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Mrs. Lorimer's Quiet Summer
The two were friends and had been for many years before Miss Douglas, a little battered by war experiences, had settled down in Threipford, to Mrs. Lorimer’s quiet content. . . . Both wrote; each admired the other’s work. Lucy possessed what Gray knew she herself would never have, a quality which for want of a better name she called “saleability.” In what is surely Molly Clavering’s most autobiographical novel, two middle-aged women writers, close friends and neighbours, offer one another advice and support while navigating life in a lively Border village. Lucy Lorimer, the more successful author, with her four children, in-laws, and grandchildren gathered for a summer reunion, must try to avert disaster in one daughter’s marriage, help a daughter-in-law restless with mundane married life after flying planes in the war, and deal with the awkward reappearance of an old flame. Unmarried Grace (‘Gray’) Douglas, meanwhile, has struggles of her own, but is drawn delightfully into her friend’s difficulties. In real life, Molly Clavering was herself for many years a neighbour and close friend of bestselling author D.E. Stevenson. First published in 1953, Mrs. Lorimer’s Quiet Summer is not only an irresistible family story, but undoubtedly provides some indication of the inspiring friendship between these two brilliantly talented women. This new edition includes an introduction by Elizabeth Crawford.
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
66 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Molly Clavering
12 books62 followersAKA Marion Moffatt.
Molly Clavering was born in Glasgow, but lived in the country from an early age. After six years' service wiith the WRNS, she settled in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, where she served on the Town Council.
Molly Clavering was born in Glasgow, but lived in the country from an early age. After six years' service wiith the WRNS, she settled in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, where she served on the Town Council.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 25, 2021
I so needed this book. One of those quiet little English novels that tells a good story with humor and wisdom. Lots of things happen, family difficulties, a mother who worries about her 4 grown children, a seemingly absent-minded father who has to take charge, young love, married love, and everything turns out okay in the end. Sometimes you just need a book like this.
April 19, 2025
An utterly delightful and a perfect comfort read!
Mrs. Lorimer’s summer is anything but quiet. Her adult children and their problems and concerns keep her much occupied. As well, an old flame turns up whom she never told her husband about. Her trusty friend, Miss Douglas ( Gray, as she is called) is always there to help and give advice. Her husband, the Colonel, provides levity but shows his worth when he quietly fixes a couple of the issues.
Of course, this being a small village in Scotland, there is of course, gossip and the usual busybodies and an end of summer fair.
I loved my time spent being a fly on the wall as Mrs. Lorimer manages to handle all problems wisely, with some help from Miss Douglas. Hurrah for mothers- they are indispensable!
Published: 1953
Mrs. Lorimer’s summer is anything but quiet. Her adult children and their problems and concerns keep her much occupied. As well, an old flame turns up whom she never told her husband about. Her trusty friend, Miss Douglas ( Gray, as she is called) is always there to help and give advice. Her husband, the Colonel, provides levity but shows his worth when he quietly fixes a couple of the issues.
Of course, this being a small village in Scotland, there is of course, gossip and the usual busybodies and an end of summer fair.
I loved my time spent being a fly on the wall as Mrs. Lorimer manages to handle all problems wisely, with some help from Miss Douglas. Hurrah for mothers- they are indispensable!
Published: 1953
July 25, 2016
Similar in style to D.E. Stevenson, anyone who likes her novels is sure to enjoy this.
Mrs. Lorimer has four grown children who all occasionally descend on her for a visit en masse. She finds herself at the center of all their little and big troubles... the son recovering from an unhappy romance and on the brink of a new one, the daughter who's always spoiling for a fight, the son-and-daughter-in-law who are perfectly happy but not great at housekeeping, the daughter and son-in-law who are so shipshape as to seem almost dull...
Mrs. Lorimer's dearest friend Gray lives nearby and their friendship is lovely... they respect each other's reserve, but understand each other all the same. I love the description of a picnic the two of them have, where they sit "on a grassy bank with a young river talking quietly to itself at their feet and a heather-scented breeze drifting overhead."
Mrs. Lorimer's husband Jack is a blustery type, but with hidden value. I know I started out feeling rather sorry for her in her marriage, but ended feeling extremely satisfied. This is a story of the variety I like best: mostly good people, leading mostly content lives. No irreparable tragedy. Delicious, and soothing.
Mrs. Lorimer has four grown children who all occasionally descend on her for a visit en masse. She finds herself at the center of all their little and big troubles... the son recovering from an unhappy romance and on the brink of a new one, the daughter who's always spoiling for a fight, the son-and-daughter-in-law who are perfectly happy but not great at housekeeping, the daughter and son-in-law who are so shipshape as to seem almost dull...
Mrs. Lorimer's dearest friend Gray lives nearby and their friendship is lovely... they respect each other's reserve, but understand each other all the same. I love the description of a picnic the two of them have, where they sit "on a grassy bank with a young river talking quietly to itself at their feet and a heather-scented breeze drifting overhead."
Mrs. Lorimer's husband Jack is a blustery type, but with hidden value. I know I started out feeling rather sorry for her in her marriage, but ended feeling extremely satisfied. This is a story of the variety I like best: mostly good people, leading mostly content lives. No irreparable tragedy. Delicious, and soothing.
March 19, 2024
Very reminiscent of a D.E. Stevenson novel. Family dramas handled skillfully by the gentle, wise matriarch, Lucy Lorimer. A delightful book!
June 4, 2025
4.5 stars for me, personally. What a delightful glimpse into the “quiet” summer of Mrs. Lucy Lorimer, her dear friend, neighbor and fellow author Gray, and her ex-military officer husband Jack.
There are also appearances of 4 adult children, their spouses, numerous grandchildren and assorted neighbors, servants and friends old and new, but those three are the central characters.
Nothing of huge importance happens in their quiet lives in the rural border of Scotland in 1951, but of course a suddenly ill daughter who needs an operation, or an obviously broken-hearted favorite son, or a drama queen youngest who makes awkward scenes will take it out of a loving, quiet, middle-aged mother - I think any reader can relate to the timeless family trials and tribulations Mrs. Lorimer deals with here! And I for one envied her having such a near and dear neighbor and best friend to share it all with. ;o) Her husband Jack at first seemed a curmudgeonly eccentric old poop, played for laughs, but grew on me and showed hidden depths by the end. He was one of my favorite characters!
Another delightful Molly Clavering novel, I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve read, and will keep looking for her books - thank you, Dean Street Press, for making them widely available again. A charming, soothing summer read for me.
There are also appearances of 4 adult children, their spouses, numerous grandchildren and assorted neighbors, servants and friends old and new, but those three are the central characters.
Nothing of huge importance happens in their quiet lives in the rural border of Scotland in 1951, but of course a suddenly ill daughter who needs an operation, or an obviously broken-hearted favorite son, or a drama queen youngest who makes awkward scenes will take it out of a loving, quiet, middle-aged mother - I think any reader can relate to the timeless family trials and tribulations Mrs. Lorimer deals with here! And I for one envied her having such a near and dear neighbor and best friend to share it all with. ;o) Her husband Jack at first seemed a curmudgeonly eccentric old poop, played for laughs, but grew on me and showed hidden depths by the end. He was one of my favorite characters!
Another delightful Molly Clavering novel, I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve read, and will keep looking for her books - thank you, Dean Street Press, for making them widely available again. A charming, soothing summer read for me.
August 27, 2025
A quiet little read that carried me through the Summer of 2025. I loved picking this book up at bedtime and reading through a bit before falling asleep, jumping back into this world of a much simpler time.
The book being based on two writers lives (D E Stevenson, a favorite of mine, and the author herself) intrigued me, although I wish we would have learned more about their writing lives.
The book being based on two writers lives (D E Stevenson, a favorite of mine, and the author herself) intrigued me, although I wish we would have learned more about their writing lives.
April 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! It took me a few chapters to get used to her writing, which actually surprised me. I thought I would just sink right into it immediately and get all of the cozy feelings. Once I reached the halfway mark, I was really invested and happily followed the story of Mrs. Lorimer and her family.
Throughout the book, I kept thinking that I wish I knew more about the character of Miss Gray Douglas (which I knew to be based on Molly Clavering herself). I wanted to follow more of her character, her life, and her thoughts. I thought she would be a lovely person to know and to have as a friend.
It was disappointing that the character of Mrs. Lorimer (who is supposed to be loosely based on D.E. Stevenson, one of my all-time favorite authors) was less interesting and I actually found her to be a bit exasperating. I've always had such a high opinion her of as an author and love her writing style to bits. I never spent much time considering what she might have been like as a real person and, if this semi-memoir is accurate, I find it sad that D.E. Stevenson was so detached, quiet, and not wanting to show her emotions. I always thought of her as being lively, interesting, and spunky. Maybe that was a mistake on my part.
Anyway, my opinions have little to do with this particular book. I'm not sure if it's a definite re-read, but it was a nice introduction to the writing of Molly Clavering and I'm looking forward to reading more. A lovely early summer read!
Throughout the book, I kept thinking that I wish I knew more about the character of Miss Gray Douglas (which I knew to be based on Molly Clavering herself). I wanted to follow more of her character, her life, and her thoughts. I thought she would be a lovely person to know and to have as a friend.
It was disappointing that the character of Mrs. Lorimer (who is supposed to be loosely based on D.E. Stevenson, one of my all-time favorite authors) was less interesting and I actually found her to be a bit exasperating. I've always had such a high opinion her of as an author and love her writing style to bits. I never spent much time considering what she might have been like as a real person and, if this semi-memoir is accurate, I find it sad that D.E. Stevenson was so detached, quiet, and not wanting to show her emotions. I always thought of her as being lively, interesting, and spunky. Maybe that was a mistake on my part.
