Persephone Books discussion

The book is hilarious and Stevenson's writing reminded me a lot of Barbara Pym (another of my favourites). A most delightful and enjoyable read! I shall be looking out for a copy of 'Miss Buncle Married', although I hear it is not quite as good. I've also ordered 'Mrs Tim of the Regiment' which Bloomsbury are reprinting next month.

I'm slow this month and just started last night-so far so good!

This was a really cute and hilarious book! I haven't read any Barbara Pym yet, but it reminded me of Angela Thirkell.
Here's one of the funny parts I enjoyed:
"She leaned her elbows on the table and told her guest a great deal about herself. The greater part of the story came directly from a book which Vivian had just read, it was called A Brand from the Burning. Vivian softened it down a good deal, she did not want to appear too flaming a brand, or Mr Hathaway might be afraid of having his fingers burned."
This is also a good example of the punctuation that drove me crazy in this book; the book did not contain a single semi-colon! :) Does anyone know more about semi-colons? When did they come into use?
It was funny to see how Miss Buncle changed throughout the book and became more confident (all she needed was some new clothes, haa!). It was also amusing to read about everyone's reaction to the book, and how the book really reflected the future for some of the townspeople!
I'm trying to think of other discussion topics for this book, but all I can think of is CUTE!
I didn't notice as much racism in this book...or did I miss it? Anyone else?

Did anyone else think there was something going on with Miss King and her lady friend? She seemed very concerned that others would think uncivilized things about them going off to Samarkland (Or however that was spelled).

I definitely thought Miss King was in love with her lady friend but I don't think it was acted on.

One thing I thought was a little strange was how Miss Buncle could be so astute with her observations and descriptions of the townspeople in her book but in real life she was a little naive.

Well, sometimes people see others more clearly than they do themselves.
I got the impression though that the things she wrote were things others may have observed, but couldn't say. Miss Buncle didn't pick up on the fact that Mr Hathaway wasn't actually poor until sally told her so.

Such a clever ending. Only regret, didn't get to see Vivian's reaction to the Vicar actually being a rich man. Also thought the Dr. and his wife should have pressed for kidnapping charges.

I still won't be able to discuss for a little while. I am still in the middle of it, but it is an enjoyable read.

Oh, I see the cause for confusion, I mistakenly thought this was the thread for the current book -- sorry Gina.

Ha, no prob! It's confusing, since we read Miss Buncle's Book earlier in this group! I'm about halfway through Miss Buncle Married.

I absolutely love Miss Buncle's Book and read it for the first time recently. I reviewed it here- http://bookswithbunny.blogspot.co.uk/... . I'm going to read Miss Buncle Married soon ready for the 3rd book.

Thanks for the link, Kate--it's a great review! :)

I'm so behind. I only finished this weekend but thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next two in the series.

That's OK, Cynthia! Anytime is a good time to read Miss Buncle. :) You have a few months to read the second one before we read the third!

I've recently finished Miss Buncle's Book and thought it was gorgeous. I actually listened to the audiobook narrated by Patricia Gallimore (who plays Pat Archer in The Archers).

I could honestly just have listened to it all over again straightaway. One problem I found with the audiobook (which I was listening to on my ipod shuffle) was that I had no idea how far through the book I was. I will buy a copy of the book if I come across it as I'd love to read the text as I think I may have missed some of the humour in the alternate names for the characters in Miss Buncle's Book, and with a book you can just flick back to remind yourself of their story.

It's the first D.E.Stevenson I've read - any recommendations for another that's as good?

Miss Buncle Married
is the next of 3.

Jaye wrote: "Miss Buncle Married
is the next of 3."

Thank-you, I'll try that one next.

I just re-read this when I saw this group added it for an August read. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it! Such a creative story line and characters : )

Theresa wrote: "I just re-read this when I saw this group added it for an August read. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it! Such a creative story line and characters : )"
Hello Theresa , i'm yet to read this one, but i've heard it's a great book.Will you be joining us in reading 'The Winds of Heaven' in September?

Quirkyreader wrote: "I thought this was a fun story and I’m glad that I took the time for reading it. “Married” is sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read."
Hello Quirky Reader,
I've heard 'Miss Buncle Married' is a great book too.
Will you be joining us reading 'The Winds of Heaven' next month too?

Quirkyreader wrote: "I don’t have “Winds” but I do have the October pick. So I will join in for that."
Hello Quirky reader, yes i'm looking forward to reading 'Young Anne' too : )

Karen wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I just re-read this when I saw this group added it for an August read. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it! Such a creative story line and characters : )"
Hello Th..."
Monica Dickens? I don't have a copy, will have to hunt that one down!

What a wonderfully rich book. If only I was able to just to sit down and write a novel, a best seller no less, because I needed the money rather than take in paying guests because someone else in the village is already doing it or my 'maid' didn't want to keep hens. Alas.
There is such an honesty and a naivety about Miss B and her world that is endearing and cruel that you just know it won't last. Thankfully, she and the 'good' characters are on the 'right' side and move on like Sally and her Vicar ( like Sarah I would have loved too have seen Vivian's face), Dr and Mrs Walker, Colonel and Mrs Weatherhead. whilst the likes of Mrs Featherstone Hogg, Vivian, Mr Bulmer and Mrs Carter will never see the error of their ways.
The kangaroo court scene is a terrific piece of writing. I can imagine the Carry On team playing that scene out for all its comic worth, especially Mrs Goldsmith and her 'buns'.
I can't sort my feelings out about the 'kidnapping'. Maybe its our modern day sensitivities at play?
The end scene around Tanglewood Cottage is a hoot. All robbed of their big show-down, still not quite believing John Smith is BB. (And still no real apology for Mrs Walker.) First the poster at the gate and then pushing themselves through the hedge all to no avail. ''Barbara Buncle had gone'' in more ways than one.
I confess I have read all 3 BB books a while ago and they are a real treat. I had never heard of DE Stevenson and if it hadn't been for phoneing PB and asking for a recommendation one day I'd never have found them. Re-reading this one for the group was a real pleasure as I said to Karen its like literary angel delight.
toast

Theresa wrote: "Karen wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I just re-read this when I saw this group added it for an August read. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it! Such a creative story line and characters..."
Hello Theresa, yes next month is The Winds of Heaven by Monica Dickens

Toast wrote: "What a wonderfully rich book. If only I was able to just to sit down and write a novel, a best seller no less, because I needed the money rather than take in paying guests because someone else in t..."
Hello dear Toast,
Thanks so much for your comments and i'm looking forward to reading this myself soon

I've just finished this book and I loved it. I particularly enjoyed the scene in the drawing-room meeting. Hilarious. I loved the way the book, within the book, within the book had the plots in the book all come together. I think I got that right. Easy to understand, but hard to explain.
Looking forward to 'Miss Buncle Married' now.

Tania wrote: "I've just finished this book and I loved it. I particularly enjoyed the scene in the drawing-room meeting. Hilarious. I loved the way the book, within the book, within the book had the plots in the..."
Hello dear Tania,
This book sounds a fun read and we must add 'Miss Buncle Married' to the up-coming reads list next year

That would be nice, I might be able to wait that long. ;-)

I just finished this book and I loved it. It is so cute and charming. I am definitely going to be looking for more books similar to this.

Imagine being accused of too much electricity in your buns!

Brianna, I noticed the other day that Katherine Wentworth by her is now available on Kindle Unlimited, or cheap to buy if you don' have KU. Not many of her books are available on Kindle, this one is new.

I joined the group recently so I'm catching up by reading some of your recent choices. This was delightful, and in its humorous way showed the power of literature. People started acting out their parts in the book.

I think this book would be a hit on Masterpiece Theater or Acorn TV.

Hi Robin, I think you're right, this story would adapt wonderfully to stage or TV.

I am new in the group. This was my first reading thanks to a recommendation of the group. And I couldn't get a copy earlier.

It was soooo British... I loved it ;-)

It reminded me of Angela Thirkell.

Link to my short review.

Mela wrote: "I am new in the group. This was my first reading thanks to a recommendation of the group. And I couldn't get a copy earlier.

It was soooo British... I loved it ;-)

It reminded me of Angela Thirke..."
Hi Mela, Welcome to the group and many thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. So happy you loved this one