This entry was posted in English Literature and tagged Angela Thirkell, Anthony Trollope, Barsetshire, Cold Comfort Farm, DH Lawrence, High Rising, Virago Modern Classics by Simon Lavery. Bookmark the permalink.
Great post, Simon – and thank you for the shout-out, much appreciated. I’m glad you’ve mentioned the casual racism as it does seem to be somewhat of a flaw in Thirkell’s work. I didn’t notice it so much here, but then I went on to read her short stories, Christmas at High Rising, and it was a whole different matter. The slurs were both blatant and shocking, so much so that I don’t think I even finished the book (and it’s wafer-thin). As you say, this is a diverting read for a duvet day, but it lacks the sharpness and empathy of a Barbara Pym.
Well expressed, Jacqui. As you say, a duvet day book. Not sure if I’ll persist with the other two I have – I bought a trio v cheap from the Book People, after starting the Barsetshire novels by AT. Might give her one more go. Some big novels looming before that.
Just noticed that both writers have the initials AT. I meant of course the Barsetshire novels by Anthony T. Apologies again for the delay in moderating your comment, Jacqui. Been a busy time.
I really like Thirkell (though not the casual anti-Semitism or the weird eastern Europeans that come later) but then I like Tony, so I’m obviously just her key reader! I do have a tolerance for light novels that not everyone can stomach, however. I have read this one, but I can’t find my own review, weirdly!
Excitingly for Trollope fans, in one of the novels, and I can’t remember which, there’s a character related to Dr Thorne!!
Karen: I had mixed feelings myself, and found certain aspects of the novel quite offensive – including the hunting and pervasive snobbery. I suppose there were some of these elements to fit in with the Trollope novels (hunting; inappropriate marriage proposals, etc.) There’s a very Trollopian comic proposal, sensibly rebutted by Laura. I certainly wouldn’t place it among my favourites. I’ve never got on well with crime novels – or sci-fi/fantasy as escapist ‘fluffy’ (good word) reading.
I can only read one of her books at a time – then the snobbery and casual rudeness get to me. But in small doses she can be clever and funny and entertaining. I said once that Nancy Mitford makes you understand why the upper classes survived so long – Angela Thirkell makes you wonder why there wasn’t a machine-gun revolution.