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Fairacre #15
Village Centenary
As Fairacre celebrates the centenary of its village school, its spirited citizens--including a dour headmistress, an idealistic, inexperienced teacher, and a beekeeping vicar--meet the vicissitudes of life with verve and charm
236 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
77 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
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 10, 2023
I did not see the ending of this coming at all. It’s perfect. I cried. I loved this Fairacre entry.
July 18, 2019
Miss Read's books are a solace to introverts. The main character soliloquizes about solitude and the quiet contentment of her singlehood. This book was a comfort after the stress of tawdry revelations within my circle of influence.
Without fail, I learn a few new words or phrases from Miss Read. Some phrases I had to look up: a cobbler's last, all my eye and Betty Martin, right as a trivet, and being on tenderhooks.
In 1993 we met a family who became our dear friends. They introduced us to a habbit of saying "rabbits!" on the first day of the month. The idea is to "rabbits" someone before they "rabbitsed" you. And, lo, on page 87 this practice is mentioned. This is easily my favourite month and I greeted its arrival by remembering to say 'White Rabbits' aloud before uttering another syllable. Wonders never cease.
It's interesting how "treats" are defined: a small fire, a borrowed book, a cup of tea, a visit from the bishop.
Without fail, I learn a few new words or phrases from Miss Read. Some phrases I had to look up: a cobbler's last, all my eye and Betty Martin, right as a trivet, and being on tenderhooks.
In 1993 we met a family who became our dear friends. They introduced us to a habbit of saying "rabbits!" on the first day of the month. The idea is to "rabbits" someone before they "rabbitsed" you. And, lo, on page 87 this practice is mentioned. This is easily my favourite month and I greeted its arrival by remembering to say 'White Rabbits' aloud before uttering another syllable. Wonders never cease.
It's interesting how "treats" are defined: a small fire, a borrowed book, a cup of tea, a visit from the bishop.
July 21, 2019
The title is a bit misleading as it isn’t the 100th anniversary of the village, but of the school. Nevertheless, this book is an enchanting addition to this charming series.
Fairacre School opened in December in the 1880s (I can’t remember whether it stated the exact year), and Dolly Clare is the one who points out this fact to Miss Read. Miss Clare should know if anyone does; she attended school there in the early 1900s, and then received training first as a student teacher, and then after her training was completed, as a full-fledged teacher for many years.
The book roughly follows a diary format, with each chapter named for the months of the year, beginning in January and ending in December and the school celebration — and Christmas, naturally. Along the way, we celebrate each season: January with its cold and snow; February, slightly milder with the earliest spring bulbs; blustery March when the countryside is awash with new baby lambs; April, and a thousand shades of green, and a myriad of bird nurseries; May, probably the most beautiful month of all; June and the longest day; July and August and the height of summer; September and back to school, with hints of autumn that fully arrives in October with red and golden leaves; November, often bleak with cold frosts and colder rains; and finally December with all the joyful festivities of the holiday season.
I can’t imagine living somewhere without the changing seasons. It’s a cliché that the English are obsessed with the weather, but so are many Americans! Like many areas of the US, Oklahoma is known for its capricious weather, and we are very happy to complain about it: from too much rain to too little; from bitter cold to scorching hot (definitely scorching right now); thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Couple this love of nature with the memorable village characters , and you get one of my favorite writers and one of my favorite series.
Fairacre School opened in December in the 1880s (I can’t remember whether it stated the exact year), and Dolly Clare is the one who points out this fact to Miss Read. Miss Clare should know if anyone does; she attended school there in the early 1900s, and then received training first as a student teacher, and then after her training was completed, as a full-fledged teacher for many years.
The book roughly follows a diary format, with each chapter named for the months of the year, beginning in January and ending in December and the school celebration — and Christmas, naturally. Along the way, we celebrate each season: January with its cold and snow; February, slightly milder with the earliest spring bulbs; blustery March when the countryside is awash with new baby lambs; April, and a thousand shades of green, and a myriad of bird nurseries; May, probably the most beautiful month of all; June and the longest day; July and August and the height of summer; September and back to school, with hints of autumn that fully arrives in October with red and golden leaves; November, often bleak with cold frosts and colder rains; and finally December with all the joyful festivities of the holiday season.
I can’t imagine living somewhere without the changing seasons. It’s a cliché that the English are obsessed with the weather, but so are many Americans! Like many areas of the US, Oklahoma is known for its capricious weather, and we are very happy to complain about it: from too much rain to too little; from bitter cold to scorching hot (definitely scorching right now); thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Couple this love of nature with the memorable village characters , and you get one of my favorite writers and one of my favorite series.
