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A Calamity of Mannerings
'It is a curse to be born a girl...'
Take a peek into the diary of Panth (never enquire as to her given name), a young woman knocking on the gilded door of adult life and high society. But kicking up one's heels at the Café de Paris does not come easily to a girl navigating:
1. Poverty (even the genteel kind), thanks to her papa's sad demise
2. A lack of any experience whatsoever with the opposite sex, of course not counting Freddie Spencer (and he wasn't that sort of experience, anyhow) 3. Multiple sisters with ideas, a grandmother with opinions and one recalcitrant sheep
Panth knows there is more for her out in the world - it's 1924, for goodness' sake - and that could include swoonsome American with excellent teeth, Buck Buchanan. The question is - how in the name of Tatler is she to claim it?
A hilarious coming-of-age story for fans of I Capture the Castle and Bridgerton.
Take a peek into the diary of Panth (never enquire as to her given name), a young woman knocking on the gilded door of adult life and high society. But kicking up one's heels at the Café de Paris does not come easily to a girl navigating:
1. Poverty (even the genteel kind), thanks to her papa's sad demise
2. A lack of any experience whatsoever with the opposite sex, of course not counting Freddie Spencer (and he wasn't that sort of experience, anyhow) 3. Multiple sisters with ideas, a grandmother with opinions and one recalcitrant sheep
Panth knows there is more for her out in the world - it's 1924, for goodness' sake - and that could include swoonsome American with excellent teeth, Buck Buchanan. The question is - how in the name of Tatler is she to claim it?
A hilarious coming-of-age story for fans of I Capture the Castle and Bridgerton.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2023
2 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Nadin
146 books124 followersJoanna Nadin is an English author of juvenile fiction best known for the Rachel Riley series of teenage novels Based on Nadin's own childhood, the series follows the comedic narration of a 13-year-old girl.
Nadin has also written several books of juvenile fiction. These include two books for the Oxford University Press "Project X" series designed to encourage boys to read.
Nadin previously worked as a policy writer for the Labour Party (UK).In 2001, she became a special adviser to Tony Blair.
As a child I buried myself in books both at home in Essex and at my grandparents’ houses in Cornwall, where I spent a large part of my time, and where many of my stories are now set. Books and later films were an escape not just from where I was but who I was, which, as I saw it, was pretty much a geek. They gave me the freedom to become someone else, from George in the Famous Five to Velvet Brown winning the Grand National to Baby dancing the Chachacha with Johnny Castle.
Nadin has also written several books of juvenile fiction. These include two books for the Oxford University Press "Project X" series designed to encourage boys to read.
Nadin previously worked as a policy writer for the Labour Party (UK).In 2001, she became a special adviser to Tony Blair.
As a child I buried myself in books both at home in Essex and at my grandparents’ houses in Cornwall, where I spent a large part of my time, and where many of my stories are now set. Books and later films were an escape not just from where I was but who I was, which, as I saw it, was pretty much a geek. They gave me the freedom to become someone else, from George in the Famous Five to Velvet Brown winning the Grand National to Baby dancing the Chachacha with Johnny Castle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 1, 2023
Charming and hilarious! A bit PG Wodehouse, a bit Bridget Jones, and all jolly good fun.
June 7, 2023
If you like Laura Wood's books set in the interwar years in England, I think you'd like this one too. I enjoyed it, though I think it's unrealistically contemporary in its attitudes. Still, it made me laugh and want to keep turning the pages.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
April 29, 2023
Perfect for fans of ‘I Capture the Castle’ and ‘Little Women.’
The Mannering family is completely charming, quirky, and wonderful! The characters are complex and believably flawed, and the diary format has been missing from teen historical fiction!
A joy to add to my shelves
The Mannering family is completely charming, quirky, and wonderful! The characters are complex and believably flawed, and the diary format has been missing from teen historical fiction!
A joy to add to my shelves
October 6, 2025
You stupid girl! Can't you see you have to marry Freddy, the boy next door? The trope, nay the genre requires it! But this is Joanna Nadin, so you can never be sure...
It's great fun, but I had no desire to watch the heroine make a fool of herself over the wrong man, so I stopped about a third in.
It's great fun, but I had no desire to watch the heroine make a fool of herself over the wrong man, so I stopped about a third in.
June 4, 2023
‘It is a curse to be born a girl…..’ Panth’s coming of age story which is set in 1924 explores with quick wit and comedy the manifest truth of this statement at the time.
The use of the journal format was inspired making one instantly connect with Panth and her family.It also allowed one to trace her growing maturity through her changing point of view as recorded in the journal over the course of the year.
While there are shades of the Durrells ,Stella Gibbons and the Mitfords ,the overriding influence is Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’.The three eldest Mannering sisters are reminiscent of the Dashwood sisters with Aster being the equivalent of sensible Elinor,Panth having her counterpart in impulsive Marianne while the bright and somewhat eccentric Marigold is vey like Margaret.There is even a Willoughby in the aptly named Buck.
I enjoyed the author’s use of collective nouns throughout the novel.She even managed to incorporate one in the title .
A laugh out loud,well researched thought provoking book.
The use of the journal format was inspired making one instantly connect with Panth and her family.It also allowed one to trace her growing maturity through her changing point of view as recorded in the journal over the course of the year.
While there are shades of the Durrells ,Stella Gibbons and the Mitfords ,the overriding influence is Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’.The three eldest Mannering sisters are reminiscent of the Dashwood sisters with Aster being the equivalent of sensible Elinor,Panth having her counterpart in impulsive Marianne while the bright and somewhat eccentric Marigold is vey like Margaret.There is even a Willoughby in the aptly named Buck.
I enjoyed the author’s use of collective nouns throughout the novel.She even managed to incorporate one in the title .
A laugh out loud,well researched thought provoking book.
July 30, 2023
Sweet, funny, realistic, sad, romantic, hopeful... This was an absolute darling of a book. Perhaps a bit more open about certain things than I expected but in a way that would entirely in keeping and beneficial for its target audience. A remarkably healing book too. I'm so glad I read!
September 4, 2025
This was a difficult book to rate.
The mention of men's anatomy was a bit much especially for a YA book.
Some of the themes were very modern for the 1920s.
If felt like a period book with contemporary views.
There was no ending for Agaphantus.
The mention of men's anatomy was a bit much especially for a YA book.
Some of the themes were very modern for the 1920s.
If felt like a period book with contemporary views.
There was no ending for Agaphantus.
August 6, 2025
I LOVED this book. So, so much. It has been almost a year since I have read something so addictive, enjoyable and wholly intriguing.
At first, I was unsure about the journal-style account but I quickly came to realise that it was what made this book so amazing. Panth's narrative was AMAZING- it was funny and witty and Nadin did a perfect job of keeping it grounded as an account from a 16-17 year old. The amount of times I laughed aloud, gasped and had to just put the book down are uncountable because this book made me feel every emotion.
I very much enjoy books set in early-1900s, England especially YA ones written from the perspective of women. It is such an interesting time period for me to read and this book was a whole new take on this period. It was modern in a way that did not take you out of the time period it was set but in fact made it more realistic. Historical fictions often make their characters conservative and never discussing life's practices even with close friends and family. However, Nadin recognised this as obviously unfactual and Panth's family and friends and their interactions were so, so entertaining but also so refreshing. It was fortifying to see female family relations in a non-toxic way. I have noticed that many parts of the media represent female relationships, whether sisterly or friendly or parental, as impure and unequal as though women only look to gain. Though, Nadin rightfully bended this norm, displaying how beautiful it is to, as a female, have friendships with other women because it is such a rewarding thing.
There were so many things commented on in this book and, though it was levelled out by Nadin's use of humour, these included gender inequality, class divide, women of this time's lack of education in areas that therefore made them vulnerable, homophobia and so many more. And Nadin made the characters so unique and I loved every one of them. Aster and her creativity as well as her story line with Topaz, Marigold and her unbreakable spirit, Mama and her unwavering display of support for each of her girls, Valentine and his enteruprenerial ventures, Mabel with her frankness, Siegfried's (though a sheep) ability to make me laugh, Freddy's kindness and even Grandma, who, though mean and miserable, never gave in or complained outwardly at having the Mannerings in her house.
Nadin made it obvious that Buck was bad news from the start but Panth's obsession with him read as an example of how men used women, particuarly back then, but also how it continued.
The romance with Freddy was gorgeous because, though it was rather condensed at the end, it happened at the most natural point after Panth had grown. The scene where they were swimming, his letters and his kindness and appreciation for Panth genuinely had me smiling so hard (of course, it was annoying Panth didn't see him in a romantic way but that was all part of her growth). And the notebook he gave her with her full name was the cherry on top.
Overall, this was by far my favourite book of the year, if not one of my favourite books ever!
