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Old Fools
One Young Fool in Dorset
So how did it all begin? What happened before Victoria met Joe and they embarked on their crazy life in Spain?
This light, airy and charming story is the delightful prequel to Victoria Twead’s Old Fools’ series. Her childhood memories are vividly portrayed, leaving the reader chuckling and enjoying a warm sense of comfortable nostalgia. Photographs and recipes complement page after page of tales that burst with the rich vitality we have come to expect from Victoria Twead.
This light, airy and charming story is the delightful prequel to Victoria Twead’s Old Fools’ series. Her childhood memories are vividly portrayed, leaving the reader chuckling and enjoying a warm sense of comfortable nostalgia. Photographs and recipes complement page after page of tales that burst with the rich vitality we have come to expect from Victoria Twead.
Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2015
202 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Twead
45 books191 followersVictoria Twead is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author. Eleven years living in a tiny, remote, mountain village in Spain and owning probably the most dangerous cockerel in Europe, inspired Victoria to write “Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools”. Subsequent books in the Old Fools’ series continue to pop up.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
So far, her husband has utterly failed to wrestle the laptop from Victoria’s vice-like grip and she continues to write and publish other authors' books in Australia. Another joyous life-chapter has begun for the pair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 26, 2015
Another 5 star memoir from Victoria Twead
This is the prequel in Victoria Twead’s ‘Fools’ series where she recounts her childhood experiences and upbringing. As a fan of her later books, One Young Fool in Dorset provides a fascinating piece of the jigsaw, and was one which I was keen to click into place.
Victoria is already an established best-selling author, and it’s easy to see why. She is a wonderful storyteller and writes with a simple fluency that is easy to read and highly entertaining. In this book she tells us about her background, her early years in Germany and then the move to Dorset. And what a lovely county it is – I was hooked. Her descriptions are so vivid and compelling that I almost had my bags packed ready to visit! As part of this period in her life, she recounts her days at boarding and also day school, part time work, and the agonies of her first love – the latter of which had me filled with sympathy for her youthful angst.
As before, I was charmed by her descriptions of the main characters. Her mother, in particular, was clearly a tremendous character. She describes her mother’s passion for gardening, treatment of ‘Ivy’ the treasured family car, and entrepreneurial flair in ways that were engaging and very funny.
The book contains great depth too. I found the insight Victoria allows us into her personality and formation of friendships, (many of whom have remained the same throughout her life) extremely interesting. She also discusses her deep love of animals which is demonstrated in her early years, work, and later on as she grows up. All these things help the reader to understand Victoria better, and make sense of some of the decisions and choices that have shaped her adult life.
Whilst One Young Fool in Dorset can stand alone, for the reader who is new to Victoria Twead’s work, I would strongly suggest that they read this book first, then follow on to the next: ‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools.’ The prequel is a super book, another winner in my opinion, and to be thoroughly recommended.
This is the prequel in Victoria Twead’s ‘Fools’ series where she recounts her childhood experiences and upbringing. As a fan of her later books, One Young Fool in Dorset provides a fascinating piece of the jigsaw, and was one which I was keen to click into place.
Victoria is already an established best-selling author, and it’s easy to see why. She is a wonderful storyteller and writes with a simple fluency that is easy to read and highly entertaining. In this book she tells us about her background, her early years in Germany and then the move to Dorset. And what a lovely county it is – I was hooked. Her descriptions are so vivid and compelling that I almost had my bags packed ready to visit! As part of this period in her life, she recounts her days at boarding and also day school, part time work, and the agonies of her first love – the latter of which had me filled with sympathy for her youthful angst.
As before, I was charmed by her descriptions of the main characters. Her mother, in particular, was clearly a tremendous character. She describes her mother’s passion for gardening, treatment of ‘Ivy’ the treasured family car, and entrepreneurial flair in ways that were engaging and very funny.
The book contains great depth too. I found the insight Victoria allows us into her personality and formation of friendships, (many of whom have remained the same throughout her life) extremely interesting. She also discusses her deep love of animals which is demonstrated in her early years, work, and later on as she grows up. All these things help the reader to understand Victoria better, and make sense of some of the decisions and choices that have shaped her adult life.
Whilst One Young Fool in Dorset can stand alone, for the reader who is new to Victoria Twead’s work, I would strongly suggest that they read this book first, then follow on to the next: ‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools.’ The prequel is a super book, another winner in my opinion, and to be thoroughly recommended.
March 16, 2022
What a life she’s lived growing up in beautiful Dorset. Sent away to school at a young age, then finding a job she loves at an animal sanctuary, Victoria has always been true to herself. There is never a dull moment, whether riding in a car with her mother, who can’t drive well, or goats chasing her at her job. We all have that moment when our parents embarrass us, and Victoria does too. As a bonus, there are many fabulous recipes at the end of the chapters. I can’t wait to read the next book to see where Victoria ventures next.
January 7, 2025
Wow, wow, wow! Brilliant!
I received a free copy of this book to beta read-now that it's completed and released, I have eagerly bought the finished article. It is a very polished presentation with another wonderful cover painting by Nick Saltmer which marries up with the rest of Victoria Twead's Old Fools book series. I loved it-that same great winning formula, heart warming and amusing anecdotes, homely, childhood, regional and traditional recipes are included-they sound yummy! Black and white AND colour photos are included throughout the book, a real treat which really enhances the overall presentation for me. I really loved this book! Lovely, warm memories and so many chuckles! The homemade sun tan oil! The rabbit episode! Just perfectly put down in words-I kind of knew what was coming but it was just the perfect choice of words! And the expert comedy timing! Brilliant! My favourite quote from the book has got to be 'Romance blossomed over a carrier bag full of Mackerel'!!!! What a laugh! What great descriptions; for example, the 'Father Ted-like character'-oh my goodness! The 'chuckly bits, such fun, so many laughs. Every time, as Victoria Twead has now written five Old Fools books, I worry; what if I won't think it's as good? I think, what can she possibly keep thinking to write about to keep it fresh? Well, this book hooked me in right from the start with some really funny, absolutely priceless scenes. These were really just normal family life experiences-but put in her own unique entertaining way, so well observed. Again, here are a variety of writing techniques: I always like to see this-like in some of her other books, she has emails/texts/Facebook statuses and comments-in this book she includes a few of her school reports from way back when-lovely nostalgia. This is just like 'coming home'-I worried that it wouldn't be the same, not set in Spain; I had got to 'know' the people in her village in Spain in her other books-the Ufartes etc-I know I missed them in her 'Two Old Fools On A Camel' book. I needn't have worried-it's all good in this book, it has that same lovely style and expert scene setting and humour which just makes you chuckle so many times. She just writes what you want to read-and I want to read more!
I received a free copy of this book to beta read-now that it's completed and released, I have eagerly bought the finished article. It is a very polished presentation with another wonderful cover painting by Nick Saltmer which marries up with the rest of Victoria Twead's Old Fools book series. I loved it-that same great winning formula, heart warming and amusing anecdotes, homely, childhood, regional and traditional recipes are included-they sound yummy! Black and white AND colour photos are included throughout the book, a real treat which really enhances the overall presentation for me. I really loved this book! Lovely, warm memories and so many chuckles! The homemade sun tan oil! The rabbit episode! Just perfectly put down in words-I kind of knew what was coming but it was just the perfect choice of words! And the expert comedy timing! Brilliant! My favourite quote from the book has got to be 'Romance blossomed over a carrier bag full of Mackerel'!!!! What a laugh! What great descriptions; for example, the 'Father Ted-like character'-oh my goodness! The 'chuckly bits, such fun, so many laughs. Every time, as Victoria Twead has now written five Old Fools books, I worry; what if I won't think it's as good? I think, what can she possibly keep thinking to write about to keep it fresh? Well, this book hooked me in right from the start with some really funny, absolutely priceless scenes. These were really just normal family life experiences-but put in her own unique entertaining way, so well observed. Again, here are a variety of writing techniques: I always like to see this-like in some of her other books, she has emails/texts/Facebook statuses and comments-in this book she includes a few of her school reports from way back when-lovely nostalgia. This is just like 'coming home'-I worried that it wouldn't be the same, not set in Spain; I had got to 'know' the people in her village in Spain in her other books-the Ufartes etc-I know I missed them in her 'Two Old Fools On A Camel' book. I needn't have worried-it's all good in this book, it has that same lovely style and expert scene setting and humour which just makes you chuckle so many times. She just writes what you want to read-and I want to read more!
April 8, 2022
Victoria Twead treats her readers to the stories from her childhood in this prequel to her ‘Two Old Fools’ series. We learn about her early years in Germany, the family’s move to Dorset, a beautiful part of England and her escapades with a pet tortoise and randy pet rabbit. Then we move on to boarding school where Victoria and her friend Snort make quite a name for themselves as mischief makers, followed by day school. Never particularly academic, Victoria shares her school reports with us and her daydreaming appears to be a constant distraction. When she discovers boys and starts dating a hippie the romance knows no bounds:
“Romance blossomed over a carrier bag full of mackerel. It wasn’t exactly how I imagined it would happen; there were no sunsets, or butterflies, or birdsong, just some smelly dead fish and a slimy carrier bag.”
