The second in the Fairacre series about an English village. Told from the first person perspective of the village school headmistress, Miss Read. Miss Read is given a diary for Christmas and sets down the goings on of Fairacre for a year. Each chapter is a month of the year, and as usual, Miss Read brings to life this quaint English village and its inhabitants. With her unique style of whimsical humour mixed with an obvious love of the countryside, we are transported to the changing seasons of Fairacre to experience the trials and tribulations of its residents, adults and children alike.

A nice easy read in a cosy armchair, on the train, or for reading last thing at night.

The gentle pace reflects the golden age of the fifties when the book was written. Once again we are given an amusing, and very accurate, account of the young children, as well as the scandals of a small village. The book is a sign of gentler times, while Fairacre's inhabitants still have money worries, and other things that still plague us, there is a sense of a slower pace of life, with less of today's rush and tear. Miss Read once more exhibits her love of nature, the chapters of the book reflect the changing of the seasons, and she vividly and lovingly depicts the village throughout the year. Original and lively characters are once again brought to life on the page as if they were old friends.

There isn't anything I could say I didn't like about this book. I didn't read the books in the series in sequence, so some bits were a little confusing.

Go back to the '50s and experience village life with open air, free spaces, and lack of technology.

For me there is an undoubtedly gentle feel to the book, I find myself coming back to that word again and again. These books make me feel decidedly peaceful, relaxed and yearning for a return to a simpler way of life. They also are very entertaining with a very dry outlook on life.

Miss Read is actually called Dora Saint. She was originally a school teacher herself and started writing after World War Two. She has an MBE for Services to Literature. She is now retired and lives in Berkshire.

They are timeless, the troubles of the characters in the book are overcome by good nature, a sense of 'keeping your chin up', and help from others in the community. The descriptions of nature are rich in detail, colour, and have one yearning for lazy summer days. Colourful characters such as Mrs Pringle, Mr Willet, and the Vicar are once again wonderfully, and amusingly, portrayed.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Village Diary   from Amazon.Com!

Created Jul 09, 2007 at 4:19pm • Submit your own review...