This book is a delightful read, and one i picked up specifically because Jan Karon (the author of the beloved "Mitford Series") recommended it. As one who grew up watching BBC films and then lived for two years in Ireland, i greatly enjoyed the English style of writing and conversation depicted in this "Fairacre" novel. Summer will be arriving soon in the small village and the main character is Miss Read, the local school teacher. Throughout the book, we get to know her many pupils, along with the neighbors, the other school workers, and many random acquaintances. This is the epitome of small English village life, as seen from the perspective of Miss Read. This is just one in a series, and i have since read several others and have appreciated the little bit of escape they gave me. I found it relaxing as bedtime reading.
In all honesty, nothing could ever completely live up to Mitford, but this comes quite close, and besides, it is English!
Published originally in 1984, by Miss Read; this edition 2001 by Houghton Mifflin.
