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Fairacre #18
Changes At Fairacre
The central theme of this novel is the death of Miss Clare, Miss Read's predecessor at the village school. However, there are plenty of side stories about the well-known characters of Fairacre: Mrs Pringle the school cleaner and her niece Minnie, the Partridges and the Willets.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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About the author
Miss Read
159 books516 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 61 reviews
July 22, 2019
What a splendid novel! I learned new words, new places, new poems, new colors, new aphorisms / phrases. At the same time I cozied up to comfortable, familiar characters.
When I read Miss Read's works, I look up any unfamiliar name or reference. I pretend I'm preparing, doing my due diligence for (imaginary) future travels to England.
New Words
conurbation {an extended urban area}
parlous condition {precarious, risky}
marrow {zucchini}
courgette {also a zucchini}
pettifogging {undue emphasis on petty details}
New Places
Peak District {southern area of Pennines...get it? Mountain Peaks?!}
Bamburgh Castle {DO LOOK THIS ONE UP! Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria}
New Poems
Spring Goeth All in White, Robert Bridges
The Cow, Robert Louis Stevenson
New Colours [<— 'u' because it's British and I'm an Anglophile]
Crimson Lake {a deep red}
Gamboge {a saffron yellow, from the Latin word for Cambodia}
New phrases
"...they look much of a muchness." [<— I love this! Too much of something there is generally a lot of, also found in Alice in Wonderland]
"My shopping threshold is pretty low."
Today, I sent this quote to a dear friend who is moving, with a promise to come soon to visit. It was good to have an old friend under my new roof.
When I read Miss Read's works, I look up any unfamiliar name or reference. I pretend I'm preparing, doing my due diligence for (imaginary) future travels to England.
New Words
conurbation {an extended urban area}
parlous condition {precarious, risky}
marrow {zucchini}
courgette {also a zucchini}
pettifogging {undue emphasis on petty details}
New Places
Peak District {southern area of Pennines...get it? Mountain Peaks?!}
Bamburgh Castle {DO LOOK THIS ONE UP! Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria}
New Poems
Spring Goeth All in White, Robert Bridges
The Cow, Robert Louis Stevenson
New Colours [<— 'u' because it's British and I'm an Anglophile]
Crimson Lake {a deep red}
Gamboge {a saffron yellow, from the Latin word for Cambodia}
New phrases
"...they look much of a muchness." [<— I love this! Too much of something there is generally a lot of, also found in Alice in Wonderland]
"My shopping threshold is pretty low."
Today, I sent this quote to a dear friend who is moving, with a promise to come soon to visit. It was good to have an old friend under my new roof.
November 19, 2023
3.5, rounded up. Significant plot points in this book! We lost dear Dolly Clare, and I cried. She was such a dear, gentle soul. How I want to be like her! Miss Read gets to move into Dolly’s cottage, and I loved how realistic her grief at leaving the school + her excitement at her own home is. I love that the Umbleditches end up in the schoolhouse! I look forward to hearing how that will work out in future books. And a happy ending for the school too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2018
The perpetual question of whether Fairacre’s school will remain open as the number of students dwindles occupies much of this story, along with the affairs of frail former school mistress Miss Clare. Like the rest of the series, this book offers gentle humor and enjoyment of the quirks of human nature set in the annual cycle of the country seasons. Reread.
November 22, 2024
An old favorite that always pleases. I love all of Miss Read's books!
January 6, 2019
Absolutely delightful. I feel so at ease reading a Miss Read tale - the change in seasons, the engaging characters, the day to day doings of a simple life just draw me right in. Very easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
April 13, 2010
Have been reading and re-reading a few of these over the weekend. I have to be in the mood for them but when I am in the right place - I love them. So relaxing and easy, that time passes and what was to be a 10 minute sit down with a book soon becomes an hour+.
I love the sense of village life from the past - slowly changing but not quite at the pace you get in towns and cities. I really enjoy the portraits of her characters that don't change much on the surface but then suddenly come out with something that shows that she has developed them - like the juxtaposition of Mrs Pringle and Minne Pringle. Good stuff.
Very good reading - relaxing on a spring Sunday afternoon after a proper roast dinner - did the trick. And I didn't doze off either!
I love the sense of village life from the past - slowly changing but not quite at the pace you get in towns and cities. I really enjoy the portraits of her characters that don't change much on the surface but then suddenly come out with something that shows that she has developed them - like the juxtaposition of Mrs Pringle and Minne Pringle. Good stuff.
