Iris in Winter

by Elizabeth Cadell

High Ambo, in England, is the setting. It is winter, and Caroline West—a very human, placid and unexcitable person, has gone there to escape her late husband’s relatives. Like so many good-hearted people, she is immediately put upon.Caroline’s sister Iris comes first, full of impulse and determination to be a reporter—an ambition abruptly deflected by a handsome young schoolmaster—an authority on birds.Then comes Robert, with his sweet, ingenuous fiancee Polly, and thus making the three-ring circus of a genuine Cadell household.A great number of little boys with big ears and caps are supporting players—English private school variety.Altogether, this book is in the happiest tradition of the English social comedy, and those who want to find as much life and laughter as possible between the covers of a novel will enjoy reading it.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, British Literature, Classics

342 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1949

About the author

Violet Elizabeth Vandyke was born on 10 November 1903 in Calcutta, British Raj, daughter of British parents, Elizabeth Lynch and Frederick Reginald Vandyke, a colonial officer. During the Great War she studied music in London, but refused a musical career and returned to India where she married in 1928 Henry Dunlop Raymond Mallock Cadell, and they had a son and daughter. After she was widowed ten years later, she returned to England.

Elizabeth wrote her first book 'My Dear Aunt Flora' during the Second World War in 1946, there after producing another 51 light-hearted, humourous and romantic books which won her a faithful readership in England and America. In addition to England and India, many of her books are set in Spain, France, and Portugal. She finally settled in Portugal, where her married daughter still lived.

She died on 9 October 1989, aged eighty-five.

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the four Elizabeth Cadell books I've read so far, but this one wasn't quite as awesome as the others. Although I very much appreciated the vibrant, independent and intelligent Iris and her quiet, talented and capable older sister Caroline, I absolutely detested their brother Robert. The French school master, Michael Sheridan, also slightly irritated me with his obstinacy and cool, slightly arrogant manner. It felt strange to me that he is meant to be a love interest of Iris in this novel.

But, besides the adult male characters, the school boys at High Ambo were a delight and I loved every time they entered the scene. Also, the music professor was highly amusing and I loved his playful or shocked responses to unexpected situations. He lightened up the entire novel, in my opinion.

Definitely worth a read, though this one was a bit less charming than the other titles I've read. Still looking forward to reading more by Elizabeth Cadell. To me, her books are similar to D.E. Stevenson's stories with less sparkle and coziness...but, with more momentum and drama.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

At some point I got very frustrated with the silliness of the three adult siblings in this book, but by the end I grew to enjoy them - especially Iris - and the village characters in High Ambo. My favorite of the Cadell books I have read. And I loved buddy reading with Kate! 😊

[Donna Jo Atwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been years since I read Elizabeth Cadell.
I really enjoyed this old-fashioned English story about Caroline, her sister Iris, and her brother Roger and their romantic travails. Widowed Caroline is so placid she usually shows almost no sign of life, but she's beautiful and being courted by Simon. Aspiring news reporter Iris is much more vivid than her sister, but having trouble bringing her dedicated schoolmaster up to scratch. And their self-absorbed brother Robert has brought a new younger woman to visit.

The eleven and twelve year-old school boys add a wonderful touch. Other supporting characters may be stereotypes, but with their own little touches of whimsy.

Published in 1949 and set in post World War II England, we are caught up in a world where women are discouraged from working outside the home,men have the right to be--well, men,and mother knows best. Even so, it is a delightful story and has many flashes of humor.

[Linda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful funny story of two sisters who go to a little town to live for awhile, one to get away from her late husbands' family and the other on a job. They meet a number of very interesting characters and have many trials at housekeeping together and with the additon of others who join them. A boys school is nearby and Iris falls for one of the teachers. They are such different personalities and verbal battles ensue. British comedic life is portrayed with a healthy dose of love and angst thrown in. Delightful to read these older English authors who weave such fun tales.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific

I ambivalent about EC, but in this lovely tale of three girls, three men, an adorable music teacher and some equally charming school boys I felt like I was carried along on a gently flowing stream. I loved Iris's assurance, Carolyn's calm and Polly's charm and while it should surprise no one to hear that despite some snarled, it all comes right in the end, it does so in the most satisfying way. The grating characters are kept firmly in their place as comic relief. This one works.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my books British. I love my books light. I love my books overflowing with a gaggle of unusual characters.

If you too enjoy those characteristics then this is a book for you!

[Daniel Stainback · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book! However, the cover ... awful, just AWFUL (Windows 95 clipart?)!! With a childish cover like this I feel most readers will skip it thinking it's some self-published nonsense, with poor editing. If the publisher just tweaked the font a little; the white border and nasty Comic Sans looking font, it really kills the whole thing. An accomplished author like Cadell shouldn't have her books reputation destroyed like this.

If you enjoy a fun little slice-of-life style story, then you'll love this!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! The characters are so well-drawn, but the situations are delightful! In fact, some of them are laugh-out-loud funny...and I never do that! I cannot comment more because I will give too much away. I will say this...do not miss this Cadell.

[Sharon Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This was a very nice story. It is an early book book and not as polished adapter works. The. Characters are enjoyable ma's you want to know them.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a number of Elizabeth Cadell books when I was younger. This particular book, is one that I could never track down. So, while reading the ebook versions of many of her books, is like visiting old friends I haven’t seen for a while, reading this book is making a new and treasured friend.

The story is so funny, I kept laughing out loud. My husband wanted me to talk to him about it but I knew he would want to read it for himself.

Two sisters (in their twenties) in an older cottage next to a boys school. A schoolmaster who teaches French and one that teaches voice. The side characters will keep you in stitches while everything that could happen seems to happen. I had to stop and laugh and laugh and laugh during the toboggan episode – read the book just for that as I will give no hints.

Truly, Ms. Cadell was a master at giving readers a look at “people” who came alive during the story. I’m off to purchase another of her gems to while away some hours but will be re-reading this more than once in the future.

[Ejchri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather slow for some time but finishes well

To be frank, I was surprised that “Iris in Winter” was not as immediately taking (for me, at least) as several of the other Elizabeth Cadell books I’ve enjoyed a lot.
Not displeasing, really, but just not really grabbing me until later.
But, since I know that I’ve very much liked several Cadell books previously, I figured it was merely slow-starting. And, that was indeed right!
Enjoy it as a calm, more quietly-paced book which is never boring but it does unfold a bit slower than some others do.
There is lots of humor all along, even before the pace picks up! Altogether, it’s very enjoyable.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming light English village novel.

Here is a quote that tickled me:

Michael Sheridan was not, Iris remembered with rising spirits, the impulsive type. He had obviously been on of those children who catch things on the very last day of the quarantine. Things, with him, would go in very slowly, and they would go in very deep.

[Esther Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Iris in Winter. Wonderful writing full of descriptive characters, charming scenes and heartfelt observances about life. Things end as you expect they will, but Cadell takes you on short, fun journey that makes it worth your time.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread Cadell every so often when I want a breeze of uplift with some humor and some suspense. I'm so glad they are on Kindle now. Some titles I haven't read for years.

[Joy O’Toole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. It was a quick, fun read. Some of the situations were very funny. I especially loved the cat who clawed and the singing teacher.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Elizabeth Cadell's books. Humor, mystery, romance. Clean in sexual content as well as language. I wish libraries would put them back on the shelves.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing pair of sisters, an unlovely brother, an hilariously-presented trio of boy students from a nearby private school, and a couple of off-beat teachers--this book was much fun to read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful Cadell book set in post-WWII England. A small English village is the setting for the story of 2 sisters, their brother, some suitors, a music teacher, and some charming schoolboys.

[Gerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Elizabeth Cadell book and it won’t be my last. Cute, sweet book with some humorous scenes. The story was fun and the characters were enjoyable. Perfect light read.

[Ymt01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris falls for a schoolmaster at the local boys school, but he thinks she's too glamorous for him. Hee sister Caroline just wants a quiet life. The schoolboys are lively and sweet

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first looks, one wouldn't know

[Morggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious Delightful characters including the "most selfish" of brothers. Lovely light read.

[Gypsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable story of siblings, their relationships, experiences and mishaps, with light romance thrown in.

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

Charming story with great characters.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of her books, but still..there's something about the books, almost 70 years after it was released the first time.

[Sandra Keaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discovered Elizabeth Cadell . I read The Corner Shop first and then this book.
Both are humorous, enjoyable, and have interesting stories.

[Kelcey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So funny

[Bookgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my most favorite Elizabeth Cadell book. Very funny comedy in a small English Village with a little romance thrown in. Perfect book to read when you want something light!