The stories flow entertainingly and are interspersed with local recipes and photos, which help to bring them to life.
Victoria is a best-selling author and it is clear to see why. Even the most run of the mill experience is brought to life with warmth and humour and there are many laughs to be had within these pages. Highly recommended.
“Romance blossomed over a carrier bag full of mackerel. It wasn’t exactly how I imagined it would happen; there were no sunsets, or butterflies, or birdsong, just some smelly dead fish and a slimy carrier bag.”
The stories flow entertainingly and are interspersed with local recipes and photos, which help to bring them to life.
Victoria is a best-selling author and it is clear to see why. Even the most run of the mill experience is brought to life with warmth and humour and there are many laughs to be had within these pages. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2015
I hope there's going to be a 'sequel' to this 'prequel' to Victoria Tweads' Old Fools series. I so enjoyed reading One Young Fool in Dorset. I am bias it's true because I adore Bournemouth, Poole and most of what that coastline has to offer. You don't have to be of a similar age to the Author to love the way she describes those times in her life between being young in Germany to becoming a teenager and living in Dorset with her Mum, Dad, Sister and Brother. I am, however of a similar age and so this beautiful Memoir did bring back some poingant memories for me. I love the way the Author's mum would drive them around in 'Ivy' the battered but fun old vehicle... Victoria's school days and her close friendships are just lovely - funny, emotional, a lovely look back to a childhood. I so relate with the daydreaming, love of reading & English - but Math No..... Lovely tales of childhood 'adventures' - Making dens, looking for fairies - that naughty rabbit, the escaping tortoise and bad-tempered Mr Pepper - I could go on and on.... I ordered this Memoir on pre-release and struggled to wait for some 'me' time to read it... I'm glad I did because it meant I was able to digest every word. Loved it. You don't have to have read the Old Fools Series to enjoy reading this Memoir as it is a prequel, well written - I don't know how this is possible but again you do feel as though you're there.... took me right back to things I thought I'd forgotten - thank you Victoria Twead.
July 19, 2015
Another gem of a book from Victoria Twead! This time it’s about her childhood growing up in Dorset. She writes with huge warmth and affection for her family and I loved the stories about her mother’s idiosyncratic and somewhat erratic driving style and about the variety of money making schemes she dreamt up! It’s written in Victoria’s usual beautifully descriptive style and with a gentle humour which can’t help but make you smile. Although our childhoods were very different I also grew up in the 50s and 60s and the world did seem an altogether more innocent place. I enjoyed reading about her time at boarding school and the constant fear of Nelson’s Eye! Growing up in the Dorset countryside sounds idyllic – it really is a beautiful part of the country. It was good to see photographs and report cards included which enhance the reader’s enjoyment of the book. Victoria was ‘keen’ on Nature Study which I remember with fondness as well. Full of interesting and funny anecdotes from her younger days it’s a truly delightful memoir. As an added bonus there is a collection of delicious recipes included. Five stars from me.
June 24, 2015
Victoria Twead has done it again!
Another excellent book by this very talented author, this time sharing her childhood years. As with all of her books, this is written in a manner that is spoken from the heart and allows the reader to feel like you are walking right beside her through her growing up years with her loving family in England. She has a wonderful gift of being able to tell a story, making it easy to relate to her childhood emotions and experiences. Each chapter draws you into the next so that it is difficult to put the book down. Once again I was very sad to finish the book, only because I wanted to read on and on! The good thing is that I can re-read her other books now to satisfy my rekindled craving for her literary work!
Another excellent book by this very talented author, this time sharing her childhood years. As with all of her books, this is written in a manner that is spoken from the heart and allows the reader to feel like you are walking right beside her through her growing up years with her loving family in England. She has a wonderful gift of being able to tell a story, making it easy to relate to her childhood emotions and experiences. Each chapter draws you into the next so that it is difficult to put the book down. Once again I was very sad to finish the book, only because I wanted to read on and on! The good thing is that I can re-read her other books now to satisfy my rekindled craving for her literary work!
December 30, 2018
Utterly delightful tale of Vicky's childhood and youth growing up.in a rather eccentric family in Dorset.
