The second "Thrush Green" book begins with the arrival of a new resident. Speculation abounds as mystery and romance ensue, amidst an ambitious community project. Characters from the first charming book make cameo appearances, but by and large this is a story of characters who were stage parsley in the first book.I confess, I love the pen and ink illustrations which flesh out some of the quaint scenes and folks of the 1960'ish Cotswold village.Here is a sample of Miss Read's chatty writing style and apt descriptions (beginning on p. 87):"Busy young growth sprouted from its battered crown and concealed the boys from sight. They had cut rough footholds in the mouldering interior of the split trunk and could climb up easily enough to this exciting new hide-out. It was unlikely that the new tenant would discover them, and unlikely that he would seriously object even if he did so, but the two boys found it more thrilling to pretend that poor Harold Shoosmith was a monster, and persuaded themselves easily enough that he would shout, brandish a stick, report them to their parents, the police and their headmaster, with dire consequences, should he ever stumble upon their whereabouts on his premises. This, naturally, gave their meetings a delicious fillip. One misty Saturday afternoon in November the two friends sat aloft in their eyrie, unknown, of course, to their parents. 'Chris Mullins has asked me to play,' Paul had said to his mother, and she, in her innocence, had imagined that he would be playing in the Mullins' garden. 'Paul Young's asked me to play with him,' Christopher had said to his mother, who had fondly thought that her son would be safely on the Youngs' premises. By such simple strategy have boys, throughout the centuries, accomplished their nefarious ends. Paul had arrived first and watched his friend emerge from the green garden door in the wall across the valley. He watched him run up the grassy hill and warbled an owl's cry as he approached. This was their secret sign, and the fact that an owl warbling in daylight might arouse suspicions, had not occurred to the boys. Chris arrived quite breathless at the tree and Paul tugged him up the rough stairway joyously. 'I've brought a Mars bar and some transfers,' he announced proudly when his friend had found a precarious seat. 'I've only got two apples,' confessed Chris. 'It's all we seem to have in our house,' he continued bitterly. 'Apples, apples, apples!'etc.
A nice pleasant look at village life. Mostly about older people, with a few young folk in the mix. Two young boys start out in the first of the book, wondering if they can keep their hideout, when the new owner moves into the house, where it is located. The secretly kept using it, and help to learn the identity of the town thief. They also help an older woman, who is ill, and get her help. There are couples who get together, and a statue built in remembrance of a man, who was born in the village. A story of every day life.
What do You think about Winter In Thrush Green (1999)?
This is a book to read when you need to escape into a quiet world where people are mostly nice. THis book dates from the 60s and describes a few months in the life at the quiet village of Thrush Green, focusing mostly on the elderly inhabitants. Small daily events are described. A newcomer attracts attention. An eccentric and animal-loving spinster needs help during a cold winter. A baby is born. The rector finds new happiness with a respectable lady from the village. The cranky old verger is caught by the feminine wiles of an energetic widow. The two maidenly school teachers, whose relationship was cordial but distant, become friends when one is the victim of a hold-up and needs help. And the entire village becomes involved in the effort to honor one of Thrush Green's most famous sons, a missionary in Africa. This is all very soothing, gentle reading. Sometimes you don't want to hear or read about tortured souls, unhappy childhoods etc. Although the message is one of faith in humanity, the sentimentalism is kept to a minimum.The edition I read had lovely line drawings that made the characters come to life. It is rare to find such illustrations in adult novels, and I really enjoyed them.
—Ann
I cannot express how much I just adore all of Miss Read's books. I have read them all about three times and will gradually have to add my reviews for them all .... but will start with this one as it has always been my favourite. I think it is just something to do with the wonderful, cosy, homely Christmassy feel about it.If you enjoy simple things in life and feel like a little trip back down memory lane to when life was so much slower, try a book by Miss Read.....they are better than medicine. The most loved and treasured books in my life that is for sure. And that is going back over 40 odd years since I read my first one.
—Lynda Hunter
