the village, but she cleverly broadens the points of view by featuring different voices.
In this book, we hear from Miss Fogerty, Nelly Piggott, Robert Bassett, Harold Shoosmith and others.
Miss Fogerty’s college friend, Isobel Fletcher, newly widowed, has decided to sell her home in Sussex and find a house near Thrush Green. Harold Shoosmith, upon being introduced to her, falls instantly in love with her; the only question is whether she will return his feelings.
Nelly falls out with the oil man and comes back to Thrush Green. She has no home to go to, except to Albert, and since he is still her legal husband, to Albert she goes. But neither are happy, although it does give her great pleasure to clean his disgustingly filthy house, and all Thrush Green knows it’s just a matter of time until she leaves again. Nelly herself just can’t decide what she should do.
It has taken a heart attack to get Robert Bassett to seriously consider retirement. He has always said he would go home to Thrush Green when he retired, though, and his doctor puts it to him very plainly that if he doesn’t retire right away, he won’t have much time left. Once he accepts it, he’s quite happy to be back, and Edward and Joan have plans to turn the old stables into a cozy home for Robert and his wife, Milly.
And finally, Ben and Molly have made the difficult decision to sell the fair, which has been losing business. There is really no question about where they will permanently settle - Molly’s heart, though it belongs to Ben, has its roots in Thrush Green. She wants her son, George, to grow up there. The only questions are whether Ben can find a job and whether they can find a place in the village to live. Fortunately, Molly’s dear friends and former employers, the Youngs, have the answers to both questions.
In this book, we hear from Miss Fogerty, Nelly Piggott, Robert Bassett, Harold Shoosmith and others.
Miss Fogerty’s college friend, Isobel Fletcher, newly widowed, has decided to sell her home in Sussex and find a house near Thrush Green. Harold Shoosmith, upon being introduced to her, falls instantly in love with her; the only question is whether she will return his feelings.
Nelly falls out with the oil man and comes back to Thrush Green. She has no home to go to, except to Albert, and since he is still her legal husband, to Albert she goes. But neither are happy, although it does give her great pleasure to clean his disgustingly filthy house, and all Thrush Green knows it’s just a matter of time until she leaves again. Nelly herself just can’t decide what she should do.
It has taken a heart attack to get Robert Bassett to seriously consider retirement. He has always said he would go home to Thrush Green when he retired, though, and his doctor puts it to him very plainly that if he doesn’t retire right away, he won’t have much time left. Once he accepts it, he’s quite happy to be back, and Edward and Joan have plans to turn the old stables into a cozy home for Robert and his wife, Milly.
And finally, Ben and Molly have made the difficult decision to sell the fair, which has been losing business. There is really no question about where they will permanently settle - Molly’s heart, though it belongs to Ben, has its roots in Thrush Green. She wants her son, George, to grow up there. The only questions are whether Ben can find a job and whether they can find a place in the village to live. Fortunately, Molly’s dear friends and former employers, the Youngs, have the answers to both questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2021
A quintessentially English setting, with quaint characters and happy endings. A bit on the twee side - but that didn’t stop me wanting to live in a village exactly like Thrush Green.
July 24, 2025
Miss Read's books are just like a TV series with constant updates on what's going on in Green Thrush, especially for the people living around the Green. I sometimes tell my husband about what is going on with Nellie and Albert Piggot, and he laughs. This time we meet more matrimony, a new home and job, a significant accident, and several changes in residence. Can a confirmed bachelor marry and be happy? And do they need two Alfa Romeos?
August 5, 2023
Moving along in this sweet series, and I've decided to keep my notes on the characters for the next book.
May 27, 2018
3.5 stars
November 18, 2014
Spring comes to Thrush Green bringing changes to the sleepy village. Miss Fogarty is happy in her new classroom and content with her lodgings. She's thrilled when an old friend decides to move to Thrush Green. Miss Watson is a lovely supervisor, but the two women just aren't that close. May 1 brings Ma Curdle's fair back to the village but Ben notices that adults crave more sophisticated enjoyment and many of the rides have become too expensive to fix. Should he sell to a big-time promoter or should he limp along with his grandmother's fair? Molly is in favor of moving back to Thrush Green where she can keep an eye on her father. Albert Piggot has grown more dirty and cantankerous since his wife left him. Joan Young and Ruth Lovell receive bad news from Ealing- their father is ill and unable to work. He'll be returning to Thrush Green to recuperate and will want his house back. What will the Youngs do? Harold Shoosmith, a recent comer to the village, is upset by all the gossip surrounding the lovely widow who is searching for a place to live. Attracted by her car, he endeavors to help her find a place to stay in Thrush Green.
This series came back to it's roots in this book. I love the depiction of village life, unaltered in the last few years since we left the characters. There are three incredibly Victorian sisters to satisfy convention when modern life intrudes. I got caught up in the plot right away and wondered how everyone would work everything out. My favorite character is Dotty Harmer and her endless menagerie of animals. I can actually see myself as the crazy old lady of the village taking in stray animals. She adds a lot of humor to the story. I was pleased to catch up with Molly and Ben though I feel sorry for Molly to have such a nasty father. All the plots are predictable but no less enjoyable. The romance is very sweet.
This series came back to it's roots in this book. I love the depiction of village life, unaltered in the last few years since we left the characters. There are three incredibly Victorian sisters to satisfy convention when modern life intrudes. I got caught up in the plot right away and wondered how everyone would work everything out. My favorite character is Dotty Harmer and her endless menagerie of animals. I can actually see myself as the crazy old lady of the village taking in stray animals. She adds a lot of humor to the story. I was pleased to catch up with Molly and Ben though I feel sorry for Molly to have such a nasty father. All the plots are predictable but no less enjoyable. The romance is very sweet.
December 14, 2010
Miss Read is always a good standby for when you don't feel like overtaxing your brain, but just want to settle into the predictable world of Thrush Green, Fairacre, Lulling etc.
The characters in this book are, as ever, superbly drawn, & the dialogue of characters such as Nellie Piggott always make me smile (although, she didn't once mention 'me legs' in this book).
There is never much of a plot to Miss Read's books, but that's not the point: reading them is like being a privileged guest in the lives of people during a predictable, genteel bygone age - a bit like watching the Joan Hickson versions of Miss Marple, but (usually) without the murders!
'Return to Thrush Green' is actually not such a bygone age though - there is even mention of the Job Centre - but I enjoyed it all the same.
The characters in this book are, as ever, superbly drawn, & the dialogue of characters such as Nellie Piggott always make me smile (although, she didn't once mention 'me legs' in this book).
There is never much of a plot to Miss Read's books, but that's not the point: reading them is like being a privileged guest in the lives of people during a predictable, genteel bygone age - a bit like watching the Joan Hickson versions of Miss Marple, but (usually) without the murders!
'Return to Thrush Green' is actually not such a bygone age though - there is even mention of the Job Centre - but I enjoyed it all the same.
April 23, 2019
English village books are my version of beach reading. They don't demand much, but offer gentle comfort and always expand my fund of Briticisms. Because little happens by way of plot, there isn't anything to confuse the reader. This is the fifth in a series about the town of Thrush Green.
I'm exultant because Miss Read taught me three new words!
en brosse hair cut so short it stands up like the bristles on a brush
besom Scot and Northern English dialect, a derogatory term for a woman
a bijou residence small but tasteful / small and elegant / delicate and exquisite
I have never once heard of a haircut called en brosse, but it feels so wealthy to have that word in my treasure box. I've never before known it had a name.
I'm exultant because Miss Read taught me three new words!
en brosse hair cut so short it stands up like the bristles on a brush
besom Scot and Northern English dialect, a derogatory term for a woman
a bijou residence small but tasteful / small and elegant / delicate and exquisite
I have never once heard of a haircut called en brosse, but it feels so wealthy to have that word in my treasure box. I've never before known it had a name.
February 3, 2013
Thrush Green has me entranced. Every book in this series has held my interest, and once I begin one, I become anxious to find out what will happen next. Return to Thrush Green is no exception. Old favorites, such as Molly and Ben Curdle, return to the village, and new names and faces arrive, as well. One of my favorite storylines of the book involves confirmed bachelor Harold Shoosmith, who finds his world turned upside down by one of the new arrivals. Harold is easily a top character of mine in the series. He came to Thrush Green to enjoy a quiet retirement, yet he continues to find he is not immune to the ups and downs of life.
August 24, 2012
I love the Miss Read books. Their quiet, every-day feel, with mild drama and climaxes are what I need to read from time to time. Miss Read was wonderful at developing her characters. They were real, true-to-life individuals. I love going where her stories take me. Thank you, Lydia, for opening my world up to this great author.
October 19, 2009
Sweet and simple - like an afternoon tea.
Better than the coke and fries nourishment of most of today's 'easy' books. This one doesn't give you a sugar rush and slow you down with artery clogging oil.
It is plain and honest refreshment.
Better than the coke and fries nourishment of most of today's 'easy' books. This one doesn't give you a sugar rush and slow you down with artery clogging oil.
It is plain and honest refreshment.
August 23, 2012
Another wonderful story of Thrush Green. I love the quirky people of this little village in the Cotswolds. I don't find it overly sweet and certainly not boring. Each person has their trials and tribulations like us all, which makes it seem more real.
April 20, 2021
5 stars
July 3, 2010
Easy, no effort read....a nice story.
June 4, 2012
Another charming book about happenings in a small village in England in the 1950s.
Bought at a used-book sale to give to my aunt, and read it first myself.
>ML
Bought at a used-book sale to give to my aunt, and read it first myself.
>ML
November 19, 2023
Loved it!
November 1, 2016
Yet another good book on what a village life is all about. A area that I would love to live in
March 26, 2023
Re-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews