A Friend of the Family

by Marcia Willett

Picking up the story of Kate Webster and Cass Wivenhoe that began with First Friends, A Friend of the Family (published in the UK as Thea's Parrot) tells the tale of one of their friends, Felicity, a married woman who has been dallying with George, another mutual acquaintance. When Felicity is widowed, everyone expects George to pop the question. He does, but to the astonishment of Kate and Cass, his intended bride is not Felicity. With her usual generous helping of tears and laughter, Marcia Willett again provides her fans with a treat to be savored.

Genres: Fiction, British Literature, Relationships, Friendship, Womens Fiction

341 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Marcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.

Reviews

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this ebook thrilled that I had found a Marcia Willett book that I hadn't yet read, only to find that I already had the book under another title, Thea's Parrot. This all seemed rather odd, but I read the book and enjoyed reading it a second time.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you crave British fiction and don't mind a bit of soap opera, Marcia Willett fills the bill. I can barely remember the plot of this one but found it a pleasant summer read. I gave it four strs because I didn't throw it across the room

[Michael Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity has recently lost her Navy husband Mark so she is counting on her affair with George to continue but George decides to marry the younger Thea and drops Felicity unceremoniously and she plans a revenge... and that is only the first half of the book. The second part is about the break-up of Polly and Paul and Polly being alone with a friend's child in a snowbound cottage when a murderer has broken out of the nearby prison. There are many characters to follow in this well-written but long-winded book. Someone advised that Marcia Willet writes like Barbara Pym. I don't think so but she is interesting in her own way. This one is recommended and will set me off on reading more - Pym-like or not.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like fluffy stories with tons of adulterous adults, shallow and infuriating people, and a storyline that goes nowhere, this is the book for you! Add in a meandering psychopathic murderer in a blizzard where no one knows how to drive in snow and you’re in for a real treat!


An old group of friends, intermingled with new ones, talk about their lives of trials and tribulations, you know those things we all have, with lots of dogs around and a parrot, too. Apparently, this is the second book with First Friends being the first in the series (?)....maybe I would have enjoyed this one more if I’d have read the first.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK, but not as engaging as the first Willett book that I read - Postcards from the Past.
Friend of the Family was a slow paced, prolonged tale of loves and loves lost and all confused together in a murky porridge of friends and relatives.
I did finish it, but it took more effort than it was worth.

[Bethaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The marriages in this book do not encourage one to get married, that’s for sure. Phew! I enjoyed the people, but goodness! Was it really this common to have affairs/flirtations in society at this time?

Also, this book seemed to have two distinct halves that could almost have been two separate books. Not entirely sure why they are strung together as one.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cast of characters in true Marcia Willett fashion - thoroughly enjoyable.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same book, different title, as Thea's Parrot.

I love getting to know the characters in First Friends more closely!

[florence biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

A book for all ages. Human nature at its worst and best but beautiful, peaceful scenery and good people plus real friendships conquer all adversity.

[Stephanie Hirsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many characters to keep straight and many having friendships or relationships within the group.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative of the book is rather dated. I kept thinking that it was written in the fifties (which I love) but it was jarring as there were modern day references and I had to keep reminding myself that it was indeed modern. ALSO there was an odd reference to answering machines ; that they were NEW and not well understood nor used(??!!)..in 1985?

I think the best parts of the book were the descriptions of the setting, the beautiful Dartmoor . It is evident that the author has spent much time lovingly observing it’s changing moods and seasons. The characters of the dogs and parrot were winningly portrayed too.

I understand that this book was one of Willett’s earlier works, so that most likely her skills have since improved. I will definitely read more!

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Belva Plain's books or Rosamund Pilcher's you will enjoy these delightful stories that all take place on the west coast of England. Just simple stories of everyday families. She'll never win any awards for her writing but if you just need to escape from reality and enjoy some lovely stories then these are the books for you. The great thing is that she has dozens of books to choose from.
She loves the sea, flowers, and dogs and they are all incorporated into her stories. After reading her stuff I have developed a desire to travel to the western coast of England and wander the moores as her characters do. Maybe on my journey to Ireland one day.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it included more information on Kate Webster and her best friend Cass Wivenhoe. This book included Cass's nemesis Felicity and expanded into other very interesting characters including Percy the parrott. You learn what happens to Felicity after her husband dies and although you think Goerge her long time lover and she will get married, George does but to another woman. You also learn how Kate meets David, her second husband.

I so enjoy reading Willett because she so reminds me of Rosamond Pilcher. I love getting to know some of her characters through her different books.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book - I had a hard time putting it down. But there was something about it that was "off". There were really two friends of the family... and yet the title is like there's only one, so that still confuses me a bit. Overall, it's not a farfetched hairbrained plot - but rather one that seems as though it could happen to almost anyone... various viewpoints and subplots as well. Good, but not great.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book played out like a mini soap opera in the lives of about a dozen people who were connected by marriage, friendship or work with each other. They all lived either in London or in little villages nearby. It was amazing how much drama was packed into this book of about 300 pages with such a delightful cover and simple title.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book by mistake. I reserved A Friend of the Family at the library and ended up reading this one by Marcia Willett. I was expecting the one by Lauren Grodstein. Anyway, I had fun reading this book. It's definitely a story for women; if you like gossip. It was contrived, especially at the end when everyone in the group ends up with a partner and in love.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a small community of people. I like this type of book. It is amazing how many of them were immoral, which is not how I picture my community. On the other hand there is much we don't know about the people who live around us.

[Lynn Shurden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book I've read by her and I just can't wait for the next one.

[Valerie]

Brit. title: Thea's Parrot. Enjoyed it!

[LInda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many many characters -- but all interesting in their own way. It went on for quite a while, but I stuck with it and it finished up nicely. Better than the last one I read.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite, but I did like learning more about some characters from earlier book.