Time Remembered

Miss Read Memoirs #2

by Miss Read, Derek Crowe (Illustrator)

The author recalls her school years in Kent, years that were later woven into her novels about Thrush Green and Fairacre

Genres: Memoir, Biography, British Literature, Nonfiction

102 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 1987

About the author

Dora 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.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! The writing is so very Miss Read. I’m not sure quite how to describe it, but her authorial voice is distinct and delightful even when she is describing her own childhood school days. No wonder she can write so convincingly about village schools and villages and the precious quiet and flora and fauna of the countryside. I like what she writes in the introduction:

“This is an unashamedly nostalgic account of one of the happiest periods of my life…It was a time which shaped the pattern of my future. It brought home to me the need to live in the country, to relish the changing seasons, village diversities, and to revere those writers whose particular genius was their interpretation of English country things—Thomas Hardy, W.H. Hudson, Flora Thompson, Edward Thomas, John Betjeman, and a score more” (ix).

Anyone who has read Miss Read’s novels will say Amen to this and put her name right in that list of eminent writers. Just like with E.H. Shepard’s memoirs, I was longing for more. I want to hear all about Dora Saint’s own teacher training, her early teaching days, her marriage, her WWII experiences, her early writing career. Maybe there’s at least a biography?

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of “Miss Read’s” memoirs. Calm and gentle

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biographical book about Miss Read starting when she is around seven years of age. As in A Fortunate Grandchild there book has black-and-white illustrations and is very peaceful and nice.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Read writes a second memoir, this time about her country school days from 1921-1924. It makes a lively juxtaposition to elementary education today. She walked 1.25 miles four times a day to get to and from school. The day began with morning prayers, singing a hymn, and hearing a Bible story.

In her introduction she mentioned writers who glory in English village life:

Thomas Hardy
W.H. Hudson
Flora Thompson
Edward Thomas
John Betjeman.

I was completely unfamiliar with W.H. Hudson, and was only introduced to Edward Thomas recently from reading Robert MacFarlane's book, The Old Ways. I'm always thrilled with new authors to explore.

A parting quote from Miss Read:
In fact, the place fitted me as snugly as a cocoon, and lapped in warmth, security and friendship, I thrived as never before.

[Leaflet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another slim memoir that continues on from A Fortunate Grandchild. When the author was seven her family moved from London to Chelsfield in Kent, mainly for the mother’s health. From 1921 to 1924 she spends three idyllic years attending the local village school.

[Julian H · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the vivid memories replaying itself to reflect on the happy and joyful times Miss Read once lived during the year 1921 to 1924. Moving and living in a small village at the English countryside set her to never return to the suburbs and her future set in place within those 3 years. With the friends she made and the fun living in a small community, describing the various classroom dramas, the treat of going home on the corn merchant trail, attempt of toffee making (or perhaps turned into fudge?), and finally how being the proud owner of a scooter gave Miss Read a huge advantage with the boys. I didn't realize any offensive content when reading this book.
-Pros: Short and sweet, really set the feel of happy nostalgic enjoyment
-Cons: N/A, in my opinion
2 excerpts: "Shibby August, with its drying grass and end-of-summer feeling, might just as well be spent in school where I grew increasingly happy."
"I could hear the hum of school activity. The lime trees were still there, dripping. The cold Kentish air struck the flesh as keenly as it had always done. The grey roof glistened, the iron railings were headed with bright drops, a pigeon came down to strut through the puddles, and I was eight years old again."

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After enjoying many of Miss Read's delightful books it was enlightening to find her autobiography. She takes us back to the time when, as a seven-year-old, her family moved from London to the small village of Chelsfield in Kent. This was where she thrived. London had been overwhelming to an introverted little girl. Now she discovered nature, found friends and stored up memories that would be written into future novels. In the end of the book Miss Read returns to her village school fifty years later where she discovers similarities and differences in the next generation of children's experiences.

[Gina House · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟 A calm and interesting mini memoir by one of my favorite authors, Miss Read. Although I enjoyed her first memoir ‘The Fortunate Grandchild’ much more, I still enjoyed this second book about her early school experiences.

The practical, hopeful and even playful way that Miss Read shares special times in her childhood is lovely to read. I wish I had known or met her.

The black and white illustrations are such a charming addition to the book. I am so grateful to have these two books about Dora Saint’s childhood in my collection!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this super short, quick read. Set during the early 1920s, it chronicles the early grade school years of Miss Read. If you're a fan of Larkrise to Candleford, you'd enjoy this tiny memoir.

[Sharon Van Hooser Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time Remembered by Miss Read - I was told these books by Miss Read are wonderful. This is my first book of hers. I enjoyed it very much and will try another ASAP.

Very wholesome, sweet memories and in a time of when my Mother was very young.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Miss Read’s books are a delight to read, and this was no exception. How wonderful to travel back to another time and place, and to uncover events and influences that helped shape her Fairacre and Thrush Green novels.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very calming -and nice to see the resonances with her other books.

[Bobbiann Markle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet little book. More than 60 years later, Miss Read (Dora Saint, née Shafe) clearly remembers the three pleasant and carefree years she spent at Chelsfield School from 1921-1924.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely as Miss Read always is! Cozy and sweet to read with a hot drink just before bed. Probably best enjoyed by those that already enjoy her other writings.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 4 out of 5]

So incredibly sweet! I’ll pass it on to Annie to read. Found this at Value Village and I’ll for sure look out for more ‘Miss Read’!

[Hannah Alane · Rating 4 out of 5]

No other word for Miss Read’s memoirs than charming. 💕 All of her writing, whether fictional or autobiographical, feels like a cozy blanket. ❤️

[Michell Karnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I love this author and wish there was more like it but I think I have read all that she has written. I love the story of a simpler time where things moved slower and there was a greater sense of community. Miss Read evokes a sense of children being allowed to have that sense of wonder in an unhurried atmosphere. The author tells about a time and a place where children are treated with respect while still having chores and responsibilities and respect for the adults around them. I love her choice of language just a completely fantastic storyteller!

[Priscilla Herrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the Miss Read books ever since I first discovered these delightful stories of a teacher's life in rural England. Time Remembered is Miss Read's memoir of her own childhood and her time as a pupil in a village school.

[Libbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography, Time Remembered and A Fortunate Grandchild have also been published together in one volume as Early Days.

[Linda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, wistful look into the country school life of the author in 1920's England. Full of charm and wit which characterize all of Miss Read's books. A comforting tale.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little book, remembering three years in 1920's rural England.

[Giddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a cozy sweater, warm and loving.

[Booksnpieces · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely nostalgic look as bygone days.

[Reading with Cats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Miss Read!