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Chronicles of Fairacre: Village School / Village Diary / Storm in the Village
Great stories. Classic.
- GenresFiction
534 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1964
4 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
158 books515 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 26, 2019
About:
Chronicles of Fairacre is a series that was written by Miss Read. This bind up I read consisted of the first three books in the series: Village School, Village Diary and Storm in the Village. The first two were published in 1955 and the third in 1958. These are quiet books with not much of a plot. They just follow the school mistress in a small English village called Fairacre and her anecdotes about village life. They are well written, atmospheric, cosy books with a nice sense of Miss Read’s humor thrown in the mix. Village School almost focused entirely on Miss Read teaching, life at school and the children in the village. It was a nice introduction, but I was glad the later books focused more on the village as a whole. Village Diary was written as if it was Miss Read’s diary and I enjoyed that one a good deal. This one was particularly plotless, yet was enjoyable because it was when Miss Read’s humor started shining through. She was so perceptive about all the villagers and I just like the way she sees things. Storm in the Village involved various plot lines of drama and strife in the village and therefore seemed to have a slight plot. The main drama is that a new village may be built nearby to house workers at a nearby atomic plant, which has everyone in Fairacre in a tizzy over what this would mean for their village. Another big storyline in this one was the ill-fated romance of Hilary Jackson, the teacher of the infants at Fairacre school. That was a plot line that I quite enjoyed. These were not fast reads, but overall very enjoyable. So nice to escape to this simple time and place. The writing was quite good too and I loved the connection to the seasons. Also, Miss Read was just such a delightful narrator and really grew on me throughout these books. Not all of the characters stood out, but there were some great ones. I think I will continue reading this series throughout time. Perhaps like one a year.
Do I Recommend This? :
Yes! If you want a cozy comfort read and books set in the English countryside, dealing with village life that have a good dose of wit thrown in sounds like something you would like, you should check out these books!
Chronicles of Fairacre is a series that was written by Miss Read. This bind up I read consisted of the first three books in the series: Village School, Village Diary and Storm in the Village. The first two were published in 1955 and the third in 1958. These are quiet books with not much of a plot. They just follow the school mistress in a small English village called Fairacre and her anecdotes about village life. They are well written, atmospheric, cosy books with a nice sense of Miss Read’s humor thrown in the mix. Village School almost focused entirely on Miss Read teaching, life at school and the children in the village. It was a nice introduction, but I was glad the later books focused more on the village as a whole. Village Diary was written as if it was Miss Read’s diary and I enjoyed that one a good deal. This one was particularly plotless, yet was enjoyable because it was when Miss Read’s humor started shining through. She was so perceptive about all the villagers and I just like the way she sees things. Storm in the Village involved various plot lines of drama and strife in the village and therefore seemed to have a slight plot. The main drama is that a new village may be built nearby to house workers at a nearby atomic plant, which has everyone in Fairacre in a tizzy over what this would mean for their village. Another big storyline in this one was the ill-fated romance of Hilary Jackson, the teacher of the infants at Fairacre school. That was a plot line that I quite enjoyed. These were not fast reads, but overall very enjoyable. So nice to escape to this simple time and place. The writing was quite good too and I loved the connection to the seasons. Also, Miss Read was just such a delightful narrator and really grew on me throughout these books. Not all of the characters stood out, but there were some great ones. I think I will continue reading this series throughout time. Perhaps like one a year.
Do I Recommend This? :
Yes! If you want a cozy comfort read and books set in the English countryside, dealing with village life that have a good dose of wit thrown in sounds like something you would like, you should check out these books!
July 10, 2022
Sometimes you want to just relax, sit back and immerse yourself in a world where people are good. Where traditions (even illogical ones) are respected, where human failings and foibles are met with patience and kindness instead of outrage. And so, I find myself returning once again to the mythical postwar village of Fairacre and the soothing good-natured prose of Miss Read. Not a "powerful" book, this, not a call to to action. Just a celebration of all that is good and decent in human beings. It was refreshing.
January 25, 2009
Synopsis
Fairacre is a village of cottages, a church and the school - and at the heart of the school, its head mistress, Miss Read. Through her discerning eye, we meet the villagers of Fairacre and see their trials and tribulations, from the irascible school cleaner Mrs Pringle, to the young school children, with their scraped knees, hopeful faces and inevitable mischief. Miss Read takes us through the school year, beginning with the Christmas term, when the bitterly cold weather challenges the school's ancient heating system, right through to the hot summer day when school is over for another year. Full of Miss Read's unique, acerbic wit, and wry observations, VILLAGE SCHOOL is an intriguing glimpse into a forgotten world, and has become a true classic.
Unbelievably - the first Miss Read book I have read. It is utterly charming, funny, and acutely observed. Miss Read captures the innocence of a rural childhood in days gone by - the simple excitment of a little paper house imperfectly made at school - and the crushing devastsation when it is used to light Dads pipe. Great stuff!
so far read the firt of the three boks in this omnibus edition.
Fairacre is a village of cottages, a church and the school - and at the heart of the school, its head mistress, Miss Read. Through her discerning eye, we meet the villagers of Fairacre and see their trials and tribulations, from the irascible school cleaner Mrs Pringle, to the young school children, with their scraped knees, hopeful faces and inevitable mischief. Miss Read takes us through the school year, beginning with the Christmas term, when the bitterly cold weather challenges the school's ancient heating system, right through to the hot summer day when school is over for another year. Full of Miss Read's unique, acerbic wit, and wry observations, VILLAGE SCHOOL is an intriguing glimpse into a forgotten world, and has become a true classic.
Unbelievably - the first Miss Read book I have read. It is utterly charming, funny, and acutely observed. Miss Read captures the innocence of a rural childhood in days gone by - the simple excitment of a little paper house imperfectly made at school - and the crushing devastsation when it is used to light Dads pipe. Great stuff!
so far read the firt of the three boks in this omnibus edition.
March 2, 2015
Why did I not try these before?! They are so good! I feel like I'm one of the Fairacre villagers. :) Albeit there are a few characters who's character is not all good; however, I loved the book, and will be reading more! Thanks S.M. for getting me to read these! :)
December 28, 2008
Nice escape from today's fast pace. I read Village School and part of Village Diary, but then decided to move on.
March 6, 2009
An escape to an English country village and a simpler time.
December 8, 2025
An enjoyable read. One thing I like about Miss Read is that she sees the foibles of people and yet she manages to keep an almost detached viewpoint, where she can put up with them, mostly, with an ironic good humor. Every now and then, though, she loses it and puts someone in their place with a pithy comment.
I’m not sure that I could live in a small village, with the expectations of conformity, but she certainly makes it sound attractive with the wonderful relationships that people build up and share. It really sounds so idyllic, although she definitely makes it down to earth as well. It’s an escape to a world where you’re generally pretty safe and surrounded by good people and the beauty of nature.
I’m not sure that I could live in a small village, with the expectations of conformity, but she certainly makes it sound attractive with the wonderful relationships that people build up and share. It really sounds so idyllic, although she definitely makes it down to earth as well. It’s an escape to a world where you’re generally pretty safe and surrounded by good people and the beauty of nature.
October 3, 2018
Read on a cruise. A very good read, which I have to admit I wasn't expecting. It sort of reminded me of Alexander McCall Smith's books. Nothing much happens, but still enjoyable to read. His set in Scotland; this set in a small village in England. Quiet, comfortable reads. In one of Alexander McCall Smith's books I compared the read to comfortable slippers. This book was similar. I handed it onto my mother who was cruising with me.
Don't let the cover be a put off. Worth reading.
Don't let the cover be a put off. Worth reading.
February 7, 2021
I found an old copy of this book, still intact, at a thrift shop for a quarter. Best bargain I've had in a long time! I had previously read the Thrush Green books, so was familiar with the author. She was absolutely wonderful at describing English village life in the 1950's. I recommend any of her books.
March 2, 2023
A favourite book. I have a hardback which I originally bought at St Matthew's Church fair when I was eighteen and which I now keep for best on the vintage bookshelf and a paperback copy which I read whenever I feel like it which is quite often as it's a joy to read. My favourite character is Mrs Pringle. :)
September 18, 2024
It's the first three books of the Fairacre series. The first and third were pretty good and the second one (the Village Diary) was slow going. If you liked the Mitford series by Jan Karon, this is a sweet English one taking place in the 1960's.
Read
February 12, 2020A comfortable easy read. If you like Jan Karon this is a good book to pick up.
November 30, 2009
I know, not racy, not exciting, just everyday life in a 1950's English village. The inhabitants are closely tied together and have their squabbles and little gossip sessions. SO why do I like her books so well? They remind me of church life. All living in a community with all the different idiosyncrasies and personalities of people. Unfortunately the minister in both series is insipid, loving, disorganized, clueless - no real man full of fight and fire for the truth. Generally a woman's world. But for escape reading it can't be beat.
November 3, 2007
These books are my literary equivalent of comfort food. Stories of a small English village in the 1950s, as told by the sharp-tongued but sympathetic spinster schoolteacher. I've read these over and over--I had a copy of this book as a kid--and it was just what I wanted to read: nothing depressing about it, and quite funny. I'll be checking out some of the other books.
July 17, 2013
I really like these English stories of village life in the 1950's told through the voice of the rural school teacher. The audio books are a calm and lovely way to enjoy them. There is not a lot of drama and excitement, but gentle stories about odd little characters and their daily lives. A light summer read or a cozy winter read.
August 2, 2008
I enjoy the on-going battles between Miss Read and Mrs. Pringle, and Miss Read's use of the sweet tin for difficult moments in the classroom. Fairacre is a pleasant retreat from my frequently jangled world.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews