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Thrush Green #8
At Home in Thrush Green
It is spring in the village of Thrush Green. In neighboring Lulling, Charles Henstock admires the blooming garden of his new vicarage, glad that the squabbles with his parishoners in Affairs at Thrush Green are settled. And yet the good vicar wistfully recalls his former home - the ugly, old rectory of Thrush Green, which burned to the ground. Now, from the rectory's ruins, the villagers are building eight retirement homes for the older folks most in need. But how to choose who will live there? How will they get on together? And how will they accommodate the dogs, cats, and birds that must come along? The spring has brought a new crop of dilemmas, but Dr. Henstock and the villagers are determined to make the old people feel at home in Thrush Green.
In the end, harmony is restored to this tiny fictional world. With wit and grace, Miss Read has charmed numerous critics and won the loyalty of readers who will happily find themselves once more At Home in Thrush Green.
In the end, harmony is restored to this tiny fictional world. With wit and grace, Miss Read has charmed numerous critics and won the loyalty of readers who will happily find themselves once more At Home in Thrush Green.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
83 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
161 books523 followersDora Jessie Saint MBE née Shafe (born 17 April 1913), best known by the pen name Miss Read, was an English novelist, by profession a schoolmistress. Her pseudonym was derived from her mother's maiden name. In 1940 she married her husband, Douglas, a former headmaster. The couple had a daughter, Jill. She began writing for several journals after World War II and worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC.
She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.
Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.
In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.
She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.
Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.
In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 18, 2024
Once again I closed the book wishing I could physically be there. Time travel by book is the next best thing.
November 23, 2025
Thrush Green has become my comfort zone. Who wouldn’t want to live in a quaint Cotswold village with friends and neighbors who offer you a cup of tea the moment you arrive on their doorstep. Of course, times have changed- most women work nowadays and nobody appreciates anyone just dropping by. But it’s a delight to be in this friendly, gossipy village.
Published: 1985
Published: 1985
January 27, 2020
Always enjoyable-really liked Nelly Piggott's progress in the storyline!
April 17, 2025
4 Stars
September 6, 2018
Reading the Thrush Green books reminds me of a childhood visit to my grandparents’ house: the gentle routine, the seasonal rituals, the comfort of knowing that the conversation was going to be undemanding and that you were always going to do much the same things. But, and this was part of it, too: there was always that slight edge of boredom.
During the past few weeks, as I have been moving house, I have read two of the Thrush Green books: Affairs at Thrush Green and this one. They were the perfect undemanding fictional friend at the end of a long tiring day. They are the sort of books you can absorb with less than total attention, and a chapter or two at a time does not interrupt the flow of the storyline - which tends to be episodic anyway. The ‘main’ storyline in this book dealt with the settling into the ‘retirement’ Rectory Cottages which had been designed by Edward Young and built on the ruins of the old rectory (home to Charles and Dimity Henstock). But, as ever, the plot doesn’t matter so much as the beautiful descriptions of nature and the slightly tart social interactions of an English village in the countryside.
During the past few weeks, as I have been moving house, I have read two of the Thrush Green books: Affairs at Thrush Green and this one. They were the perfect undemanding fictional friend at the end of a long tiring day. They are the sort of books you can absorb with less than total attention, and a chapter or two at a time does not interrupt the flow of the storyline - which tends to be episodic anyway. The ‘main’ storyline in this book dealt with the settling into the ‘retirement’ Rectory Cottages which had been designed by Edward Young and built on the ruins of the old rectory (home to Charles and Dimity Henstock). But, as ever, the plot doesn’t matter so much as the beautiful descriptions of nature and the slightly tart social interactions of an English village in the countryside.
April 6, 2019
More gentle enjoyment from the residents of Thrush Green.
What I like about these characters is that they refuse to let life become melodramatic. They may worry about things, but they pretty much say what they need to say in order to keep the air clear and go on about their business. No one gets overreached or overwhelmed for long. And they manage to do it with a general kindliness. Which is comforting. Not that there's not also sly humor peeping around the corners... because there is, and it's fun.
For instance:
She suddenly remembered an anecdote about Winston Churchill, who was asked, during the war, if he worried much at night.
"No," answered the old warrior, "I think: 'To hell with everybody!' and I go to sleep."
And very sound advice to follow, thought Connie, turning her face towards the pillow.