At first, I was unsure about the journal-style account but I quickly came to realise that it was what made this book so amazing. Panth's narrative was AMAZING- it was funny and witty and Nadin did a perfect job of keeping it grounded as an account from a 16-17 year old. The amount of times I laughed aloud, gasped and had to just put the book down are uncountable because this book made me feel every emotion.
I very much enjoy books set in early-1900s, England especially YA ones written from the perspective of women. It is such an interesting time period for me to read and this book was a whole new take on this period. It was modern in a way that did not take you out of the time period it was set but in fact made it more realistic. Historical fictions often make their characters conservative and never discussing life's practices even with close friends and family. However, Nadin recognised this as obviously unfactual and Panth's family and friends and their interactions were so, so entertaining but also so refreshing. It was fortifying to see female family relations in a non-toxic way. I have noticed that many parts of the media represent female relationships, whether sisterly or friendly or parental, as impure and unequal as though women only look to gain. Though, Nadin rightfully bended this norm, displaying how beautiful it is to, as a female, have friendships with other women because it is such a rewarding thing.
There were so many things commented on in this book and, though it was levelled out by Nadin's use of humour, these included gender inequality, class divide, women of this time's lack of education in areas that therefore made them vulnerable, homophobia and so many more. And Nadin made the characters so unique and I loved every one of them. Aster and her creativity as well as her story line with Topaz, Marigold and her unbreakable spirit, Mama and her unwavering display of support for each of her girls, Valentine and his enteruprenerial ventures, Mabel with her frankness, Siegfried's (though a sheep) ability to make me laugh, Freddy's kindness and even Grandma, who, though mean and miserable, never gave in or complained outwardly at having the Mannerings in her house.
Nadin made it obvious that Buck was bad news from the start but Panth's obsession with him read as an example of how men used women, particuarly back then, but also how it continued.
The romance with Freddy was gorgeous because, though it was rather condensed at the end, it happened at the most natural point after Panth had grown. The scene where they were swimming, his letters and his kindness and appreciation for Panth genuinely had me smiling so hard (of course, it was annoying Panth didn't see him in a romantic way but that was all part of her growth). And the notebook he gave her with her full name was the cherry on top.
Overall, this was by far my favourite book of the year, if not one of my favourite books ever!
April 7, 2023
This delightful novel is the story of the Mannering family, their menagerie of pets and their woes. Its 1924 and England was slowly changing. Amidst this change is the Mannering family living in genteel poverty. Their beloved papas demise without a male heir has led to this sorry state of affairs. Some things had not changed I guess. The book opens on their dilemma with the three sisters all named after flowers commiserating.
Despite the cloud of gloom that surrounds the sisters, Nadin writes with singular bravura making this a humorous read. The things the gals said or their misdemeanours had me howling with laughter. A witty memoir told by Panth in first person POV delivers from the start. The three sisters are all named after flowers. There’s Aster the eldest daughter in a perpetual sulk, Panth – whose name I could not even guess, trying to be hopeful and Marigold with her menagerie of pets. A coming of age tale, well researched and extremely entertaining. Panths’ diary is a mix of naive, erudite prose, and rather thought provoking insights into all aspects of living including the difficulties of life. At the end of the novel I discovered Panths real name. It’s one of those ah ah moments. So easy to guess but I hadn’t. Nadin is good at word games lol. Along the way I also gleaned how and why the phrase ‘A calamity of Mannerings’ was contrived.
Theirs is a world where a woman’s sole destiny is still marriage, intercourse before marriage is potentially catastrophic, homosexuality is frowned upon and is illegal. The Upstairs Downstairs still existed. People were generally snobs and if one was the genteel poor you would either be ignored, pitied or openly snubbed. The genteel had to keep up appearances. An enlightened girl would feel the discrimination, genteel or not and if you are the Mannering gals, loudly lament their state. I loved how Nadin engaged all her characters to facetiously question these difficult topics. I laughed and also cried with them. I empathised with the Mannering clan. Their turn of phrase was droll.
This novel could well have been a very ordinary, boring story but it was Nadins perceptiveness, turn of phrase and her masterly penmanship that makes the ordinary into a captivating read. Not surprising when one reads her impressive bio. Her descriptions through Panth are colourful, the characters vivid and real, giving us an enchanting glimpse into life at the turn of the century. There were many evocative poignant moments when my eyes filled with tears.
Flawless, witty, emotional, beautifully written, riveting, punchy, and a story that just keeps delivering. An unforgettable read that will uplift and lighten one’s spirit for a long time.
Despite the cloud of gloom that surrounds the sisters, Nadin writes with singular bravura making this a humorous read. The things the gals said or their misdemeanours had me howling with laughter. A witty memoir told by Panth in first person POV delivers from the start. The three sisters are all named after flowers. There’s Aster the eldest daughter in a perpetual sulk, Panth – whose name I could not even guess, trying to be hopeful and Marigold with her menagerie of pets. A coming of age tale, well researched and extremely entertaining. Panths’ diary is a mix of naive, erudite prose, and rather thought provoking insights into all aspects of living including the difficulties of life. At the end of the novel I discovered Panths real name. It’s one of those ah ah moments. So easy to guess but I hadn’t. Nadin is good at word games lol. Along the way I also gleaned how and why the phrase ‘A calamity of Mannerings’ was contrived.
Theirs is a world where a woman’s sole destiny is still marriage, intercourse before marriage is potentially catastrophic, homosexuality is frowned upon and is illegal. The Upstairs Downstairs still existed. People were generally snobs and if one was the genteel poor you would either be ignored, pitied or openly snubbed. The genteel had to keep up appearances. An enlightened girl would feel the discrimination, genteel or not and if you are the Mannering gals, loudly lament their state. I loved how Nadin engaged all her characters to facetiously question these difficult topics. I laughed and also cried with them. I empathised with the Mannering clan. Their turn of phrase was droll.
This novel could well have been a very ordinary, boring story but it was Nadins perceptiveness, turn of phrase and her masterly penmanship that makes the ordinary into a captivating read. Not surprising when one reads her impressive bio. Her descriptions through Panth are colourful, the characters vivid and real, giving us an enchanting glimpse into life at the turn of the century. There were many evocative poignant moments when my eyes filled with tears.
Flawless, witty, emotional, beautifully written, riveting, punchy, and a story that just keeps delivering. An unforgettable read that will uplift and lighten one’s spirit for a long time.
January 20, 2023
I have lots of personal catnip-genres but somewhere at the top of the list, if not at the top, is early/mid century coming of age, whether contemporaneous or contemporary historical. Before I was two paged in I knew that I was going to find A Calamity of Mannerings an utter delight. But fear not if you don't share my own very specific tastes, if you enjoy a well-researched, well-written, very funny Young Adult book with a fabulous cast then this for you.
Sixteen year old Pan has recently lost her father, and with him possibly her home unless the child her mother is about to have is a boy and can inherit the title and estate. Either way she and her sisters live in rural genteel poverty where Pan dreams of joining her friend Margot in London to join the Bright Young Things, and of Romance, rereading The Sheikh over and over. Her older sister, Aster, is permanantly miserable, especially since her best friend got engaged, her younger, Marigold, is busy adding to her menangerie which includes a barely-domesticated ram, while her formidable grandmother disapproves of them all from The Dower House.
Told in diary form this very entertaining book doesn't shy away from difficult topics told through Pan's sometimes naive, artless prose, including the difficulties of life in a world where homosexuality is illegal, a woman's destiny is marriage, abortion is not just illegal but life threatening and sex before marriage potentially catastrophic, mixed up in a world sharply divided between the haves and have nots. Fabulously written and peopled with unforgettable characters I adored every word. Highly recommended.
Sixteen year old Pan has recently lost her father, and with him possibly her home unless the child her mother is about to have is a boy and can inherit the title and estate. Either way she and her sisters live in rural genteel poverty where Pan dreams of joining her friend Margot in London to join the Bright Young Things, and of Romance, rereading The Sheikh over and over. Her older sister, Aster, is permanantly miserable, especially since her best friend got engaged, her younger, Marigold, is busy adding to her menangerie which includes a barely-domesticated ram, while her formidable grandmother disapproves of them all from The Dower House.
Told in diary form this very entertaining book doesn't shy away from difficult topics told through Pan's sometimes naive, artless prose, including the difficulties of life in a world where homosexuality is illegal, a woman's destiny is marriage, abortion is not just illegal but life threatening and sex before marriage potentially catastrophic, mixed up in a world sharply divided between the haves and have nots. Fabulously written and peopled with unforgettable characters I adored every word. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2023
'A Calamity of Mannerings' is a superb 1920s romantic comedy and coming-of-age story written in diary form in the style of Dodie Smith's 'I Capture the Castle'. Fans of Dodie Smith, Nancy Mitford, Jane Austen or Downton Abbey are sure to love this hilarious and sparkling novel.
The 16-year-old narrator Panth and her sisters Aster and Marigold face losing their home, estate and title after the death of their father - unless their youngest sibling is born in possession of the 'essential appendage' that will prevent cousin Valentine inheriting everything. This is just one of the instances of gender inequality with which Panth must contend. As Joanna Nadin charts Panth's growing attraction to the wealthy new American tenant Buck Buchanan, we are shown how it is women who must face the consequences of male sexual entitlement.
Alongside the novel's serious feminist message (sadly as timely now as in 1924 when it is set), there is plenty of laugh-out-loud humour, much of which revolves around younger sister Marigold and the growing menagerie she accumulates, much to the chagrin of her old-fashioned grandmother. As well as a cat, a dog, lots of rabbit, a sheep and two frogs, Marigold even abducts a penguin in one particularly hilarious section.
Nadin includes lots of charming references to earlier romantic fiction but Panth's voice feels fresh and original. This is a delightful read which should be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC to review.
The 16-year-old narrator Panth and her sisters Aster and Marigold face losing their home, estate and title after the death of their father - unless their youngest sibling is born in possession of the 'essential appendage' that will prevent cousin Valentine inheriting everything. This is just one of the instances of gender inequality with which Panth must contend. As Joanna Nadin charts Panth's growing attraction to the wealthy new American tenant Buck Buchanan, we are shown how it is women who must face the consequences of male sexual entitlement.
Alongside the novel's serious feminist message (sadly as timely now as in 1924 when it is set), there is plenty of laugh-out-loud humour, much of which revolves around younger sister Marigold and the growing menagerie she accumulates, much to the chagrin of her old-fashioned grandmother. As well as a cat, a dog, lots of rabbit, a sheep and two frogs, Marigold even abducts a penguin in one particularly hilarious section.
Nadin includes lots of charming references to earlier romantic fiction but Panth's voice feels fresh and original. This is a delightful read which should be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC to review.
April 19, 2025
A CALAMITY OF MANNERINGS is a funny tale of first crushes and chaotic life.
This book feels like I CAPTURE THE CASTLE meets MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS. It's so funny, an absolute disaster (calamity) of a family but not because of any spite, just too many exuberant personalities leading them into well meaning catastrophe one after the other. I was laughing constantly throughout the book. The situations the family find themselves in are so absurd but never break disbelief because it's so in keeping with their personalities.
It's told through diary entries and thus candid in a way that really opens up Panth's mind to the reader. It's a nice intimacy, really capturing the obsession and single mindedness of a first (naïve) teenage crush/infatuation and how silly it can make someone, the circles they talk themselves into, and the things they overlook.
I liked that you knew who she was going to end up with by the end but were still invested in her journey of self-realisation to work this out. There's an eye-opening that has to happen and you don't want her to go through it but also are there for her throughout. It's a sweet romance and I liked that it ended on a "just starting out" moment in the relationship as that felt so much more realistic for their ages and characters than being much further down the relationship path.
Onto the companion novel, BIRDY ARBUTHNOT'S YEAR OF YES, which is set 36 years later...
This book feels like I CAPTURE THE CASTLE meets MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS. It's so funny, an absolute disaster (calamity) of a family but not because of any spite, just too many exuberant personalities leading them into well meaning catastrophe one after the other. I was laughing constantly throughout the book. The situations the family find themselves in are so absurd but never break disbelief because it's so in keeping with their personalities.
It's told through diary entries and thus candid in a way that really opens up Panth's mind to the reader. It's a nice intimacy, really capturing the obsession and single mindedness of a first (naïve) teenage crush/infatuation and how silly it can make someone, the circles they talk themselves into, and the things they overlook.
I liked that you knew who she was going to end up with by the end but were still invested in her journey of self-realisation to work this out. There's an eye-opening that has to happen and you don't want her to go through it but also are there for her throughout. It's a sweet romance and I liked that it ended on a "just starting out" moment in the relationship as that felt so much more realistic for their ages and characters than being much further down the relationship path.
Onto the companion novel, BIRDY ARBUTHNOT'S YEAR OF YES, which is set 36 years later...
January 19, 2023
Panth is 16 and raring to experience life to the fullest but it's not an easy thing to do.
To start with, since her papa passe away her family is quite poor - she, her mother and three sisters (one very newly arrived in their lives) have to leave their beloved home and move in with Grandma. Then, romance needs a romantic, and apart from Freddie Spencer who hardly counts, candidates for the role are thin on the ground. And yet, it's 1924 and anything feels possible, if only Panth can catch the eye of the exciting young American Buck Buchanan.
'A Calamity of Mannerings' is a deliciously witty, thought-provoking and enchanting read. It describes with heart-breaking accuracy and great tenderness the torments of growing up, navigating relationships and making one's place in the world when this world is entirely designed for men. Although the story is set in 1924, the difficulties Joanna Nadin's characters encounter feel terrifyingly relevant for today's young people. But Panth and her sisters don't only show us that the world is often unfair, they also show us that we can all make waves and have our part in making things move forward.
To start with, since her papa passe away her family is quite poor - she, her mother and three sisters (one very newly arrived in their lives) have to leave their beloved home and move in with Grandma. Then, romance needs a romantic, and apart from Freddie Spencer who hardly counts, candidates for the role are thin on the ground. And yet, it's 1924 and anything feels possible, if only Panth can catch the eye of the exciting young American Buck Buchanan.
'A Calamity of Mannerings' is a deliciously witty, thought-provoking and enchanting read. It describes with heart-breaking accuracy and great tenderness the torments of growing up, navigating relationships and making one's place in the world when this world is entirely designed for men. Although the story is set in 1924, the difficulties Joanna Nadin's characters encounter feel terrifyingly relevant for today's young people. But Panth and her sisters don't only show us that the world is often unfair, they also show us that we can all make waves and have our part in making things move forward.
June 2, 2023
*******Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review********
Panth's father has died - leaving only daughters. So the family have to move out of their home and slide into even more gentile poverty than they were already in. And it's 1924, so the options for gently born young women are somewhat limited. But what Panth wants is a bit of romance and a taste of the highlife she's seen in the pages of Tatler. So when their old house is let to a dashing American Bright Young Man it looks like her fortunes may be changing...
Well this was delightful. I love books set in the 1920s and this is a lovely coming of age story about a young woman trying to figure out what she wants and what her place is in the world in difficult circumstances. The blurb for this says it's for fans of I Capture the Castle and Bridgerton and I think that's fairly fair - it's a bit more adult that I Capture, but substantially less sexy than Bridgerton but it's also witty and funny and if you're an adult reading this you can spot some developments coming as well as some of the other books that it's nodding too. Lots of fun.
Panth's father has died - leaving only daughters. So the family have to move out of their home and slide into even more gentile poverty than they were already in. And it's 1924, so the options for gently born young women are somewhat limited. But what Panth wants is a bit of romance and a taste of the highlife she's seen in the pages of Tatler. So when their old house is let to a dashing American Bright Young Man it looks like her fortunes may be changing...
Well this was delightful. I love books set in the 1920s and this is a lovely coming of age story about a young woman trying to figure out what she wants and what her place is in the world in difficult circumstances. The blurb for this says it's for fans of I Capture the Castle and Bridgerton and I think that's fairly fair - it's a bit more adult that I Capture, but substantially less sexy than Bridgerton but it's also witty and funny and if you're an adult reading this you can spot some developments coming as well as some of the other books that it's nodding too. Lots of fun.
May 14, 2023
What a charming and entertaining book. I have read all of Joanna Nadin's adult novels, and this one is completely different. What is the same is her sense of humour and characterisations, but to set this lovely tale in rural England in the 1920s, was an inspired change of direction I like to read books actually written pre-WW2, and the author has absolutely nailed the language and the atmosphere of the time.
Our heroine is 17 year old 'Panther', and she is such an engaging and funny character. I loved her. She is struggling with the recent death of her beloved father, and having to adjust to a change in the family's home and fortunes. Along with her eccentric and formidable family, she takes us on a journey of self-discovery and related antics. I am laughing just remembering some of the scenes. There are similarities with My Family and Other Animals (The Durrells), which can only be a good thing. If a TV company do not snap this up - they are missing a trick!
A massive five stars from me! * * * * *
Our heroine is 17 year old 'Panther', and she is such an engaging and funny character. I loved her. She is struggling with the recent death of her beloved father, and having to adjust to a change in the family's home and fortunes. Along with her eccentric and formidable family, she takes us on a journey of self-discovery and related antics. I am laughing just remembering some of the scenes. There are similarities with My Family and Other Animals (The Durrells), which can only be a good thing. If a TV company do not snap this up - they are missing a trick!
A massive five stars from me! * * * * *
February 4, 2024
I loved this. The blurb said that it was a successor to I Capture the Castle and Bridgerton. Well the Bridgerton comparison is insulting but it did remind me of ICTC. It is the diary of 16 year old Panther Mannering who is trying to find her Purpose in Life, or is that in Love? Equal parts funny and moving, it is set in 1924, so there are Bright Young Things of whom she is not a part but also suffragism and socialism. Her family is genteel but impoverished and her father has recently died leaving three daughters and Mama pregnant, hopefully with a boy otherwise Cousin Valentine inherits their home.
A Lot happens and it was definitely written in modern times (maybe that is where the Bridgerton comparison comes from) but it still felt plausibly set in the past. Panther can't envision many paths for herself because she has not been told how to, but the possibilities are just on the horizon. Panther is delightful, her sister Marigold should be corresponding with Gerry Durrell in a few time, and Aster finds some backbone when it is needed.
A Lot happens and it was definitely written in modern times (maybe that is where the Bridgerton comparison comes from) but it still felt plausibly set in the past. Panther can't envision many paths for herself because she has not been told how to, but the possibilities are just on the horizon. Panther is delightful, her sister Marigold should be corresponding with Gerry Durrell in a few time, and Aster finds some backbone when it is needed.
March 1, 2023
This book was such an entertaining and exciting read! I loved every part of it, I found myself laughing aloud so many times it is impossible to count! Freddy is my favourite character, his kindness and softness is so endearing and I truly swooned over everything he said to Panth, “HIS” Panth!!!
I would read a second book in a heartbeat set in this world with these characters, and feel like I have found another author whom which I truly enjoy reading! This book tackles some strong subjects and explains most of all that women are just as intelligent and competent than men! Every small interaction brought me joy!
Join sixteen-year-old Panther on her journey as she discovers the world of romance, failed romance, society, friendships, family and sisterhood, and most of all, discovering her purpose in life! This book is such a joy to read and I highly highly recommend! Thank you to Net Gallery and the publisher for this ARC.
I would read a second book in a heartbeat set in this world with these characters, and feel like I have found another author whom which I truly enjoy reading! This book tackles some strong subjects and explains most of all that women are just as intelligent and competent than men! Every small interaction brought me joy!
Join sixteen-year-old Panther on her journey as she discovers the world of romance, failed romance, society, friendships, family and sisterhood, and most of all, discovering her purpose in life! This book is such a joy to read and I highly highly recommend! Thank you to Net Gallery and the publisher for this ARC.
April 8, 2023
In my view A Calamity of Mannerings is a sort of I Capture the Castle number 2. And let me tell you, that just as Dodie's masterpiece, it captured me wholeheartedly or better said: it charmed my socks off!!
I seriously loved every page and every character, including the villein, because he had his role and he played it to perfection. The humour is exquisite and I really laughed out loud repeatedly. What an extraordinary calamity the Mannerings are. Lovely, quirky girls, being themselves and discovering their place in the world. There's noting that I love more than girls being different and enjoying it. Loving themselves and who they are and embracing life despite shortcomings, poverty, suffering!
I would really love to see some more of the Mannerings, a sequel maybe?!
*Book from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity!
I seriously loved every page and every character, including the villein, because he had his role and he played it to perfection. The humour is exquisite and I really laughed out loud repeatedly. What an extraordinary calamity the Mannerings are. Lovely, quirky girls, being themselves and discovering their place in the world. There's noting that I love more than girls being different and enjoying it. Loving themselves and who they are and embracing life despite shortcomings, poverty, suffering!
I would really love to see some more of the Mannerings, a sequel maybe?!
*Book from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity!
May 8, 2023
'A Calamity of Mannerings' is the coming-of-age story of 'Panth' Mannering - a sixteen-year-old girl whose family has been cast into poverty by the death of her father shortly followed by the birth of a fourth daughter instead of the required male heir.
The Mannerings are a cross between the Mitford sisters and the Durrell menagerie. Panth desperately aspires to be a 'bright young thing' and catch the attention of their dashing American neighbour, Buck Buchanan, but is more often than not foiled by the antics of the family's pet sheep, Siegfried.
I thoroughly enjoyed this - a charming and effervescent read, perfect for fans of 'I Capture the Castle' and 'Vile Bodies'.
The Mannerings are a cross between the Mitford sisters and the Durrell menagerie. Panth desperately aspires to be a 'bright young thing' and catch the attention of their dashing American neighbour, Buck Buchanan, but is more often than not foiled by the antics of the family's pet sheep, Siegfried.
I thoroughly enjoyed this - a charming and effervescent read, perfect for fans of 'I Capture the Castle' and 'Vile Bodies'.
June 18, 2023
Set in the 20’s when only men could inherit wealth Panth and her family face an uncertain future with no male heir to inherit the family home after her father dies. When Buck, a rich young American moves to their town Panth feels he might be the answer to all of her family woes.