Anyway, my opinions have little to do with this particular book. I'm not sure if it's a definite re-read, but it was a nice introduction to the writing of Molly Clavering and I'm looking forward to reading more. A lovely early summer read!
July 2, 2025
Mrs Lorimer's Quiet summer was really anything but.
At the start, Mrs Lorimer is mourning the fact that Harperslea, (a nearby, bigger house), has sold. She would have liked it so when her grown up children come for a visit, as they are about to do, they can all for in together. As it is, some of them, including her favourite son, will be staying with her neighbour and close friend Gray.
Over the summer her children have their dramas, Guy is unhappy in love, Phillis is also unhappy in her marriage. Fortunately she has Gray close at hand to be able to talk things through with, and her husband, who seems a bit of a figure of fun to begin with, comes into his own later on in the novel.
Apparently, this is Molly Clavering's most autobiographical novel, and based on the friendship with her own friend and neighbour, D.E. Stevenson. Whilst they have a lovely friendship that I enjoyed reading about, I didn't particularly like Mrs Lorimer; I found her to be a bit of a snob. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel, and I think those of us who enjoy a village story, complete with gossip and the village fete are likely to love it.
At the start, Mrs Lorimer is mourning the fact that Harperslea, (a nearby, bigger house), has sold. She would have liked it so when her grown up children come for a visit, as they are about to do, they can all for in together. As it is, some of them, including her favourite son, will be staying with her neighbour and close friend Gray.
Over the summer her children have their dramas, Guy is unhappy in love, Phillis is also unhappy in her marriage. Fortunately she has Gray close at hand to be able to talk things through with, and her husband, who seems a bit of a figure of fun to begin with, comes into his own later on in the novel.
Apparently, this is Molly Clavering's most autobiographical novel, and based on the friendship with her own friend and neighbour, D.E. Stevenson. Whilst they have a lovely friendship that I enjoyed reading about, I didn't particularly like Mrs Lorimer; I found her to be a bit of a snob. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the novel, and I think those of us who enjoy a village story, complete with gossip and the village fete are likely to love it.
June 9, 2021
4.5/5 Stars! Thanks again to Dean Street Press for the ARC for this lovely book. Come visit my blog to read my #bookreview of this novel, here
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/06/0...
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/06/0...
August 2, 2021
I found the scenic descriptions to be a strong suit in this novel. The plot and characters didn’t really speak to me as much I had hoped they would. It might just be a case of time and place not being right when I read the book? I do plan on reading more of her work as the locations and plots do sound interesting.
I think the main reason I struggled to even give a three star rating is that I wasn’t a fan of Mrs. Lorimer. I found her a bit annoying and judgmental. And not in a charming way. My annoyance began with the initial first pages where she’s irked because a larger home she’s had her eye on in the area has been sold. All her children are grown and gone. She wants this home so everyone can comfortably be together when they come home for a visit. At first I thought it was kind of tongue in cheek annoyance on her part. But no, she’s rather serious. And then the plot centers a bit on her knowing best. Which again, could be charming... but it wasn’t for me. Her children just seem either spoiled or worn out from life. It’s post war, so understandable on being worn out.
And I don’t understand the preoccupation with the name “Smellie” as being one of the worst things in life. If you pick up the novel, it’s a part of the plot and in my mind, isn’t nearly as big of a deal as it’s made to be. Which just spoke a bit on the sort of people in the book.
I hate to be a complainer in a review so I’ll end here. My favorite parts were the scenic descriptions and the small village life scenes.
I think the main reason I struggled to even give a three star rating is that I wasn’t a fan of Mrs. Lorimer. I found her a bit annoying and judgmental. And not in a charming way. My annoyance began with the initial first pages where she’s irked because a larger home she’s had her eye on in the area has been sold. All her children are grown and gone. She wants this home so everyone can comfortably be together when they come home for a visit. At first I thought it was kind of tongue in cheek annoyance on her part. But no, she’s rather serious. And then the plot centers a bit on her knowing best. Which again, could be charming... but it wasn’t for me. Her children just seem either spoiled or worn out from life. It’s post war, so understandable on being worn out.
And I don’t understand the preoccupation with the name “Smellie” as being one of the worst things in life. If you pick up the novel, it’s a part of the plot and in my mind, isn’t nearly as big of a deal as it’s made to be. Which just spoke a bit on the sort of people in the book.
I hate to be a complainer in a review so I’ll end here. My favorite parts were the scenic descriptions and the small village life scenes.
April 30, 2022
Just finished a book where nothing much happened and didn't love it, It was just all right. And the I acquired this one where again nothing much happens and I absolutely loved it. Mrs. Lucy Lorimer feels there is a little too much going on this summer what with all the offspring coming down to visit, The Smellies buying the house she had her eye on, her son Guy falling in love on the rebound with the Smellie daughter after being burned in a romance gone sour, one daughter bursting an appendix, Lucy's best friend Gray, another writer, coming by and offering unrequested advice on how to best deal with the "busy" summer, and coming through it all shining like a trooper, with little thanks to her husband, the colonel, she needs a good rest at the end of the season. If you enjoy Barbara Pym and the novels of R.F. Delderfield, whom you might recognize in one of the characters, you'll appreciate this book where nothing happens and everything happens. It is highly recommended and goes on my shelf to be read again. It's a charmer and very affordable as a Kindle title.
July 18, 2020
I was intrigued by the fact that this book was written by a friend and neighbor of D.E. Stevenson, and that the main character is based on DES! Middle-aged Lucy Lorimer finds herself trying to deal sensibly with various problems in the lives of her adult children. A lovely read, quiet and reassuring. Thank you, Furrowed Middlebrow, for introducing me to Molly Clavering.
August 8, 2023
Sometimes you have to put away the thrillers and the drama novels so you can reset and relax. This is such an underrated type of book but I’m sure it would not be for everyone. With a quiet English countryside village setting, this novel was actually first published in 1953 and it invokes a simpler and slower lifestyle.
October 27, 2022
My favorite Molly Clavering book so far. Family centered, thoughtful, funny. Young love, young married love, and old married love. Thriving gardens. Wise fathers. Long tramps over the Scottish moors. Somehow the sun always seemed to be shining. Very satisfying, I couldn't put it down.
February 13, 2022
5 stars
December 27, 2024
As you might have guessed, Mrs. Lorimer's summer is anything but quiet; however, the events that take place are primarily the small incidents that comprise a busy family's life in a small village. It is slight but very pleasant read.
My review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
My review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
August 23, 2021
Mrs Lorimer and Miss Douglas were quiet friends. One a mother of a large family and a husband who was just stubborn, wanting his own way and Miss Douglas living a very fulfilled life on her own, doing exactly what she wanted and being a good friend to all.
When the entire family descended on the Lorimer's Gray Douglas knew that her friend will need encouragement to deal with the myriad tensions and problems brought about by the young people and the irritation faced by Mr Lorimer when his routines and house were upset. One daughter having differences of opinion in a very silly manner with her husband was one and the youngest son facing issues after he was dumped by a long standing girl friend. How was Mrs Lorimer to give the support to her son, admonish her daughter, keep the peace in the household without being too interfering!
An exemplary story for non interfering mothers and mothers in law, a solid book regarding enduring friendships this was a wonderful read recommended by one of the blogs I follow.
Purchased from Amazon this was such a calm, energising book.
When the entire family descended on the Lorimer's Gray Douglas knew that her friend will need encouragement to deal with the myriad tensions and problems brought about by the young people and the irritation faced by Mr Lorimer when his routines and house were upset. One daughter having differences of opinion in a very silly manner with her husband was one and the youngest son facing issues after he was dumped by a long standing girl friend. How was Mrs Lorimer to give the support to her son, admonish her daughter, keep the peace in the household without being too interfering!
An exemplary story for non interfering mothers and mothers in law, a solid book regarding enduring friendships this was a wonderful read recommended by one of the blogs I follow.
Purchased from Amazon this was such a calm, energising book.
March 20, 2025
Another lovely Molly Clavering read! Molly Clavering and D. E. Stevenson are two of my favorites. I loved the Scottish setting and the family in this one. I wondered if perhaps Mrs. Lorimer was based on D. E. Stevenson and Miss Douglas was Molly Clavering, since they were real life neighbors. In any case, it was a wonderful story, and with a bit of romance too. I love how Clavering, (as well as DES) concentrates on telling a story and the romance is just part of it, as in life. It’s so much more interesting than today’s so called Rom-Coms. This book created such a clear picture of the family and the community, that it makes me wish that I could crawl in the book and live there for awhile.
September 13, 2021
My favorite type of book—quiet, ordinary happenings, village life, and characters who could be friends. I loved every minute.
July 2, 2025
Although in many ways Mrs Lorimer’s summer is far from smooth or uneventful, this book is indeed a quiet one, so gentle and calming, and brought me so much pleasure. An absolute delight.
November 8, 2022
I was enjoying myself in the beginning, as the writing had the gentle but wry humor typical of these types of books. Unfortunately, I grew bored by Mrs. Lorimer's problems with her mostly immature adult children. But I've been a hard reader to please, as of late. Probably 2.5, but the romance annoyed me, so... I'm rounding down.
February 22, 2022
This is a lovely quiet enjoyable sort of family drama with likeable characters, it’s probably a bit old fashioned but that’s part of its charm.
January 28, 2025
Gentle people leading gentle lives. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Mrs Lorimer and her neighbor Gray. Everyone should have a friendship like that.
July 29, 2025
Charming story of friendship, family, and community, with those British personalities that I so enjoy.
September 1, 2021
My Interest
I learned of this book via The Chocolate Lady’s review. The story sounded good and it was set in the summer–I’m doing some seasonal reading this year (as I’m sure you are tired of hearing).
The Story
“The two were friends and had been for many years before Miss Douglas, a little battered by war experiences, had settled down in Threipford, to Mrs. Lorimer’s quiet content. … Both wrote; each admired the other’s work. Lucy possessed what Gray knew she herself would never have, a quality which for want of a better name she called “saleability.” “(page 1)
Mrs. Lucy Lorimer is the mother of four grown children–all but one married with children. The unmarried son and a son-in-law are officers in the navy and the others are making their way in the civilian world. Her husband, Jack, “the Colonel,” is retired from the Army and is devoted to his Labrador. Lucy’s summer gets off to a rocky start when Jack refuses to buy the bigger estate nearby that would perfectly house their growing extended family of children, in-laws, grandchildren and nannies. Then the “new people” arrive and have a dreadful name, but a lovely daughter just the right age for Lucy’s unmarried son. As the family’s summer house party goes on Lucy helps with her children’s ups and downs, while occasionally dealing with correspondence from her publisher.
“First and foremost, it was a home, a house where people lived happy, useful lives, where a certain standard of conduct and thought was obtained, where money was assessed at its proper value because it had been earned, but was never allowed to usurp too high a position. It was always a servant, a useful servant, never a master. Mrs. Lorimer set the standard by which the household at Woodside was ruled; her quiet personality irradiated its every activity.” (page 29)
The Lorimer’s have two servants–a cook and a young housemaid, and live a life few today can imagine, though Lucy acknowledges that life has become much easier with her earnings from her book sales added to the family coffers. So, in the midst of a summer of family dramas, the return of an old flame, and the county Show [fair] and all its demands, Mrs. Lorimer never has to speed home in her little car and whip up dinner for poor Jack and his dog, June. While the Colonel has taken to Hoovering to supplement his obsessional gardening and daily walks with the Lab, Lucy is able to attend to her writing and do mostly what she likes. Who wouldn’t want that “miserable” of a summer?
“The Colonel never failed to receive news of an impending dinner party with horrified loathing.” (page 106)
“His back was eloquent of dignified displeasure.” (page 159)
My Thoughts
“The ground, far and near, was covered by the glowing mantle of heather in full bloom, the air was sweet with its honey-scent and loud with the bees busy plundering its sweetness. Above arched the faint blue of the sky, and all over lay the lovely clear champagne-coloured light of afternoon.” (Page 127)
While this was a fun little book, I was disappointed that more wasn’t made of the war-time experiences. We hear that Mary was useless as a housekeeper because she’d ferried planes in the war, but that is about it. Nonetheless, there is enough subtle humor in the book, as well as vivid descriptions of scenery, to have kept my attention very well.
I learned of this book here: https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/06/0...
I learned of this book via The Chocolate Lady’s review. The story sounded good and it was set in the summer–I’m doing some seasonal reading this year (as I’m sure you are tired of hearing).
The Story
“The two were friends and had been for many years before Miss Douglas, a little battered by war experiences, had settled down in Threipford, to Mrs. Lorimer’s quiet content. … Both wrote; each admired the other’s work. Lucy possessed what Gray knew she herself would never have, a quality which for want of a better name she called “saleability.” “(page 1)
Mrs. Lucy Lorimer is the mother of four grown children–all but one married with children. The unmarried son and a son-in-law are officers in the navy and the others are making their way in the civilian world. Her husband, Jack, “the Colonel,” is retired from the Army and is devoted to his Labrador. Lucy’s summer gets off to a rocky start when Jack refuses to buy the bigger estate nearby that would perfectly house their growing extended family of children, in-laws, grandchildren and nannies. Then the “new people” arrive and have a dreadful name, but a lovely daughter just the right age for Lucy’s unmarried son. As the family’s summer house party goes on Lucy helps with her children’s ups and downs, while occasionally dealing with correspondence from her publisher.
“First and foremost, it was a home, a house where people lived happy, useful lives, where a certain standard of conduct and thought was obtained, where money was assessed at its proper value because it had been earned, but was never allowed to usurp too high a position. It was always a servant, a useful servant, never a master. Mrs. Lorimer set the standard by which the household at Woodside was ruled; her quiet personality irradiated its every activity.” (page 29)
The Lorimer’s have two servants–a cook and a young housemaid, and live a life few today can imagine, though Lucy acknowledges that life has become much easier with her earnings from her book sales added to the family coffers. So, in the midst of a summer of family dramas, the return of an old flame, and the county Show [fair] and all its demands, Mrs. Lorimer never has to speed home in her little car and whip up dinner for poor Jack and his dog, June. While the Colonel has taken to Hoovering to supplement his obsessional gardening and daily walks with the Lab, Lucy is able to attend to her writing and do mostly what she likes. Who wouldn’t want that “miserable” of a summer?
“The Colonel never failed to receive news of an impending dinner party with horrified loathing.” (page 106)
“His back was eloquent of dignified displeasure.” (page 159)
My Thoughts
“The ground, far and near, was covered by the glowing mantle of heather in full bloom, the air was sweet with its honey-scent and loud with the bees busy plundering its sweetness. Above arched the faint blue of the sky, and all over lay the lovely clear champagne-coloured light of afternoon.” (Page 127)
While this was a fun little book, I was disappointed that more wasn’t made of the war-time experiences. We hear that Mary was useless as a housekeeper because she’d ferried planes in the war, but that is about it. Nonetheless, there is enough subtle humor in the book, as well as vivid descriptions of scenery, to have kept my attention very well.
I learned of this book here: https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2021/06/0...
July 22, 2021
This is a lovely, well written story without the drama of many of the books I've been reading recently. No murders, no tragic deaths, no nefarious characters, just a story of a British family and their ordinary lives. It is at times amusing, predictable, peaceful and always enjoyable.
Written in the early 1950s, it is a story of its time. Prejudice about a family's name (Smellie) seem ridiculous and even a bit disturbing in 2021. The biases built into the class system are not necessarily highlighted, but certainly are a given. I suspect these issues are all a sign of the place and time this book was written.
Written in the early 1950s, it is a story of its time. Prejudice about a family's name (Smellie) seem ridiculous and even a bit disturbing in 2021. The biases built into the class system are not necessarily highlighted, but certainly are a given. I suspect these issues are all a sign of the place and time this book was written.
September 27, 2021
It is always a joy to discover a new author who wrote successfully in the middle of the twentieth century, and Molly Clavering’s work is a joy in its own right. No huge dramatic events, problems are family crisis, and there is an underlying sense of humour throughout. Focusing on the lives of two writers, the successful Lucy Lorimer and the less successful in terms of sales, Grace or Gray Douglas, possibly partly autobiographical, this is the story of the harassed Lucy as she deals with her awkward but loving husband, Colonel Jack, and her four adult children. It is these offspring that mean that Lucy’s summer is anything but quiet, as she deals with their tantrums, their unique relationships and their problems. In all of these challenges Gray is a source of support, while having her own thoughts about life in the village.
The setting is almost another character; a village which has parties and gatherings culminating in the yearly show and beautiful accessible countryside which offers walks and picnic sites for when home life gets a little too trying. With an echo of Angela Thirkell, there is the difficult daughter, the distracted daughter in law and the lovelorn son to deal with, against the background of local characters who are all dealing with the after effects of a war which shook everything up even though the worse of the bombing was far away. This 1953 novel is funny, endearing and well worth the republishing by the brilliant Dean Street Press in its Furrowed Middlebrow series which goes from strength to strength. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
The book opens with Lucy being annoyed to hear from Nan, housekeeper and much more, that a local house Harperslea has been sold. She is frustrated because her ever expanding family including grandchildren is not easy to fit into their existing house, especially with their attendant nannies. For this is an age of genteel respectability, where Mary, the much loved wife of eldest son Thomas, gives of an air of distraction in which a cook cannot be kept who will provide wholesome and sufficient meals. Thomas is a successful doctor and Mary suffers from the loss of the excitement of her War service transporting planes for the RAF. When they all turn up at the same time for their summer get together, it is fortunate that Gray offers to take Mary and Thomas, as well as Guy, navel officer, for a few nights, as the latter is suffering the worst part of a romantic disappointment. Thinking of her offspring, Lucy confides that “Sometimes I wish children didn’t have to grow up. One can do quite a lot for them while they are children, but now – It’s so hard to have to sit back and watch them hurting themselves”. Not that this is a miserable book; Lucy is a loving mother whose children are finding life tricky. Her husband is a lovely man who does not understand other people at all times, muttering dire imprecations about noisy children and their mess while fussing over his elderly and loyal dog. When a new character is introduced into the circle with an unfortunate name and a memorable father, more confusion is introduced. A crisis with the easiest of the children makes at least one character reassess his true feelings, and the day of the Village Show shows everyone in a different light.
This is a truly delightful book which introduces characters coping and adjusting to new ways. Gray is a character who observes, comments and sometimes suggests a way through. The writing is light but offers insight into the true lives of those who have enough money and leisure to fulfil their needs, and are genuinely linked by family and friendship in a positive way. A cheerful book, reading about a countryside summer in a detailed but never tedious way is a real treat. I would be delighted to read more of Clavering’s books as she provides a real boost to any reader who enjoys a gentle insight into family and village life in the sunlit 1950s.
The setting is almost another character; a village which has parties and gatherings culminating in the yearly show and beautiful accessible countryside which offers walks and picnic sites for when home life gets a little too trying. With an echo of Angela Thirkell, there is the difficult daughter, the distracted daughter in law and the lovelorn son to deal with, against the background of local characters who are all dealing with the after effects of a war which shook everything up even though the worse of the bombing was far away. This 1953 novel is funny, endearing and well worth the republishing by the brilliant Dean Street Press in its Furrowed Middlebrow series which goes from strength to strength. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
The book opens with Lucy being annoyed to hear from Nan, housekeeper and much more, that a local house Harperslea has been sold. She is frustrated because her ever expanding family including grandchildren is not easy to fit into their existing house, especially with their attendant nannies. For this is an age of genteel respectability, where Mary, the much loved wife of eldest son Thomas, gives of an air of distraction in which a cook cannot be kept who will provide wholesome and sufficient meals. Thomas is a successful doctor and Mary suffers from the loss of the excitement of her War service transporting planes for the RAF. When they all turn up at the same time for their summer get together, it is fortunate that Gray offers to take Mary and Thomas, as well as Guy, navel officer, for a few nights, as the latter is suffering the worst part of a romantic disappointment. Thinking of her offspring, Lucy confides that “Sometimes I wish children didn’t have to grow up. One can do quite a lot for them while they are children, but now – It’s so hard to have to sit back and watch them hurting themselves”. Not that this is a miserable book; Lucy is a loving mother whose children are finding life tricky. Her husband is a lovely man who does not understand other people at all times, muttering dire imprecations about noisy children and their mess while fussing over his elderly and loyal dog. When a new character is introduced into the circle with an unfortunate name and a memorable father, more confusion is introduced. A crisis with the easiest of the children makes at least one character reassess his true feelings, and the day of the Village Show shows everyone in a different light.
This is a truly delightful book which introduces characters coping and adjusting to new ways. Gray is a character who observes, comments and sometimes suggests a way through. The writing is light but offers insight into the true lives of those who have enough money and leisure to fulfil their needs, and are genuinely linked by family and friendship in a positive way. A cheerful book, reading about a countryside summer in a detailed but never tedious way is a real treat. I would be delighted to read more of Clavering’s books as she provides a real boost to any reader who enjoys a gentle insight into family and village life in the sunlit 1950s.
June 2, 2023
I have enjoyed getting to know Molly Clavering as an author. She wrote, much like her better known neighbor D. E. Stevenson, quiet little books about realistic people having realistic issues, but generally getting their happy endings and wish fufillment.
This is, supposedly, her most autobiographical novel. Clavering is represented by the quiet Gray Douglas who is a good friend and perceptive observer of life. She writes books but is not as commericially successfull as her neighbor Lucy Lorimer (D.E. Stevenson).
Two things irked me about this mostly pleasant tale:
1. Another character named Guy. It's fairly common in these between the wars or post WW2 to have a character named Guy and it just bugs me every time. It's a terrible name. Bland male figure, is what it signals to me. Not even deserving of a PROPER name. (Also, as a Gen-X woman, it reminds me of Sesame Street: Guy Smiley, anyone?)
2. Lucy Lorimer is...a problematic character for me. She's supposedly sweet and thoughtful, but I found her often snobbish and occasionally foolish. And the part where she's fretting about where all her family can sleep while they visit is particularly ridiculous when you find out that she and her husband have separate rooms. I get that they're from a different time and class from me but...that's just strange. You can't share a sleeping space with the husband you supposedly love while your children visit so that someone can have your room and not have to stay at the neighbors?! V. weird.
The retired Colonel is written to be a little bit ridiculous (consumed by his garden and his dog) but he ends up being better at "handling" their grown children than his wife. (A lesson for mothers and mothers-in-law, perhaps?)
A quote that I liked: "It is probably a blessing on the whole that thought transference is rare, since a great many thoguhts are much better confined to the thinker, but there are times when to know what another person is thinking would save much trouble and unhappiness."
I'm rounding up to four stars because it really was a fun, gentle diversion of a read despite my above complaints.
This is, supposedly, her most autobiographical novel. Clavering is represented by the quiet Gray Douglas who is a good friend and perceptive observer of life. She writes books but is not as commericially successfull as her neighbor Lucy Lorimer (D.E. Stevenson).
Two things irked me about this mostly pleasant tale:
1. Another character named Guy. It's fairly common in these between the wars or post WW2 to have a character named Guy and it just bugs me every time. It's a terrible name. Bland male figure, is what it signals to me. Not even deserving of a PROPER name. (Also, as a Gen-X woman, it reminds me of Sesame Street: Guy Smiley, anyone?)
2. Lucy Lorimer is...a problematic character for me. She's supposedly sweet and thoughtful, but I found her often snobbish and occasionally foolish. And the part where she's fretting about where all her family can sleep while they visit is particularly ridiculous when you find out that she and her husband have separate rooms. I get that they're from a different time and class from me but...that's just strange. You can't share a sleeping space with the husband you supposedly love while your children visit so that someone can have your room and not have to stay at the neighbors?! V. weird.
The retired Colonel is written to be a little bit ridiculous (consumed by his garden and his dog) but he ends up being better at "handling" their grown children than his wife. (A lesson for mothers and mothers-in-law, perhaps?)
A quote that I liked: "It is probably a blessing on the whole that thought transference is rare, since a great many thoguhts are much better confined to the thinker, but there are times when to know what another person is thinking would save much trouble and unhappiness."
I'm rounding up to four stars because it really was a fun, gentle diversion of a read despite my above complaints.
September 25, 2021
With the two main characters based loosely on D.E. Stevenson and the author, I was curious and eager to read Mrs. Lorimer’s Quiet Summer. It must have been difficult for Molly Clavering (“Gray Douglas” in the book) to have a close friend who was a more successful author — and, in the values of the day, a more successful woman, with a husband and family. The weakest parts of the book see Clavering defensive about Gray’s singleness (but she had offers!) and suggesting that as someone unencumbered by marriage she understands men better than do silly married women. Gray also seems to understand Mrs. Lorimer’s son in ways that are beyond his mother. Normally this would just be a character trait; here it felt a bit pointed. And the “wise Gray” and “so thoughtful of Gray” moments are awkward when one knows the author is speaking of herself.
Yet the real freedom that Gray enjoys is rendered more engagingly, with Clavering writing beautifully about choosing what to do with her day and long, vigorous walks in the countryside and up the Scottish hills. Gray is spared the endless household details, the shoring up of Cook’s feelings and husband’s feelings, the drama and worry of adult children’s problems. While Mrs. Lorimer often seems exhausted and constantly at others’ beck and call, Gray can be more her own person.
While this is not my favorite Clavering book it’s still worth a read—for the story itself and for the fun of the thinly veiled portrayals of the two authors. (For perhaps stronger Molly Clavering books, I recommend Susan Settles Down and the lovely Near Neighbors.)
Yet the real freedom that Gray enjoys is rendered more engagingly, with Clavering writing beautifully about choosing what to do with her day and long, vigorous walks in the countryside and up the Scottish hills. Gray is spared the endless household details, the shoring up of Cook’s feelings and husband’s feelings, the drama and worry of adult children’s problems. While Mrs. Lorimer often seems exhausted and constantly at others’ beck and call, Gray can be more her own person.
While this is not my favorite Clavering book it’s still worth a read—for the story itself and for the fun of the thinly veiled portrayals of the two authors. (For perhaps stronger Molly Clavering books, I recommend Susan Settles Down and the lovely Near Neighbors.)
October 17, 2025
Molly Clavering is a reliable source for calm, relaxing novels about sensible midcentury English people. Not a lot happens, but the characters are pleasant to be around and there’s always a mix of social comedy and human wisdom. Near Neighbours continues to be my favorite but I’ve never met a Clavering novel I’ve regretted reading.
This one has a little whiff of unpleasant snobbery about it, surrounding a character who is not “county” and is played for laughs. The book focuses however primarily on the family of the Lorimers—middle-aged retired colonel, his wife the eponymous character, and their young adult children. Three of the four children are married, there are spouses and young grandchildren in the picture, and in general the sort of chaos that surrounds a large family.
The character of Mrs. Lorimer is thought to be based on novelist D. E. Stevenson, who was Clavering’s good friend and neighbor; while Mrs. Lorimer in turn has a writer friend, Miss Douglas. So we may presume that we’re being given a glimpse into the two authors’ actual lives. That may be why I was a little underwhelmed by the story: when a writer sticks too close to home, her imagination can fill in the characterizations till she doesn’t realize she’s not filling in the blanks for the reader. The character of Miss Douglas in particular suffered from this problem.
I wanted an easy read for relief from a much more challenging book I’m reading in parallel, and that’s what I got.
This one has a little whiff of unpleasant snobbery about it, surrounding a character who is not “county” and is played for laughs. The book focuses however primarily on the family of the Lorimers—middle-aged retired colonel, his wife the eponymous character, and their young adult children. Three of the four children are married, there are spouses and young grandchildren in the picture, and in general the sort of chaos that surrounds a large family.
The character of Mrs. Lorimer is thought to be based on novelist D. E. Stevenson, who was Clavering’s good friend and neighbor; while Mrs. Lorimer in turn has a writer friend, Miss Douglas. So we may presume that we’re being given a glimpse into the two authors’ actual lives. That may be why I was a little underwhelmed by the story: when a writer sticks too close to home, her imagination can fill in the characterizations till she doesn’t realize she’s not filling in the blanks for the reader. The character of Miss Douglas in particular suffered from this problem.
I wanted an easy read for relief from a much more challenging book I’m reading in parallel, and that’s what I got.
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