May 8, 2020
Heartwarming Memories
Another great book from Victoria this time about her childhood upbringing and experiences growing up in beautiful Dorset. Writing with real affection for her family, her Mother who didn´t like cooking and would rather frolic around the garden and the house naked, tending to her beloved plants or dreaming up money making schemes that never saw fruition.
The beloved Ivy who ferried them around but would not go in reverse...unless Father was driving of course.
Her experiences of times spent at the animal sanctuary and falling in love for the 1st time, meeting the lovely talking cat Nig Nog who sounds adorable, Sandy the large affectionate Golden Retriever whom she sought out when Tony broke her heart.
Yes as a student Victoria struggled to concentrate...she probably thought that school was a necessary evil we all had to endure..I know I did...in the end she came out victorious and able to pursue her chosen profession.
Being of a similar age (well slightly older but also growing up in the 50´s and 60´s) I can relate to a lot of this, especially the fashions, thank you it brought back many a happy memory for me...especially of my hot pants days. I too had read Malory Towers and used to dream of going to boarding school (mainly to escape my younger sister) but it wasn´t to be... I was sent to an all Girls private School instead.
Written in a style that is unique to Victoria, a very talented author. She writes with a gentle underlying humor that often has you smiling and chuckling.
Thank you once again Victoria and yes I look forward to a sequel to the prequel
Another great book from Victoria this time about her childhood upbringing and experiences growing up in beautiful Dorset. Writing with real affection for her family, her Mother who didn´t like cooking and would rather frolic around the garden and the house naked, tending to her beloved plants or dreaming up money making schemes that never saw fruition.
The beloved Ivy who ferried them around but would not go in reverse...unless Father was driving of course.
Her experiences of times spent at the animal sanctuary and falling in love for the 1st time, meeting the lovely talking cat Nig Nog who sounds adorable, Sandy the large affectionate Golden Retriever whom she sought out when Tony broke her heart.
Yes as a student Victoria struggled to concentrate...she probably thought that school was a necessary evil we all had to endure..I know I did...in the end she came out victorious and able to pursue her chosen profession.
Being of a similar age (well slightly older but also growing up in the 50´s and 60´s) I can relate to a lot of this, especially the fashions, thank you it brought back many a happy memory for me...especially of my hot pants days. I too had read Malory Towers and used to dream of going to boarding school (mainly to escape my younger sister) but it wasn´t to be... I was sent to an all Girls private School instead.
Written in a style that is unique to Victoria, a very talented author. She writes with a gentle underlying humor that often has you smiling and chuckling.
Thank you once again Victoria and yes I look forward to a sequel to the prequel
May 9, 2021
Who couldn’t love Victoria Twead’s books? She writes in such a clear, readable, style, where every word counts. Like a good movie, she had me identify with this memoir of her younger days in Dorset. She took me right back to my own English boarding school. So many of her escapades were so similar to what I got up to, hence I laughed and laughed at the memories she brought back to me. I loved the way she included recipes between chapters for the foods described in her story. She took me with her to the animal sanctuary where she worked. She had me turning the pages with eagerness, to find out what happened to Tony the Hippy there, and to all the special animals at her favourite job. Loved this book, but then, I always love what Victoria Twead writes. No wonder she’s a New York Times bestseller!
September 4, 2022
I very much enjoyed reding this book which made me laugh out loud many times. However woven into the humour is also some historical facts about some parts of Dorset which was very educational and I found extremely interesting. It's also a cookery book! The reader is drawn into each chapter and not once did I ever skip a single sentence (I've read some memoirs where I've skipped several pages!) and I loved how the author describes her characters, especially Matron, Mrs Driver, Snort, and her mother (Ach!) - it was like I was at the author's side, watching her childhood and youth unfold. I loved the way in which the author revealed her family's traits 9some of them unorthodox!) and her own vulnerabilities with such candour but also humour. I'm so pleased there are more books to read by Victoria Twead, looking forward to the next one!
June 6, 2017
A delightful prequel to The Old Fool series
What a delightful and well written story of Victoria Tweed's life growing up in Dorset. The story starts out with young Victoria and her family living in Germany where her father was in the Army. At age 5, Victoria and her family move to Dorset, England.
The home her mother pics out for them brings back fond memories of my childhood and I was transported back to flowers, tall grasses and secret hiding places. It seems we had similar trait's in school with daydreaming and struggling through maths. The authors love of reading, animals and the outdoors is evident throughout the book and us reader's are lucky it carried into later in life!
