Beginner's Luck

by Oriel Malet

'Beginner's Luck' is the story of how James, Jenny and Victoria break away from their dismal, untheatrical situation and, by pluck and the good fortune of meeting another and very different sort of aunt (from their Aunt Horatia), find jobs in a pantomime troupe. That success on the stage demands more than luck they also learn, though the lesson is softened somewhat by the incorrigible James.

Genres: Westerns

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Lady Auriel Rosemary Malet Vaughan (born 1923) was an author of literary fiction and biographies who wrote under the name of Oriel Malet. Her parents were Ernest Edmund Henry Malet Vaughan, 7th Earl of Lisburne and Maria Isabel Regina Aspasia de Bittencourt. She spent much of her life in France.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story of three talented orphan siblings who yearn for careers on the stage (except Victoria, the oldest one, who's sensible but clearly deep down has the makings of an actress) is even more improbable than Ballet Shoes, which is saying a lot. Every major turn of the plot is brought about by a wild coincidence, and they just pile up. However, it's amusing and fun. The characterizations of the children are well done, but the adults are all rather one-note. Despite that, I'd be happy to read more by Oriel Malet, and would read a sequel if there was one.

[Johnna Cornett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle book--One of my favorite books from childhood, which I enjoyed rereading this week. A little bit of Cinderella--three children escape from their severe wealthy aunt who has been their guardian since their theatrical parents died. A bit of show business, as the children connect with their poor theatrical aunt and get jobs performing in the theater. Sitcom like comic relief chapters about the youngest sibling. And a happy ending. A book that brings back my childhood fantasy of dancing and acting.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

a fun one for those who like Streatfeild's stories of kids on stage; the dancing kid was a brat, though, and the older sister, who I liked better, was shunted onto the sidelines for much of the story.

[Michael Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently this is the first of a series, and it does a good job of introducing the protagonist.
There are several interesting or sort-of interesting characters, but not anybody so interesting that a reader, or at least this reader, could really care about them.
This book will probably not offend or anger anyone. There's not enough depth.
However there is one scene, one passage, I loved.
Our hero, Duane, gets called "The Pecos Kid" by the local excuse for a "news" paper. Duane is just recently evicted from a monastery where he had lived nearly his entire existence after the death of both parents. He knows nothing about guns, or women, or alcohol, or, really, life.
He saw the "news" paper office, "looked at the new-fangled Washington printing press ... marveled at the wonders of the modern world. In only a day, you could flood a town with lies."
By golly, forecasting a world of The New York Times or The Washington Compost! Where one could flood an entire world with lies.
Author Levinson's picture of a dishonest editor and "news" paper might alone be worth the time and energy to read "Beginner's Luck (The Pecos Kid)" and lead one to read more in the series.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duane Braddock, seventeen years old, is an orphan, raised in a Benedictine monastery high in the Guadalupita mountains. He was forced to leave for fighting with another acolyte. Duane was on the first journey of his life. Riding on a stage for the first time, he arrived in the town of Titusville. Lester Boggs, another passenger on the stage, graciously offered to buy Duane a steak dinner and to meet him later at the Crystal Palace. Duane was fascinated by the men, the guns, and the excitement of the town. Within four hours he was robbed, beaten, insulted, and humiliated. Singer, Vanessa Fontaine fills the romance role and adds the spice that was lacking. It is a good story. I liked it and recommend it.

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Streatfeild and very enjoyable. The author is also known for her long correspondence with Daphne DuMaurier.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author clearly meant this to be a series. The whole book takes place over about one month. It's a good start. Let's see what happens next. Not your average one book Western. Well worth reading.