March 9, 2022
Miss Read's books are always enjoyable, comfort reads of a time gone by. The pace is slower and not a lot happens, but the reminders of a simpler time are comforting. Her stories revolve around life in a small village. In the Fairacre series, the school and its headmistress, Miss Read, play a key role in village life. In Village Centenary, the Fairacre school is celebrating its 100th year. I loved the bits of the school's history that we get a glimpse of through the school's logbook and, of course, through our lovely Miss Clare, who has been a staple of the school since she was a child and later as a teacher. One of my favorite scenes involved Miss Read sorting through her books in order to donate some to a fundraiser. What bibliophile can't relate to sorting through books, getting sucked into the stories, and by the end, the donation pile is smaller than expected because you need to reread some of them?
November 25, 2024
I am puzzled by thia book. because if this is the school's 100th anniversary, and it was founded in the 1880s, this would make this book set in the 1980s. Clearly the author didn't pay much attention to time-- Miss Read has been through multiple years with multiple second teachers in the school, yet her students don't seem to age. But there's nothing in the earlier books that makes you think they are set any later in the 1960s, possibly even earlier!
April 4, 2010
Another wonderful entry in the Fairacre canon, this one with a star turn by Miss Clare. The school is 100 years old, and the village throws itself into the celebration as only a small tightly-knit village can do. The characters are so well-drawn and the tide of the narrative so comfortable that it's easy to overlook what a good writer Miss Read was.
December 1, 2017
A lovely visit in Fairacre, as Miss Read and company prepare to celebrate the centenary of the village school. It was also good to see Miss Clare again, still going strong. I just adore how comfortable and content Miss Read (and Miss Clare too) is as an introvert and a spinster. (This time pairing nicely with my reading of Quiet by Susan Cain.)
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p. 88: As I dressed, I pondered the problem of loneliness. I receive a great deal of unnecessary sympathy for my single state, and am touched by kind people's concern for the fact that I live alone. If they only knew! I find it much more exhausting to share my home with friends who come to stay, much as I love them, and the places I visit I remember much more clearly, and with keener affection, when I have visited them alone. I suppose that this is because one wanders around, looking at objects which are of particular personal interest, and absorbing their aspect and history without the distraction of a friend diverting one's attention to something which she has discovered.
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p. 88: As I dressed, I pondered the problem of loneliness. I receive a great deal of unnecessary sympathy for my single state, and am touched by kind people's concern for the fact that I live alone. If they only knew! I find it much more exhausting to share my home with friends who come to stay, much as I love them, and the places I visit I remember much more clearly, and with keener affection, when I have visited them alone. I suppose that this is because one wanders around, looking at objects which are of particular personal interest, and absorbing their aspect and history without the distraction of a friend diverting one's attention to something which she has discovered.
December 3, 2024
I have read several of these books now and have started another. I will be sad when I reach the end, as the people have become my friends, and Miss Read is my family member, perhaps a great-aunt. If you are looking for a compelling read that is also comforting and interesting, this should be on your list. I loved reading the stories of what Fairacre School was like over the years. I wonder how much is based on real life and how much is imaginary. You will love these books.
January 17, 2024
Rural British village and school life. Quirky characters and wry humor. A simple, warm story. Delightful!
September 17, 2019
Normally I’m tolerant of typos. But this book has a serious “I” problem. The number one (“1”) is substituted for the pronoun “I” more times than I could count. Since this book (like all the Fairacre series) is narrated in first person, it’s noticeable.
Compared to that, the phrase “Haifa dozen eggs” is almost entertaining. Has the sleepy Cotswold village of Fairacre moved to the Mediterranean? If typos ruin a book for you, skip this one.
Other than the pronoun problem, it’s a good book. Retired Fairacre teacher Dolly Clare is the first to remind Miss Read that 1980 marks the 100th birthday of Fairacre school. Miss Clare remembers that the village celebrated the 50th birthday with a well-attended tea party. So what would be appropriate now?
Like most school teachers, Miss Read struggles to keep up with daily instruction, grading, the occasional emergency, and mounds of paperwork. As much as she loves her school, she’s overwhelmed by the prospect of planning an extravaganza. What can she do that will take into account the school’s lack of a stage, the difficulty of getting costumes, and the reluctance of her country-bred pupils to perform in public? Fortunately, the voluminous school records show that the school opened in December. At least the poor woman has a whole year to plan.
Meanwhile, life goes on. The nearby town of Caxley is having a larger-than-usual Spring Festival and the enthusiastic, unrealistic planners are urging neighboring villages to get involved. It’s time to bring THE ARTS to the Cotswolds and everyone is expected to open their gardens for tours, hold fund-raising affairs, or host artsy gatherings.
Miss Read’s elegant friend Amy agrees to host a poetry reading and lives to regret it. Poets are thin on the ground and her search turns up only two willing to participate. One is a portly and middle-aged, brisk and business-like, and more interested in profits than poetry. The other is a frail, under-nourished youngster. His head is suitably in the clouds, but he’s a solid trencherman and not above scarfing up left-overs for a “doggie bag.” So much for poetry.
Of course, the art and up-lift movement goes over the heads of most inhabitants who have more interesting things to worry about. Minnie Pringle’s husband Ern has fallen out with his elderly paramour and is now trying to oust Minnie’s boyfriend from the marital home so that he has a place to sleep. Mrs. Pringle is horrified when Minnie and her brood move in and Miss Read must cope with the children, who are as addle-pated as their mother.
Meanwhile Miss Read struggles (as did all her predecessors) with the constantly malfunctioning school skylight. Designed to provide a few rays of light in the dim school, it leaks when it rains and lets in cold draughts the rest of the time. Driven to desperation, Miss Read writes a strong letter to the central office which (to her amazement) agrees to have it fixed. But is the hapless local builder who wins the bid up to the job?
The village watches with interest as popular Joan Benson tries to sell her home (Holly Lodge) to move closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Everyone’s sorry to lose her and astonished at the price she receives for her house. Miss Read is reminded anew that she’s living in a “tied house” and can’t possibly afford to buy property when she retires. It’s a nagging worry until a generous friend comes to her rescue in an unexpected and heart-warming way.
By December, a sensible plan has emerged which involves a few of the more fearless students dressing in period costumes to represent various eras in the school’s history, Miss Dolly Clare and others talk about their experiences as pupils. The appreciative audiences are happy to learn more about their school and see the children perform. Miss Read is pleased and relieved to have it over!
In a century, Fairacre school has seen triumphs and tragedies and everything in between. Although modest by most standards, it is truly the heart of the village. “Miss Read” was a fine writer and her books are funny, touching, and completely realistic. I’ve enjoyed them all.
Compared to that, the phrase “Haifa dozen eggs” is almost entertaining. Has the sleepy Cotswold village of Fairacre moved to the Mediterranean? If typos ruin a book for you, skip this one.
Other than the pronoun problem, it’s a good book. Retired Fairacre teacher Dolly Clare is the first to remind Miss Read that 1980 marks the 100th birthday of Fairacre school. Miss Clare remembers that the village celebrated the 50th birthday with a well-attended tea party. So what would be appropriate now?
Like most school teachers, Miss Read struggles to keep up with daily instruction, grading, the occasional emergency, and mounds of paperwork. As much as she loves her school, she’s overwhelmed by the prospect of planning an extravaganza. What can she do that will take into account the school’s lack of a stage, the difficulty of getting costumes, and the reluctance of her country-bred pupils to perform in public? Fortunately, the voluminous school records show that the school opened in December. At least the poor woman has a whole year to plan.
Meanwhile, life goes on. The nearby town of Caxley is having a larger-than-usual Spring Festival and the enthusiastic, unrealistic planners are urging neighboring villages to get involved. It’s time to bring THE ARTS to the Cotswolds and everyone is expected to open their gardens for tours, hold fund-raising affairs, or host artsy gatherings.
Miss Read’s elegant friend Amy agrees to host a poetry reading and lives to regret it. Poets are thin on the ground and her search turns up only two willing to participate. One is a portly and middle-aged, brisk and business-like, and more interested in profits than poetry. The other is a frail, under-nourished youngster. His head is suitably in the clouds, but he’s a solid trencherman and not above scarfing up left-overs for a “doggie bag.” So much for poetry.
Of course, the art and up-lift movement goes over the heads of most inhabitants who have more interesting things to worry about. Minnie Pringle’s husband Ern has fallen out with his elderly paramour and is now trying to oust Minnie’s boyfriend from the marital home so that he has a place to sleep. Mrs. Pringle is horrified when Minnie and her brood move in and Miss Read must cope with the children, who are as addle-pated as their mother.
Meanwhile Miss Read struggles (as did all her predecessors) with the constantly malfunctioning school skylight. Designed to provide a few rays of light in the dim school, it leaks when it rains and lets in cold draughts the rest of the time. Driven to desperation, Miss Read writes a strong letter to the central office which (to her amazement) agrees to have it fixed. But is the hapless local builder who wins the bid up to the job?
The village watches with interest as popular Joan Benson tries to sell her home (Holly Lodge) to move closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Everyone’s sorry to lose her and astonished at the price she receives for her house. Miss Read is reminded anew that she’s living in a “tied house” and can’t possibly afford to buy property when she retires. It’s a nagging worry until a generous friend comes to her rescue in an unexpected and heart-warming way.
By December, a sensible plan has emerged which involves a few of the more fearless students dressing in period costumes to represent various eras in the school’s history, Miss Dolly Clare and others talk about their experiences as pupils. The appreciative audiences are happy to learn more about their school and see the children perform. Miss Read is pleased and relieved to have it over!
In a century, Fairacre school has seen triumphs and tragedies and everything in between. Although modest by most standards, it is truly the heart of the village. “Miss Read” was a fine writer and her books are funny, touching, and completely realistic. I’ve enjoyed them all.
September 6, 2018
A charming book about quiet village life. Filled with great characters, the story makes you wish you lived there! I love all of Miss Read books and this one is a keeper.
May 29, 2020
I think the Fairacre series is the closest thing that I’ve come to binging nowadays. Although I am reluctant to read them too fast because once I’m done, I’m done! But since I won’t be able to head to the library for a while, I guess I won’t be going back to Fairacre village anytime soon.
In Village Centenary, Miss Read discovers that the school village is about to celebrate its one hundredth year! That’s a cause for celebration and festivities. But with a dour new teacher, a leaky skylight, and the usual hustle and bustle of a village, can Miss Read get everything organised in time?
Although this story was centered around the Village Centenary, it follows the one-year time frame of the earlier books, starting in January and ending in December. That helps us to settle into Fairacre life quite comfortably and engage ourselves with the various happenings, such as:
The vicar keeping bees
Minnie Pringle’s domestic troubles
Poetry readings and poets at Amy’s house
Joan Benson selling her house and what her tenant, Miriam Quinn is going to do about that
Speaking of moving, it’s pretty clear that even though Fairacre is a small village, there has been quite a lot of change through the books. Major Gunning, who helped to organise quite a bit of things in Fairacre Festival, has moved out of the village! At the same time, Simon Mawne, from White Robin, seems to have grown quite a bit in boarding school. And let’s not forget that though the Mawnes are leading figures in the village now, they actually moved in only a few weeks back! It made me think of what Miss Marple said in A Murder is Announced – the times, they are a changin’ (okay these aren’t her exact words)!
As usual, this has been a lovely escape back to the village of Fairacre. I don’t know if any place like this still exists, but it’s nice that I can visit whenever I want just by opening up the pages of a book. Saves a lot on airfare as well.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
In Village Centenary, Miss Read discovers that the school village is about to celebrate its one hundredth year! That’s a cause for celebration and festivities. But with a dour new teacher, a leaky skylight, and the usual hustle and bustle of a village, can Miss Read get everything organised in time?
Although this story was centered around the Village Centenary, it follows the one-year time frame of the earlier books, starting in January and ending in December. That helps us to settle into Fairacre life quite comfortably and engage ourselves with the various happenings, such as:
The vicar keeping bees
Minnie Pringle’s domestic troubles
Poetry readings and poets at Amy’s house
Joan Benson selling her house and what her tenant, Miriam Quinn is going to do about that
Speaking of moving, it’s pretty clear that even though Fairacre is a small village, there has been quite a lot of change through the books. Major Gunning, who helped to organise quite a bit of things in Fairacre Festival, has moved out of the village! At the same time, Simon Mawne, from White Robin, seems to have grown quite a bit in boarding school. And let’s not forget that though the Mawnes are leading figures in the village now, they actually moved in only a few weeks back! It made me think of what Miss Marple said in A Murder is Announced – the times, they are a changin’ (okay these aren’t her exact words)!
As usual, this has been a lovely escape back to the village of Fairacre. I don’t know if any place like this still exists, but it’s nice that I can visit whenever I want just by opening up the pages of a book. Saves a lot on airfare as well.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
June 21, 2021
Another in the delightful tales of Fairacre, its school, and Miss Read the town's head teacher. This time around, the events lead up to the celebration of the school's one hundredth year. It falls to Miss Read to organize how the milestone will be celebrated, and she does the town proud, as usual.
The tales begin with the month of January and as it progresses, we learn of the fauna and flora that are seen at that time. January is the month for feeding the birds, and Miss Read's students learn a great deal about this by doing it. At the same time, the skylight above Miss Read's desk has gone beyond a simple leaking nuisance, and the school administration finally decides to have it fixed. Miss Read doesn't worry about when it will finally happen, since the administration has had this issue since the school was built 100 years ago, and the contractor they hired has a reputation for never getting anything completed on time.
In the meantime, she has a new teacher for the infants to break in, village events to participate in, a few trips to take, and in the back of her mind, wondering where she might live in the event Fairacre school is closed, or manages to stay open until it is time for her to retire. Her home belongs to the school, and so she would need to move.
Events muddle on throughout the year, and at the end is the centenary celebration. There are changes in the village, but everything works out in the end.
We're living in a rather hectic, difficult time. The pandemic is easing up, but the variants are looming and some are frightening. The Miss Read books are an excellent antidote to our current state of affairs. They hearken back to a simpler time and the characters marvel at how time has complicated their lives. Hah. If they only knew!
These are well-written, gentle, humorous, warm stories that span the year. Miss Read brings the voice of calmness, common sense, and good humor to readers from another decade, and she does so without becoming mawkish or maudlin.
The tales begin with the month of January and as it progresses, we learn of the fauna and flora that are seen at that time. January is the month for feeding the birds, and Miss Read's students learn a great deal about this by doing it. At the same time, the skylight above Miss Read's desk has gone beyond a simple leaking nuisance, and the school administration finally decides to have it fixed. Miss Read doesn't worry about when it will finally happen, since the administration has had this issue since the school was built 100 years ago, and the contractor they hired has a reputation for never getting anything completed on time.
In the meantime, she has a new teacher for the infants to break in, village events to participate in, a few trips to take, and in the back of her mind, wondering where she might live in the event Fairacre school is closed, or manages to stay open until it is time for her to retire. Her home belongs to the school, and so she would need to move.
Events muddle on throughout the year, and at the end is the centenary celebration. There are changes in the village, but everything works out in the end.
We're living in a rather hectic, difficult time. The pandemic is easing up, but the variants are looming and some are frightening. The Miss Read books are an excellent antidote to our current state of affairs. They hearken back to a simpler time and the characters marvel at how time has complicated their lives. Hah. If they only knew!
These are well-written, gentle, humorous, warm stories that span the year. Miss Read brings the voice of calmness, common sense, and good humor to readers from another decade, and she does so without becoming mawkish or maudlin.
January 14, 2023
"Everyone should have an after-tea walk on February the first."
Finished another Miss Read last night. I love these books. I love the drawings. And as I always say, they seem at first glance like fluffy silliness. And whilst they're obviously not high brow books, there's something very special about them.
It's also clear, now I've read her childhood memoirs, that Miss Read (Dora Saint) draws on her childhood memories of life in the countryside and being a teacher herself - well she writes effortlessly about school life - you can practically smell the floorboards and sharpened pencils.
I love that she doesn't shy away from weaving in the poverty, domestic violence, aging, illness, ...and all of life's difficulties into the tales of Fairacre (her dry humour and observations of quirky human nature, and breathtaking descriptions of the Cotswold landscape give relief to the serious side of life in a village).
Miss Reads stories in cause me to think deeply about these things and about what really matters.
Home and place.
Traditions and seasons.
Family and friends.
When I grow up I want to be Miss Read. And I will most certainly be going for an after-tea walk on the first of February.
The eighth Fairacre book is as lovely, delightful and poignant as all the others.
Finished another Miss Read last night. I love these books. I love the drawings. And as I always say, they seem at first glance like fluffy silliness. And whilst they're obviously not high brow books, there's something very special about them.
It's also clear, now I've read her childhood memoirs, that Miss Read (Dora Saint) draws on her childhood memories of life in the countryside and being a teacher herself - well she writes effortlessly about school life - you can practically smell the floorboards and sharpened pencils.
I love that she doesn't shy away from weaving in the poverty, domestic violence, aging, illness, ...and all of life's difficulties into the tales of Fairacre (her dry humour and observations of quirky human nature, and breathtaking descriptions of the Cotswold landscape give relief to the serious side of life in a village).
Miss Reads stories in cause me to think deeply about these things and about what really matters.
Home and place.
Traditions and seasons.
Family and friends.
When I grow up I want to be Miss Read. And I will most certainly be going for an after-tea walk on the first of February.
The eighth Fairacre book is as lovely, delightful and poignant as all the others.
October 20, 2018
What can be more comforting than a visit to Fairacre and mugs of hot chocolate, when you are recovering from a severe bout of flu? Miss Read kept my spirits high when nothing else really felt good. This was an extremely good dose of coziness, warmth, slight humour thrown in here and there and in general lives of characters, whom I have come to love. And then of course it was wonderful to meet Miss Clare again, after a couple of last few books, where she was hardly mentioned. She is definitely one of my favourite characters from the Fairacre series along with Mr. Willet and a few others. No spoilers but how I loved the surprise that was awaiting Miss Read, somewhere around the end of the book. A wonderful read.
May 1, 2021
I certainly haven't read all of the Miss Read books, but I've read several and they're always a pleasant read. There's not much of a plot and very little of import happens. But somehow the everyday lives of Miss Read, the school and the village prove interesting. The outspoken school janitor, Mrs Pringle and the yardsman, Mr Willet always have pithy comments. Of course, Miss Read knows everyone in the village and there seems to be a lot of village festivals, fund drives, and invitations to tea. The closest thing to a bad apple is the contractor who takes way to long to fix the school skylight and Mrs. Pringles niece who isn't married but has several children and trouble with her live in partner.
October 14, 2017
Another enjoyable book in the series. Each chapter covers one month. Everything builds towards the centenary celebration of Fairacre school. There's also a lot about Holly Lodge, Miss Briggs growth as a teacher, Mrs. Pringle complaining (as always), Minnie messing up (again, as always), and the ever-problematic roof skylight/window/etc. There's a poet's gathering, Miss Claire turns up again and there's a lot of work involved in preparing the school for it's 100th birthday.
April 29, 2019
Satisfying as always, Miss Read's latest tale relates the planning and celebration of the village school's centennial. Mrs. Pringle is there to give unwanted opinions and throw a little rain on events in her pringlish way. The messy, messed up Minnie returns amidst more domestic chaos. Amy continues to throw parties and tries to matchmake, but it is Miss Clare who adds sweetness to the celebration and helps Miss Read resolve a lingering worry.
August 13, 2022
Another charming Miss Read book - I love all of these! The Fairacre school is going to be 100 years old, and everyone has ideas for what to do to celebrate it. Miss Read is at her wit's end at times, trying to juggle and decide on all the various suggestions, including her own ideas. This is a fast read - I was reading other books at the same time, otherwise I would have finished it in one or two nights.
August 3, 2023
These all blend into each other a bit but I have to say, I hate how Miss Read writes about Minnie Pringle. The humor feels less gentle than how she describes Mrs. Pringle or the foibles of the vicar with his gloves shedding fur. But other than that and overall, these stories are a gentle way to while away an evening.
July 15, 2019
This is now the fifteenth book of the Fairacre series. I love the townspeople and would love to live in this town. Alas it is fictional. It is the 100 birthday of this village and the village is wondering how it should be celebrated. Everything turns out okay, thank goodness.
February 11, 2021
There is nothing like visiting the little village school in Fairacre with the beloved Miss Read and Miss Claire. The 100th anniversary of the school is approaching and a plan for a program must be made. Brew some tea and have a scone and enjoy the visit with our friends.
December 5, 2022
Another delightful chapter in the story of Fairacre, as told by Miss Read. As it covers the centenary of the school, there are some very interesting reflections on the poverty of the children over the decades.
December 15, 2022
Oh what a lovely celebration of Fairacre this book is! I had tears of happiness in my eyes all through the last chapter of this book because it so perfectly honors this fictional town, it's wonderful characters, and familiar plot lines... This book was such a treat for this Fairacre fan!
September 16, 2017
A charming read!
November 13, 2017
I enjoyed this nostalgic reread of school life in the 1950's. Miss Read cleverly captures the mood and times of that era.
October 4, 2018
A lovely slow-paced novel of English village life.
February 2, 2019
❤❤❤ Classic wonderful Miss Read - with an especially lovely ending.
August 19, 2019
A lovely gentle read.
April 27, 2020
As always, a Miss Read book is good for the heart and soul. Funny in places, often touching on sadness and a beautiful telling of the change in seasons. Just fabulous.
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