What a delightful and well written story of Victoria Tweed's life growing up in Dorset. The story starts out with young Victoria and her family living in Germany where her father was in the Army. At age 5, Victoria and her family move to Dorset, England.
The home her mother pics out for them brings back fond memories of my childhood and I was transported back to flowers, tall grasses and secret hiding places. It seems we had similar trait's in school with daydreaming and struggling through maths. The authors love of reading, animals and the outdoors is evident throughout the book and us reader's are lucky it carried into later in life!
March 24, 2021
Having read the Old Fools series I was sure I would like this prequel and I was not disappointed. Victoria Twead relates her childhood and adolescence in Dorset. Her mother's somewhat unique parenting methods must have been challenging at times for the children but the fun she created fully made up for it. Victoria was shy and something of a dreamer and this landed her in trouble on occasions. Her first crushes are described with some humour and honesty. Despite her lack of endeavour at school she secured a place at teacher training college. The reader is left wanting the story to continue. Let's hope it does!
September 16, 2017
A charming and fun account of the author's youth in Dorset. I enjoyed it very much and particularly liked her mother, who sounds as if she was quite a character. Ms Twead is the same age as I am, and I lived in Dorset at the same time, so I would have liked a bit more about her impressions of the countryside and places; In fact I would have rather had that than all the recipes and extras at the end, but that's probably personal. However, for all those who love Victoria Twead's Old Fools in Spain books, this is a good addition to the collection and a lovely glimpse at life in the 60s and 70s.
February 10, 2022
Biography of the author, Victoria Twead, living in Wareham, England, from her early years until she goes off to college. I enjoyed the places and things she describes in the southernmost part of England. I learned a lot about the places of interest there. Overall, the story droned on, and I wasn’t all that captivated. It was no different than any other “regular” person writing about the little moments of their life that aren’t all that interesting. I enjoyed her time at the animal sanctuary the most. Not sure I’ll read the rest of the books in this series.
October 24, 2016
Ironically her prequel is not as well done as her Two Old Fools series but still enjoyable. Likely, this is due to the fact that her reflections on her childhood is England are not as funny or compelling as her life in retirement in Spain and Bahrain. I would still say this is a worthwhile quick read for anyone who had read the Old Fools series as it does answer a few questions on where Victoria came from.
March 9, 2023
Couldn't stop laughing out loud
When you embarrassingly burst out laughing in a quiet hospital waiting area whilst reading a book, has to prove how much you are loving the read. Having thoroughly enjoyed Victoria’s ‘Two Old Fools’ set of books, I was not disappointed reading about her younger life. What a skilled and unique author she is and no wonder Victoria is already a best-selling author. Highly recommend this and all her books.
When you embarrassingly burst out laughing in a quiet hospital waiting area whilst reading a book, has to prove how much you are loving the read. Having thoroughly enjoyed Victoria’s ‘Two Old Fools’ set of books, I was not disappointed reading about her younger life. What a skilled and unique author she is and no wonder Victoria is already a best-selling author. Highly recommend this and all her books.
August 2, 2025
I really enjoyed Victoria’s account of her growing up years. I had to keep reminding myself that this rascal, character, delightful girl is the same Victoria that wrote our beloved series, Chickens, Mules, and Two Old Fools. What a delightful childhood she had. I am so happy she shared it. I wanted to keep reading more. I didn’t write this review immediately so right now I don’t remember all the details, just that I loved it and went on immediately to read Joe’s prequel, which I also enjoyed.
March 25, 2017
Fills in some blanks
I have enjoyed reading the other Old Fools books. It was nice to read this and find out what led up to them . We learn about Victoria's family which I particularly enjoyed. She mentioned several things about her mother, who is Austrian, and says she explains them in book 4 of the Old Fools series. I read that book a while back but don't remember the incident so now I will go back and re-read it.
I also intend to read the other prequel that Joe wrote as soon as I finish writing this review .
I have enjoyed reading the other Old Fools books. It was nice to read this and find out what led up to them . We learn about Victoria's family which I particularly enjoyed. She mentioned several things about her mother, who is Austrian, and says she explains them in book 4 of the Old Fools series. I read that book a while back but don't remember the incident so now I will go back and re-read it.
I also intend to read the other prequel that Joe wrote as soon as I finish writing this review .
August 27, 2017
A prequel to her life in Spain books, this again an engaging read. It's not great literature, nor does it pretend to be, but it is a very easy, pleasant and interesting read. Victoria's school reports seemed to mirror my own, which amused me but she went much further academically than I did and had a successful career. Hope she keeps writing.