What I like about these characters is that they refuse to let life become melodramatic. They may worry about things, but they pretty much say what they need to say in order to keep the air clear and go on about their business. No one gets overreached or overwhelmed for long. And they manage to do it with a general kindliness. Which is comforting. Not that there's not also sly humor peeping around the corners... because there is, and it's fun.
For instance:
She suddenly remembered an anecdote about Winston Churchill, who was asked, during the war, if he worried much at night.
"No," answered the old warrior, "I think: 'To hell with everybody!' and I go to sleep."
And very sound advice to follow, thought Connie, turning her face towards the pillow.
August 26, 2025
I was trying to explain this series to a friend earlier. I explained that they were set in a village and were character based, with not a great deal happening; in the end, we settled on "a bit like The Archers", that pretty much sums it up. In the past I have said that when reading dialogue, I hear Archers characters; Winnie Bailey is Peggy Woolley Albert Piggot is Joe Grundy. I find both this and The Archers comfort reading/listening.
May 25, 2020
For a while, I puzzled over why my monthly book total is always lowest in May. Soon I realized that, since 2012, I've been in the process of preparing to move, moving, and/or sitting for final exams. Including 2020, that's nine years of May upheaval wreaking havoc on my reading. Not only are my books swiftly packed away, it's hard to sit down and read when things must be boxed up and resettled, or even to pay attention to an audiobook when working around pandemic restrictions while trying to, you know, purchase a chair so you can sit down in more than one room in the house.
Anyway.
At Home in Thrush Green was a balm to read during this particular move, which will hopefully be the last for many Mays to come. She writes so delightfully about the pleasures of domestic life. Few authors I know have such clear insight into human nature without resorting to Major Events to reveal character. This series is about small things and everyday people, which makes it utterly wholesome to read. I also treasure reading about the lives of middle-aged people without the aforesaid Major Events. Here are characters with the wisdom of years, who have learned to keep their boundaries despite the forces of less-mannered beings. Reading about characters who make good decisions and reap the benefits of them is lovely. Sure, it makes for a lightly plotted book with little conflict, but I personally adore that. Of Nancy Pearl's four doorways, I always enter through character and setting, occasionally through language, and rarely through plot. Miss Read always scratches that character/setting itch and I am eager to continue the series.
Anyway.
At Home in Thrush Green was a balm to read during this particular move, which will hopefully be the last for many Mays to come. She writes so delightfully about the pleasures of domestic life. Few authors I know have such clear insight into human nature without resorting to Major Events to reveal character. This series is about small things and everyday people, which makes it utterly wholesome to read. I also treasure reading about the lives of middle-aged people without the aforesaid Major Events. Here are characters with the wisdom of years, who have learned to keep their boundaries despite the forces of less-mannered beings. Reading about characters who make good decisions and reap the benefits of them is lovely. Sure, it makes for a lightly plotted book with little conflict, but I personally adore that. Of Nancy Pearl's four doorways, I always enter through character and setting, occasionally through language, and rarely through plot. Miss Read always scratches that character/setting itch and I am eager to continue the series.
July 7, 2025
Another delightful visit to Thrush Green - nothing terribly exciting ever happens, just people getting on with their lives.
It’s lovely to see hard work paying off for one character who’s had some hard times but seems to have found her niche in a flourishing business. Old friends, loves and family visit the denizens of Thrush Green throughout the year, with the usual small dramas, hurt feelings and happy times we all experience.
I think that’s what makes these books so relatable and sentimental, without being saccharine - they are charming and funny, but honest about the crotchets and irritations that accompany living closely among others.
I treasure the beautiful nature descriptions of the Cotswold countryside, and the positivity and simple gratitude with which most of the characters go about their daily lives. These books are really lovely, and like a balm to my heart and soul in such a troubled world! I look forward to reading on, and following these old friends through another year at Thrush Green.
It’s lovely to see hard work paying off for one character who’s had some hard times but seems to have found her niche in a flourishing business. Old friends, loves and family visit the denizens of Thrush Green throughout the year, with the usual small dramas, hurt feelings and happy times we all experience.
I think that’s what makes these books so relatable and sentimental, without being saccharine - they are charming and funny, but honest about the crotchets and irritations that accompany living closely among others.
I treasure the beautiful nature descriptions of the Cotswold countryside, and the positivity and simple gratitude with which most of the characters go about their daily lives. These books are really lovely, and like a balm to my heart and soul in such a troubled world! I look forward to reading on, and following these old friends through another year at Thrush Green.
September 13, 2018
#MissReadalong August 2018
April 17, 2018
This 8th installment in the series takes the reader on another delightful visit to Thrush Green. Not only are the regular residents "at home," but the book recounts the arrival of several new couples who move in to the newly completed senior-living apartment complex.
The regular members of the neighborhood make an appearance in the novel too. Nelly Piggot is a middle-aged woman, married to the town grouch. Most of the town folks hold her at arm's length because she left her husband for another man and then came back again. In this novel she finds a friend, finds her calling and comes into her own. So when the old boyfriend comes into town, she reacts in a way that the old Nelly could never have done.
These small episodes of British country life may not be great literature. But I find the repeated acts of grace (especially to the undeserving) to be soul-nourishing. And the good writing kicks it up to another level as well.
The regular members of the neighborhood make an appearance in the novel too. Nelly Piggot is a middle-aged woman, married to the town grouch. Most of the town folks hold her at arm's length because she left her husband for another man and then came back again. In this novel she finds a friend, finds her calling and comes into her own. So when the old boyfriend comes into town, she reacts in a way that the old Nelly could never have done.
These small episodes of British country life may not be great literature. But I find the repeated acts of grace (especially to the undeserving) to be soul-nourishing. And the good writing kicks it up to another level as well.
July 1, 2021
‘I can’t think why these whizz kids of science can’t manage to store some of the water we get too much of half the year. One week we’re sloshing about in our wellies, and then after a fortnight’s sunshine we are looked upon as criminals if we take a can of water to the carrots.’
‘Try one of these sponge fingers,’ said Dimity placatingly. ‘They melt in the mouth. I expect Nelly made them.’
My dear Miss Read is usually so good at sticking to the author’s motto “show, don’t tell”, immersing me in the delightfully beautiful village-y world of Thrush Green with its quirky characters and charming imagery. But in this novel she does so much “telling” and summarizing that I felt as though my ticket to Thrush Green had been canceled and I had to be contented with a postcard of Thrush Green sent by a friend. Even a postcard from Thrush Green is so lovely that it gets 3 stars from me.
‘Try one of these sponge fingers,’ said Dimity placatingly. ‘They melt in the mouth. I expect Nelly made them.’
My dear Miss Read is usually so good at sticking to the author’s motto “show, don’t tell”, immersing me in the delightfully beautiful village-y world of Thrush Green with its quirky characters and charming imagery. But in this novel she does so much “telling” and summarizing that I felt as though my ticket to Thrush Green had been canceled and I had to be contented with a postcard of Thrush Green sent by a friend. Even a postcard from Thrush Green is so lovely that it gets 3 stars from me.
January 4, 2020
I've read this before, but didn't realise until I was well into it! I enjoy the Miss Read books, but they're quite hard to keep track of whether I've read them pre-Goodreads or not. They are pleasant, cosy reads, although obviously without many highly memorable events! But still an enjoyable re-read!
March 26, 2018
Albert complains about having to do work. (No surprise there.) A major argument between two guys erupts over steps being put out front in the homes for old people. (Something later proven one way for sure.) Nelly's position is improved at work (although at home it's the same as usual.) Then there's also Guy Fawke's Day and Christmas.
Another good book in this very nice, no horrible things happen book series.
Another good book in this very nice, no horrible things happen book series.
February 21, 2022
These were first published in the 80s, they seem far older than that. A pleasnat bath in nothing. I did like the hints (never confirmed or denied) that the two teachers are lesbians. A wholesome world of gardens, fetes and baking interpersed by non-eventful romance and babies and yet the older characters constantly look back to even older times.
I didn't really love it but it was relatively non-offensive and probably a comfort read for some.
I didn't really love it but it was relatively non-offensive and probably a comfort read for some.
October 24, 2024
Another gentle visit to Thrush Green and its nearby neighbors. Nelly grows and triumphs in this one (which is welcome), some new folks come to the village, the doctor and architect brothers-in-law have a mild falling out, Winnie deals with Richard (again), Connie gets a break from Dottie...nothing really happens and it's all refreshing to read about.
February 24, 2019
This book is centered around the construction of a row of cottages where the Rectory formerly stood before it burned down. The property was bought by a trust, and the cottages are intended for elderly residents who need a bit of supervision and assistance but not full-time care. Edward Young, husband of Joan née Bassett (sister of Ruth, married to Dr. Lovell), is the architect hired to design them. In spite of the usual delays that happen during even the smallest of projects, the cottages are completed.
One issue of concern among the residents of Thrush Green is the steps going up into the cottages. Edward designed them for aesthetic reasons, but John Lovell, his brother-in-law and doctor to Thrush Green, sees them as a hazard to elderly inhabitants, as do many other villagers. Edward and John have words over it, and their wives, the Bassett sisters Joan and Ruth, wonder at their falling out.
Our regular cast are all doing well. Dotty is thriving under the care of her niece, Connie, and Connie’s new husband, Kit. Ella is her usual self, gardening, weaving and other handiwork, and smoking her malodorous hand-rolled cigarettes. Charles is busy, happily and diligently tending to his expanded parish, while Dimity is occupied with the many and varied duties of a parson’s wife. Winnie Bailey and her maid/friend Jenny are in good health and employed in their domestic endeavors.
Nelly Piggott is blissfully toiling at the Fuchsia Bush and Mrs. Peters is depending on her more and more. Joan engages the Fuchsia Bush to cater a fund-raising event and Mrs. Thurgood is so impressed that she hired them to cater the christening party for her first grandchild, born to Peter Fairbrother and her daughter, Jane. (Charles introduces them in the last book.) Mrs. Peters realizes the catering side is quite lucrative, and she proposes a partnership arrangement to Nelly, who is touched and immensely grateful.
And because Nelly is happy and well occupied, Albert is the least morose that we have ever seen him! This is quite a relief to the regulars at The Two Pheasants, who are forced to listen to his grumbling.
The trustees engage a husband-and-wife team of caretakers, Jane and Bill Cartwright (Jane is the daughter of Mrs. Jenner and niece if Percy Hodge), and the chosen applicants move into their new abodes, named Rectory Cottages. Charles is deeply gratified to see his dear friend Tom Hardy has been selected, and Tom and Polly settle in. Barring a few hiccups, all have adjusted well to their new homes, until disaster strikes; one rainy autumn day, when wet leaves have piled up, Jane slips on the steps and falls, breaking her leg. The residents take this very hard and are fearful of getting out.
Winter follows autumn. Charles celebrates Christmas in all four of his churches. Kit and Connie take a trip to Venice, engaging a temporary caretaker for Dotty; that lady gets on surprisingly well with Vi Ellis. A chickenpox epidemic sweeps through the youngsters, including George Curdle. Edward Young falls a victim as well, contracting shingles, a miserable condition. He has to call John to treat him, and the two mend their quarrel; Edward admits the need for a center handrail. Jenny has a “raging sore throat” and Dr. Lovell decrees the necessity of having her tonsils out. All the residents engage in indoor occupations and plan their spring gardens and as the book closes, the trees are covered in misty green and early flowers are beginning to bud.
One issue of concern among the residents of Thrush Green is the steps going up into the cottages. Edward designed them for aesthetic reasons, but John Lovell, his brother-in-law and doctor to Thrush Green, sees them as a hazard to elderly inhabitants, as do many other villagers. Edward and John have words over it, and their wives, the Bassett sisters Joan and Ruth, wonder at their falling out.
Our regular cast are all doing well. Dotty is thriving under the care of her niece, Connie, and Connie’s new husband, Kit. Ella is her usual self, gardening, weaving and other handiwork, and smoking her malodorous hand-rolled cigarettes. Charles is busy, happily and diligently tending to his expanded parish, while Dimity is occupied with the many and varied duties of a parson’s wife. Winnie Bailey and her maid/friend Jenny are in good health and employed in their domestic endeavors.
Nelly Piggott is blissfully toiling at the Fuchsia Bush and Mrs. Peters is depending on her more and more. Joan engages the Fuchsia Bush to cater a fund-raising event and Mrs. Thurgood is so impressed that she hired them to cater the christening party for her first grandchild, born to Peter Fairbrother and her daughter, Jane. (Charles introduces them in the last book.) Mrs. Peters realizes the catering side is quite lucrative, and she proposes a partnership arrangement to Nelly, who is touched and immensely grateful.
And because Nelly is happy and well occupied, Albert is the least morose that we have ever seen him! This is quite a relief to the regulars at The Two Pheasants, who are forced to listen to his grumbling.
The trustees engage a husband-and-wife team of caretakers, Jane and Bill Cartwright (Jane is the daughter of Mrs. Jenner and niece if Percy Hodge), and the chosen applicants move into their new abodes, named Rectory Cottages. Charles is deeply gratified to see his dear friend Tom Hardy has been selected, and Tom and Polly settle in. Barring a few hiccups, all have adjusted well to their new homes, until disaster strikes; one rainy autumn day, when wet leaves have piled up, Jane slips on the steps and falls, breaking her leg. The residents take this very hard and are fearful of getting out.
Winter follows autumn. Charles celebrates Christmas in all four of his churches. Kit and Connie take a trip to Venice, engaging a temporary caretaker for Dotty; that lady gets on surprisingly well with Vi Ellis. A chickenpox epidemic sweeps through the youngsters, including George Curdle. Edward Young falls a victim as well, contracting shingles, a miserable condition. He has to call John to treat him, and the two mend their quarrel; Edward admits the need for a center handrail. Jenny has a “raging sore throat” and Dr. Lovell decrees the necessity of having her tonsils out. All the residents engage in indoor occupations and plan their spring gardens and as the book closes, the trees are covered in misty green and early flowers are beginning to bud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2015
Charles Henstock has resolved his issues with Mrs. Thurgood but now he has a new problem: he is one member of a council who will decide which deserving citizens will move into the old folks' homes on the site of the old rectory. When the residents move in, how will they get along? Who will be the wardens on hand to help? Nelly, wiser than ever, has settled into her new life and then gets an unexpected blessing. Is she up to the challenge? Dotty's niece Connie is so happy in her new life but the builders are running behind and she wants a vacation with her new husband. What will happen to Dotty if she leaves? Albert is as grumbly as ever and the Misses Lovelock are still stingy. Winnie Bailey gets a big surprise and Miss Fogerty pushes Miss Watson to make amends with her brother.
This is a gentle story about life in a small village. Almost all the characters are middle-aged or elderly. There aren't any young adults and the children who appeared earlier are away at school. We get some gimpses of the school children but no young adults and I would like the book better if there was someone I could relate to more. This story is very pleasant - it's almost too pleasant. There's a little bit on conflict here and there but all is resolved nicely in the end. I like quiet, pleasant stories like that but with characters in the twilight of their lives, I'm almost afraid to read on. I liked the plot about the old folks' home because it provided some comedy and conflict. I liked Nelly's story the best. Hers was the most interesting and made me wish I could visit the Fuschia Bush! This story is kind of an update of Cranford. I would suggest retirees read this book with a cup of tea and enjoy the well-drawn characters.
This is a gentle story about life in a small village. Almost all the characters are middle-aged or elderly. There aren't any young adults and the children who appeared earlier are away at school. We get some gimpses of the school children but no young adults and I would like the book better if there was someone I could relate to more. This story is very pleasant - it's almost too pleasant. There's a little bit on conflict here and there but all is resolved nicely in the end. I like quiet, pleasant stories like that but with characters in the twilight of their lives, I'm almost afraid to read on. I liked the plot about the old folks' home because it provided some comedy and conflict. I liked Nelly's story the best. Hers was the most interesting and made me wish I could visit the Fuschia Bush! This story is kind of an update of Cranford. I would suggest retirees read this book with a cup of tea and enjoy the well-drawn characters.
May 9, 2019
I used this book to dig out of a reading slump. I am more active than I used to be; my prime reading time (bedtime) is often useless for anything that takes an effort. So I went to my proven comfort food: the English village novel.
Nelly Piggott's growth has been satisfying to watch. In a previous book in this series she left her cantankerous husband Albert for the oil man. When the oil man "traded her in" for a younger model, Nelly had no option but to come back to Albert. They made an uneasy truce, sharing the house, but not a bedroom. Not ideal, but real.
The villagers keep distant. But Nelly thrives in a new job, and is befriended by another woman. And seems to find contentment even with her husband. Nelly thought how much easier it was to live with Albert when he had animals to look after. It seemed to sweeten him somehow.
Fun phrases:
—publican, for a man who runs the Two Pheasants pulic house
—a prolonged fit of the sulks
—[preschool teacher] with a straggling crocodile of small children behind her {<-- isn't that a delicious collective noun? I searched the net and could not find another instance of it]
—a frenzy of ecstasy
Nelly Piggott's growth has been satisfying to watch. In a previous book in this series she left her cantankerous husband Albert for the oil man. When the oil man "traded her in" for a younger model, Nelly had no option but to come back to Albert. They made an uneasy truce, sharing the house, but not a bedroom. Not ideal, but real.
The villagers keep distant. But Nelly thrives in a new job, and is befriended by another woman. And seems to find contentment even with her husband. Nelly thought how much easier it was to live with Albert when he had animals to look after. It seemed to sweeten him somehow.
Fun phrases:
—publican, for a man who runs the Two Pheasants pulic house
—a prolonged fit of the sulks
—[preschool teacher] with a straggling crocodile of small children behind her {<-- isn't that a delicious collective noun? I searched the net and could not find another instance of it]
—a frenzy of ecstasy
May 3, 2020
As I'd mentioned on previous reviews in this series, I turned to these "Gentle Reads" due to the Covid-19 quarantine. An imaginary "nicer" time, set in a beautifully calm village, was just the ticket. Don't get me wrong, this is not all craft sales and knitting. There are crimes, break-ins, assaults and even a possible vehicular manslaughter. But each is handled in a non-lurid fashion. Beloved characters die as well, bringing a tear to the eye. These books are not for everybody, as a matter of fact, probably a very few, who need the calm distraction of an imaginary utopia. Out of print for many years, they are well worth the trouble to find and buy
August 20, 2019
Thrush Green is one of those charming English villages where life is busy yet there is always time for old friends to pause for a cup of tea and a chat. The inhabitants of Thrush Green are wonderful characters who have become very familiar to me as they keep reoccurring in each new installment in the series. I find the stories comforting and interesting and I am always a bit sad when I come to the end of one.
April 22, 2009
I think any book by Miss Read is a good book. They are relaxing stories, not meant to tax your mind, perfect for that "just before bed" moment!
May 17, 2021
5 stars
May 18, 2015
Always enjoy Miss Read!
September 18, 2018
I love Thrush Green. It’s one of my bookish homes.
July 4, 2017
I enjoyed this, my third, Miss Read very much. About 3/4 of the way through, one of the teachers mentions that the children are asking for computer games for Christmas. If it weren't for that, and the fact that one of the couples jets off to Venice for a holiday, you'd think the book was set in the 1940s. Thrush Green is the sort of place where people still make their own jam, the vicar comes to your house to check up on you, children play outside instead of watching television, no one goes around actively looking for excuses to take umbrage, and people genuinely care about one another. It makes for a peaceful and pleasant break from the way things are at present (I'm looking at you, Congress!!).
It's a little "busy" in the number of characters (it made me think of Harriet the Spy and her game of "Town"), but eventually they all fall into place and become old friends.
It's a little "busy" in the number of characters (it made me think of Harriet the Spy and her game of "Town"), but eventually they all fall into place and become old friends.
November 19, 2017
I randomly picked this book up and read it not realizing it was part of a series. This was a delightful story. Now I want to find more Miss Read books so I can discover the backgrounds of all the characters in Thrush Green. The old rectory had been destroyed by a fire so the ground was cleared and a row of retirement cottages is being built on the site. There is much debate about who should live there as well as finding a suitable couple to oversee the residents and their needs. Every chapter takes you through another season. You follow the school children and their teachers, the ladies who run an eatery, the local characters and even their out-of-town guests. It reminded me of the Mitford series only set in England.
August 13, 2018
This eighth installment in the Thrush Green series, centers largely upon the old person homes that are being built on the site of the old rectory. The building has been behind schedule due to unforeseen problems and weather. In the meantime, the committee must decide on a warden couple to help out the residents and just who those residents will be. When it finally comes time for everyone to move in, the new residents experience a few growing pains as they learn to live within their new community. Aside for the old person home, we also catch up with many of the other residents of Thrush Green. Like all the preceeding books, At Home in Thrush Green is another cozy read and it's always nice to catch up with the residents.
August 22, 2018
Another lovely visit to Thrush Green. The homes for the elderly that have been built on the ruins of the burned rectory are finally finished, the warden couple chosen, the inhabitants selected, and moved in. We welcome them as they gradually become comfortable in their new community. But we also spend time with our old friends. We rejoice in their successes and worry over the rift in a friendship. There are quiet moments of reflection and holidays to celebrate. This being a story by Miss Read, we know that all will come right in the end.
December 18, 2020
Started reading this at night to calm me through post election, covid, and other stresses. It worked so well I would only get through a page or two before it was dropping out of my hands. After renewing it for a third time, I decided I had better start reading it in daylight hours so I could give it back to the library for good.
This one isn’t my favourite of her books but I still enjoyed its calm progress through the lives of people I’ve come to know. Also interesting to see signs of changing times (computer games!) seep into the story.
This one isn’t my favourite of her books but I still enjoyed its calm progress through the lives of people I’ve come to know. Also interesting to see signs of changing times (computer games!) seep into the story.
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