A middling novel

In all ways this book takes a middle course and, as a necessary consequence, is neither especially good or distinctly bad.

Set in middle England, its account of life in one of the shires spans the period from the mid-50s to Thatcher’s 80s. With conflict in one family following the death of a high profile C-of-E cleric at its centre, it jogs along in a companionable way without hitting any great heights.

An unexceptional but moderately intelligent train journey option.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

a nice easy listen

story jumped once or twice but overall an easy listen, a nice change from the vile

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The quality of the writing and story line.

This is a wonderfully observed and written story about social classes in the period after the Second World War. There is humour and beautifully crafted characters. The story is not straight forward and holds the reader to the end. What is there not to like.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good story

I enjoyed this book but it was a bit drawn out. I found myself getting a lost in parts and my concentration waned on occasions due to so many different characters, We were kept guessing right to the end regarding the outcome of the will but it did leave me a bit confused as to where the rector's money actually went,

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

intelligent captivating humane

After some lazy years of unchallenging crime thrillers and general pap, I returned to John Mortimer (and others of that vintage) and realised what an absolute joy and treasure his writing is. So satisfying and absorbing - wonderful 'un-dumbed-down' language and references which are such a refreshing change from cliche and formulaic prose engendered by 'writing' courses and undoubted pressure from publishers to be thoroughly bland even though sprinkled with sensationalism.
Loved this and will listen again many times - thank you too for the inestimable talents of Paul Shelley as a truly great narrator.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Excellent

I loved this book and felt I was on the sidelines listening and learning all about the family who were in a way sharing my family’s experiences. My many thanks to both the author and the excellent narrator Paul Shelley.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful

Delightful story beautifully narrated. One of those wonderful discoveries that I know I will return to again and again

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Brilliant

Absolutely loved the telling of this gentle, sweetly funny, well- told story. Will be looking for more of the same.......

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Enjoyable

Well-written with empathy and compassion - and enough of a mystery to keep the reader guessing.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

An old friend

Not the most remarkable book or a cliff hanging thriller but a gentle story set in past times from the 50s to the 80s. I re-read it every few years and it was a pleasure, this time, to hear it with audible. Some likeable and not so likeable characters, humour, atmosphere - some of it tinged with nostalgia. It won't appeal to everyone but it's always been one of my favourite books.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

16 people found this helpful