February 4, 2023
Having read Victoria Twead's tales of life in Spain, Bahrain and Australia, I wanted to know how she got to being such an adventurous soul. From early years in Germany to Dorset, she rattles her story along with lots of humour and crazy adventures. One can't help but laugh at her mother's driving techniques and her parents' naked gardening.
September 11, 2019
Although not Two Old Fools, Victoria Tweed scores another hit.
Victoria Tweed paints pictures with words. You see the old jeep, Ivy, the boarding school, the animals at the shelter, as if you were there. Again two thumbs up.
Victoria Tweed paints pictures with words. You see the old jeep, Ivy, the boarding school, the animals at the shelter, as if you were there. Again two thumbs up.
November 29, 2023
A prequel to her books about living in different parts of the world, she describes her childhood. Quite interesting and funny. Her family seems to be a bit unique, in a good way. I enjoyed reading about her schooling experiences and her first loves and jobs.
August 21, 2018
Read with a constant smile.
Brave enough to relocate the bank of mom&dad! I'm search of new adventure and
Efforts to become bilingual,not including swearing
Brave enough to relocate the bank of mom&dad! I'm search of new adventure and
Efforts to become bilingual,not including swearing
March 21, 2020
This British coming of age tale kept me amused and enthralled. In fact, I think I’m hooked and must continue on with the rest of the series!
May 5, 2020
Love it!
Captivating story, well written with humor. All of her works are excellent. Rereading them now and they still hold the joy of the first time.
Captivating story, well written with humor. All of her works are excellent. Rereading them now and they still hold the joy of the first time.
November 1, 2015
Have you ever wondered how your favourite author became the woman and author she is? What made her adventuresome, determined, lover of chickens and more. Well you now have the opportunity to observe Victoria grow up, meet her family and her friends, trundle off to school ( not her favourite place until she met her best friend and recovered from her teachers assessments). It is wonderful to wonder through the English countryside with her and experience her escapades. This book made me laugh and say " yup, that's the Victoria I know". If you have read her series of Two Old Fools you have to read One Young Fool In Dorset. If you haven't read her series you should read them first and then move on two One Young Fool in Dorset. Sort of putting the cart before the horse but it's the best way to have that ah ha moment.
December 24, 2019
I've read all but one of Ms Twead's memoirs to date and have found her writing style compelling. Her ability to introduce and develop her characters pulls you more tightly into the narrative. Her gift is that you can "hear" the conversations and thoughts she shares. This book brings you more in touch with the woman who became the famous author of memoirs and novels. How lovely to recall the enchanting place her family called home. Her parents, such unique people and their life stories frequently hilarious. Her neighbor friend's mother had such a positive impact on her. Her older sister's experiences at the boarding school she despised fills in spots of her own character and determination. The time spent at the animal sanctuary was especially warming, her young love, and her bond with the staff and animals were real and beautifully expressive. Another winner!
July 19, 2015
Younger years
I am glad that I read Victoria Twead's other books first as it gives you a friendship with her. VT was born 4 years after I was so a lot of the things she went thru I did also. Luckily my parents kept their clothes on--I would have been horrified. I found it very fun to hear that words our kids hear now and horrifies us VT was able to remember that she didn't have a clue what the adults were talking about. How many girls hated PE? I loved hearing about her time in a boarding school as that isn't a norm for Americans. It was fun that she used her sister's clothes and I loved her mom's car--sounds like she had a fun childhood.
I am glad that I read Victoria Twead's other books first as it gives you a friendship with her. VT was born 4 years after I was so a lot of the things she went thru I did also. Luckily my parents kept their clothes on--I would have been horrified. I found it very fun to hear that words our kids hear now and horrifies us VT was able to remember that she didn't have a clue what the adults were talking about. How many girls hated PE? I loved hearing about her time in a boarding school as that isn't a norm for Americans. It was fun that she used her sister's clothes and I loved her mom's car--sounds like she had a fun childhood.
August 4, 2015
It was wonderful to hear this favorite author's voice again as she brought to life her life from toddlerhood through entrance to Teacher's College. Victoria's (mis)adventures as she grew into a young lady set the stage for her life as an adult, which is described in her not-to-be-missed series, Two Old Fools. I love all of her memoirs: her sense of humor, her vivid descriptions, and the memorable characters. These are books that I look forward to re-reading, much as I anticipate a visit with old friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews