Another classic...

 

I became acquainted with D.E. Stevenson a few years ago when I first read Miss Buncle's Book, a novel I absolutely love. So when I saw that my library had a copy of The Young Clementina, I knew I wanted to read it as my Classic by a Woman Author for this year's Back to the Classics Challenge. It was first published in 1938. And I'm very glad they republished it in 2013 because it's a charming novel.

Only it's not young Clementina's story. It's the story of Charlotte Dean, a country parson's daughter, and her younger sister, Kitty, and Garth Wisdon, the handsome and serious boy from the manor house on the hill. It's a story of love lost...and found again, of lies and betrayal, of quiet resignation, of family and friendship, forgiveness and hope, and second chances. 

I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it, but I ended up loving it. Unassuming and candid Char is someone I think I could be friends with; her story drew me in and kept me happily reading until the end. I know I haven't given you a full picture of what this novel is about, but what makes this book so good is the way the story unfolds on its own, revealing its hidden treasures one by one. And I didn't want to spoil that for anyone. Just know that The Young Clementina is well-written, and worth reading. And the ending brought happy tears to my eyes.

Happy Reading!

From my TBR shelf...

Title & Author:  The Bachelor by Stella Gibbons

Why I bought it:  I loved Cold Comfort Farm so much I wanted to read more of Gibbons' novels. So I bought this one.

The plot in brief:  Constance Fielding and her bachelor brother, Kenneth, share a house outside of London. An elderly cousin lives with them. Their life is ordered and quiet...and a little dull. But with World War II still going on, they end up having to take in some boarders. First comes a former sweetheart of Ken's with her 26-year-old son, Richard. Then comes a young refugee named Vartouhi Annamatta. And it's Vartouhi who really livens up all their lives.

My thoughts:  This novel got off to a slow start. So slow, in fact, I almost quit reading it. But I persisted, and I'm glad I did because the novel got better, and the ending was humorous and fun. I never liked Connie; she's one of those sanctimonious and controlling characters who take all the joy out of life. Her brother, Ken, on the other hand, and the other members of the household were quite likable. But it's Vartouhi who's really one of a kind. I liked her a lot. While I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did Cold Comfort Farm, it's still a decent read.

My rating:  3/5 stars.

Happy Reading!

Another Stella Gibbons' book that I enjoyed:  Nightingale Wood