Very good reading - relaxing on a spring Sunday afternoon after a proper roast dinner - did the trick. And I didn't doze off either!
September 30, 2007
I have read almost all Miss Read's books about a country teacher in an English Village. She has a gentle sense of humor and there is a lot of local color in these books. It is not a book for people who like action, as there is almost no action at all. These books are like comfort food, you can read it and take a breath and slow your life down to the pace of an English country village about 50 years ago.
November 29, 2024
One of the things that keeps changing in these books is Miss Read's cat's gender, sometimes even within the same volume!
These books were published long before anyone talked about a concept of "gender fluidity," didn't her editors notice this?
It's a small but annoying detail.
These books were published long before anyone talked about a concept of "gender fluidity," didn't her editors notice this?
It's a small but annoying detail.
August 31, 2019
As the title indicates, the common theme - one cannot call it a plot - are changes that have occurred, and are still occurring, in Fairacre. From being chiefly an agricultural community, with most of the men employed as farm workers, now most of the work is done by two or three labourers using machines.
Of course the most significant change is the death of Dolly Clare. Residents of he entire area mourn her passing, for she had taught two generations of children. Miss Read was one of her closest friends as well as her former colleague; in addition, Miss Clare left her cottage to Miss Read. Miss Read truly grieves over her friend’s passing - as does the reader.
Another thread that has run through several books is the shrinking village school and the likelihood it will be closed soon. That, too, is resolved in this installment in a very surprising way.
A visit to Fairacre is always good for what ails one.
Of course the most significant change is the death of Dolly Clare. Residents of he entire area mourn her passing, for she had taught two generations of children. Miss Read was one of her closest friends as well as her former colleague; in addition, Miss Clare left her cottage to Miss Read. Miss Read truly grieves over her friend’s passing - as does the reader.
Another thread that has run through several books is the shrinking village school and the likelihood it will be closed soon. That, too, is resolved in this installment in a very surprising way.
A visit to Fairacre is always good for what ails one.
May 23, 2021
How is it possible not to love Miss Read and her love for classics?
I did not cry for Dolly, now freed from pain and the indignities of old age. I cried for myself. I should never see or talk to Dolly again, and that, truthfully, was the cause of my tears and my desolation.
For now I knew. I was bereft.
I looked out some redundant clothing for a future jumble sale, made marmalade, re-read some of Trollope's Barchester novels, and had one or two modest tea parties.
he quoted Wilkie Collins's advice to Charles Dickens: "Make 'em laugh, make 'em cry, make 'em wait".
I did not cry for Dolly, now freed from pain and the indignities of old age. I cried for myself. I should never see or talk to Dolly again, and that, truthfully, was the cause of my tears and my desolation.
For now I knew. I was bereft.
I looked out some redundant clothing for a future jumble sale, made marmalade, re-read some of Trollope's Barchester novels, and had one or two modest tea parties.
he quoted Wilkie Collins's advice to Charles Dickens: "Make 'em laugh, make 'em cry, make 'em wait".
February 9, 2023
This novel - like all of Miss Read’s books is a joy and a comfort. Cozy and filled with the happiness of everyday life, sentimental but never maudlin, Miss Read books are a delight. This one is no exception and I love them all.
May 5, 2024
All I know is I love these books! They capture British life, the quirks of village life, and the beauty of the English countryside so well. Wonderful twists and turns as always. Excellent!
January 22, 2025
Another engaging installment in the series
December 28, 2019
Some rehashing of the preceding novels and a bit melancholy in tone, or maybe that's the mood I was in, this novel starts moving us toward Miss Read's retirement. I was shocked to realize this is the 18th in the series. My goodness, this has been a long and wonderful immersion into Miss Read's world. There are two novels left to the series, and I am dragging my feet about reading them, since I do not want the series to end. But I am already looking forward to the Thrush Green series, so I guess it won't be goodbye, yet.
Meanwhile, here Miss Read realizes that the village school is truly struggling for students and feels that change is inevitable. We say goodbye to a very dear character in this book, but it is a sweet and gentle goodbye. As the title indicates, changes happen, but in a way beginnings and new doors are literally opening. Thank goodness the author has kept the same children throughout the 20 or so years this series spanned. Joseph Coggs' innocence and good nature always bring joy to Miss Read and the reader. The descriptions of Fairacre's natural beauty, changing seasons, and small bucolic events keep their charm and calm me, a frenzied city person.