This book had me hooked from the start, written in diary form from Panths point of view you are really immersed in her life. The narration is perfect in tone, conjuring up 20’s Britain and all the ecentricities of the upper classes. The novel also explores womens history and politics and how the laws of the time impacted them. I also loved how the author managed to represent the LGBTQ+ community by exploring how life was for them during this period.
The novel was hugely funny and in many ways reminded me of I Capture the Castle or any of the Austin novels. Marriage is clearly seen as important to women but i loved how Panth questioned whether this is how it should be. There was also something reminiscent of Gatsby about it, due to Buck and his lavish lifestyle and extravagant parties.
Panth herself gets caught up in Buck’s world and starts to fall for his charms, of course true love is never easy and whether Buck is truely suitable for her is the real question.
Full of wit and wonderfully heart warming Panth and her family will really get under your skin and will stay with you long after you finish.
This book had me hooked from the start, written in diary form from Panths point of view you are really immersed in her life. The narration is perfect in tone, conjuring up 20’s Britain and all the ecentricities of the upper classes. The novel also explores womens history and politics and how the laws of the time impacted them. I also loved how the author managed to represent the LGBTQ+ community by exploring how life was for them during this period.
The novel was hugely funny and in many ways reminded me of I Capture the Castle or any of the Austin novels. Marriage is clearly seen as important to women but i loved how Panth questioned whether this is how it should be. There was also something reminiscent of Gatsby about it, due to Buck and his lavish lifestyle and extravagant parties.
Panth herself gets caught up in Buck’s world and starts to fall for his charms, of course true love is never easy and whether Buck is truely suitable for her is the real question.
Full of wit and wonderfully heart warming Panth and her family will really get under your skin and will stay with you long after you finish.
March 9, 2023
A compelling, witty YA novel with the Sense and Sensibility premise (father dies, estate entailed away from his daughters) set in 1924. The cast of characters is delightful and consistently entertaining, and the values of tolerance and feminism gently pervade the whole. I struggled to put it down to the extent I read the last 100+ pages in a single, late-night, unstoppable go.
As much as I've loved this protagonist, Panth, I'm dearly hoping for a sequel with her younger sister Marigold's coming of age as the focus, as I'm sure it will be equally riveting.
As much as I've loved this protagonist, Panth, I'm dearly hoping for a sequel with her younger sister Marigold's coming of age as the focus, as I'm sure it will be equally riveting.
April 23, 2024
I loved I capture the Castle by Dodie Smith and this is a very similar book but it feels more real, more modern and more enchanting.
Like I capture the Castle, the book is written in diary form and we get a one view of a changing world and I loved Panther, I loved her story and the way she changes and grows up and how her world opens up to her and how she learns to love being female.
This is a very easy book to read and I finished it very quickly as I wanted to enjoy all of Panthers adventures.. its warm and funny and deals with some quite serious issues.
Like I capture the Castle, the book is written in diary form and we get a one view of a changing world and I loved Panther, I loved her story and the way she changes and grows up and how her world opens up to her and how she learns to love being female.
This is a very easy book to read and I finished it very quickly as I wanted to enjoy all of Panthers adventures.. its warm and funny and deals with some quite serious issues.
April 26, 2023
A delightful, witty, entertaining, and compelling comedy of manners about coming of age in Twenties. Panth is learning to navigate society, love, relationship and her diary is delightful, thought provoking, and funny.
The author is a talented storyteller and I hope there will be more books featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
The author is a talented storyteller and I hope there will be more books featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 19, 2023
A charming coming of age story that feels as though it was written years ago - and I mean that in a positive way. Told in the first person by a 16 year old girl living in genteel poverty in the 1920s. A cast of eccentric family members living a chaotic but mainly happy life.
May 18, 2023
Charming but perhaps a bit too naive for me. Similar in theme/style to Laura Wood’s books. I enjoyed it but wasn’t captivated.
August 10, 2023
nope. repulsively twee. 'for fans of I Capture the Castle' - lol, really? no no no no noway nohow.
April 19, 2024
Amazingly predictable but all the more joyous for it! I think this could become one of my go to pick-me-up books for times of extreme stress.
July 1, 2024
this made my 'i capture the castle' heart very very happy... and it was HILARIOUS too. possibly the funniest story i have ever read.
July 31, 2024
Very good. Some aspects of the plot were a little predictable but it made me genuinely laugh out loud more times than I can count.
October 7, 2025
Witty and charming. This story is laugh out loud funny at times and an absolute delight.
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