Meanwhile, here Miss Read realizes that the village school is truly struggling for students and feels that change is inevitable. We say goodbye to a very dear character in this book, but it is a sweet and gentle goodbye. As the title indicates, changes happen, but in a way beginnings and new doors are literally opening. Thank goodness the author has kept the same children throughout the 20 or so years this series spanned. Joseph Coggs' innocence and good nature always bring joy to Miss Read and the reader. The descriptions of Fairacre's natural beauty, changing seasons, and small bucolic events keep their charm and calm me, a frenzied city person.
Read
May 22, 2011I like to think of Fairacre as sort of a British Lake Wobegon - a place where things don't really change.
But change is coming to Fairacre, like it or not. First there's the death of Dolly Clair and Miss Read's move to Dolly's old home. None too soon as it turns out, because a storm damages Miss Read's old home by the school.
The demographics of Fairacre are changing, too. There are far fewer children enrolled in Fairacre school and there is an overriding fear amongst the townfolk that the school may close.
I'd read this book years ago and listened to the audio recently to keep me company while sewing. Miss Read has provided pleasant company for me for years.
But change is coming to Fairacre, like it or not. First there's the death of Dolly Clair and Miss Read's move to Dolly's old home. None too soon as it turns out, because a storm damages Miss Read's old home by the school.
The demographics of Fairacre are changing, too. There are far fewer children enrolled in Fairacre school and there is an overriding fear amongst the townfolk that the school may close.
I'd read this book years ago and listened to the audio recently to keep me company while sewing. Miss Read has provided pleasant company for me for years.
November 15, 2017
Some of the changes involving changes over time in how things were done such as when there was actually no running water or indoor toilets. The biggest change of all is one of the main characters death (peaceful, fortunately).
There's another really, really bad storm. There are continuing worries about whether or not the school will close down. Miss Read moves. We find out Mrs. Pringle is against reading and, as usual, Minnie Pringle fouls up. Sort of a sad volume.
There's another really, really bad storm. There are continuing worries about whether or not the school will close down. Miss Read moves. We find out Mrs. Pringle is against reading and, as usual, Minnie Pringle fouls up. Sort of a sad volume.
April 8, 2010
Yes, another delightful Miss Read book. This one has more of the same, only a little bit extra. Don't start with this, of course, as it's nearly the end of the series. There are some heart wrenching bits here, and as ever, it's worth the time to read.
Read
July 24, 2018What fun! Very pleasant after the "heavier" reads of late. Just enough of life's events to keep it interesting and the author gives wonderful profiles of the participants. A breath of fresh air! A reread and still fun to visit Fairacre again.
May 24, 2014
it's a lovely comforting book to read. I would love to live in a village like fairacre or beech green.
September 30, 2014
a charming story of the simple life on a small English village; a feel good read
November 29, 2017
Great read
Excellent story.
Very gentle and we'll observed storyline with some twists and underlying themes of life that chive it a timeless quality.
Excellent story.
Very gentle and we'll observed storyline with some twists and underlying themes of life that chive it a timeless quality.
April 14, 2024
Hugely disappointing. Dora Saint said that she rather despised her Fairacre novels, and with this one, it shows. Yet again, Miss Read is worrying herself into an early grave about the falling numbers of pupils at Fairacre school. Is this all that Ms Saint could find in the way of tension for her Fairacre novels? There is yet another storm, a more devastating one this time. Though she glosses over the real meat of the event.
Most disappointing of all is the way that Dolly Clare's death is over and done with in a few paragraphs. The whole novel could have been worked around this. So many people in Fairacre, Beech Green and environs knew and loved her. So I wondered why Dora Saint had not devoted most of the novel to their thoughts and feelings, and memories of Dolly. She is fond of saying that one person's life touches so many other, but then she completely ignored that in the case of Dolly Clair, the saint of Fairacre. If you love Fairacre, then don't read this novel. Even though it does set up a thread in the following Fairacre novel, you can easily skip this one.
Most disappointing of all is the way that Dolly Clare's death is over and done with in a few paragraphs. The whole novel could have been worked around this. So many people in Fairacre, Beech Green and environs knew and loved her. So I wondered why Dora Saint had not devoted most of the novel to their thoughts and feelings, and memories of Dolly. She is fond of saying that one person's life touches so many other, but then she completely ignored that in the case of Dolly Clair, the saint of Fairacre. If you love Fairacre, then don't read this novel. Even though it does set up a thread in the following Fairacre novel, you can easily skip this one.
January 19, 2023
This, the 18th book in the series, was a slight change from the usually sedate musings of an ageing school teacher. There was anticipation, concern, and fear in amongst the usual discussions and interactions. From the beginning of the book I knew how one of the major plots would play out. The other major plot was not so obvious. As always, Mrs Pringle bustled and bristled her way through the book, and Mr Willet dispensed his wisdom in spades. The Coggs kids made their regular appearances, alongside Minnie and Amy and Gerald. I love that these families have grown with the series, and it is very reminiscent of the village I grew up in. The only thing I have against this book is that for the first time I felt that it wrapped up rather too neatly. There is very little excitement in the books, as they are very much "slice of life" stories, and so things don't always work out for the good. If it hadn't been so neat and tidy with a bow I would have given it 5 stars.
March 26, 2017
This is an especially good one of a wonderful series! Will they or won't they close Fairacre Village School? This question hangs over the whole book, with many side diversions ranging from international embezzeling to hurricane-torn devastation! For Fairacre, it's a pretty wild ride! At the center, as always, is witty, wry, but basically unflappable Miss Read, steering a steady course through the roll of the seasons.
Miss Read books (in all their settings, but the Fairacre ones are the best of all!) are my RX for soothing relaxation after a bout of difficult or harrowing reads. She always comes through for me!
Miss Read books (in all their settings, but the Fairacre ones are the best of all!) are my RX for soothing relaxation after a bout of difficult or harrowing reads. She always comes through for me!
January 3, 2023
When life gets hectic I escape to either Mitford, the fictional town of Jan Karon's book series, or Fairacre. The small English town of Fairacre is a fictional village seen through the eyes of the local school teacher Miss Read. I grab a cup of tea and as I read I pretend I'm gossiping with an old friend at a local tea shop about the village school or the local church rummage sale. It's strangely soothing!
Changes at Fairacre continues the school teacher's story as the modern world collides with the village and school attendance drops as more people move to the city. After all these years will Miss Read's beloved school close?
Changes at Fairacre continues the school teacher's story as the modern world collides with the village and school attendance drops as more people move to the city. After all these years will Miss Read's beloved school close?
May 29, 2023
There's no question that spending time in Miss Read's Fairacre is a balm to the soul. Even knowing how slowly and gently things move in this fictional world - and looking forward to it! - this particular installment became a bit tedious for me, I'm sorry to say. Miss Read's reliance on her lovely descriptions of nature were overused like too much seasoning in a favorite recipe. Her musings about her new home and her friend, Dolly Clare, were redundant enough for readers who like drinking games to get thoroughly soused. The story could have been told in half the pages without any detrimental effect. "Changes in Fairacre" was, simply, too much of a good thing.
January 31, 2024
Perfect for a bit of nostalgia about village life pre computers, pre internet and pre mass consumerism. Yes, to some the simple story of a village and its characters centered on a school and the headteacher ( Miss Read ) may not be attractive but the sheer quality of the characterizations, the blend of uplifting moments ( when the school is saved from possible closure), humour ( Mrs Pringle's never ending battle with dirt and her bad leg), the commonsense of Mr Willetts and the poignancy of Dolly Clare's death as well as the beauty of the observations of the passing seasons make it the perfect antidote to a dull winter's day.
May 1, 2025
As usual, I loved reading about Miss Read's life and the children and others in Fairacre. It was amazing to read about a hurricane in England. So many quaint and comforting things happen in this book. I want to go wandering with the kids on a nature walk and gather sticks, flowers, rocks, etc. I want to know how Joseph Coggs grows up and follows his bliss. How nice it would be to have a cuppa with Miss Read and Mrs. Pringle in Dolly Clare's garden after Mrs. Pringle has bottomed the house. Are there any peaceful places in England anymore? Oh, also, thank heavens that Mr. Roberts' lambs are safe from golden eagles!
July 20, 2019
This series is just delightful. The eighteenth book of the Fairacre series continues the story of Miss Read, head mistress of the Fairacre School. She has just moved into Miss Clare’s house and loves the change especially since it is unknown if Fairacre School will close. The series has been consistently entertaining. I have two more books to complete this series and, while I look forward to continuing the stories, I dread ending the series.
June 22, 2020
Charming
The author is very gifted; It is simply fun to read this book. The characters are interesting and the author causes you to feel as though they are your neighbors and that you are living happily and peacefully in this lovely English village. This simple story just makes you happy.
The author is very gifted; It is simply fun to read this book. The characters are interesting and the author causes you to feel as though they are your neighbors and that you are living happily and peacefully in this lovely English village. This simple story just makes you happy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews