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Thrush Green #3
News from Thrush Green: A Novel
From the author of the Fairacre “The more turbulent the real world, the more charming we may find the stability of Miss Read’s tiny fictional world.” —Los Angeles Times Thrush Green is never quite as quiet as it first appears. When a local, long-empty cottage called Tullivers shows signs of occupancy, the village whispers in excitement. Phil, a lovely woman with a young son, has been deserted by her husband and quickly attracts the attention of the villagers—and the interest of several bachelors. Harold Shoosmith gives both advice and practical help in the garden, while Winnie Bailey’s nephew, Richard, offers his assistance with household repairs and takes Phil for a drive to London. When Phil receives some unexpected news, her new freedom brings even more changes to her life—and a new love to Thrush Green.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1970
133 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
158 books515 followersDora Jessie Saint MBE née Shafe (born 17 April 1913), best known by the pen name Miss Read, was an English novelist, by profession a schoolmistress. Her pseudonym was derived from her mother's maiden name. In 1940 she married her husband, Douglas, a former headmaster. The couple had a daughter, Jill. She began writing for several journals after World War II and worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC.
She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.
Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.
In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.
She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.
Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.
In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 31, 2025
There is something so comforting about going back to Thrush Green- a village in the Cotswolds where everyone knows everyone’s business. That is until 2 new arrivals- Phil (Phyllida) and her son, Jeremy come to live.
I loved being back amongst this group of people who ultimately really care and look out for each other. I definitely had a few hardy laughs while reading this one.
This is number 3 in the series and I am already looking forward to my next visit there.
Published: 1970
I loved being back amongst this group of people who ultimately really care and look out for each other. I definitely had a few hardy laughs while reading this one.
This is number 3 in the series and I am already looking forward to my next visit there.
Published: 1970
May 13, 2019
A perfect comfort read when I was feeling a little under the weather this weekend. So good to catch up with all the news in Thrush Green! Looking forward to the next book and wonder whether Phil and her son will still be at Tullivers in Thrush Green.
July 19, 2019
Another newcomer in the village, this time a pretty young woman with her little son. She too soon gets involved in Thrush Green life though not as much perhaps as Harold Shoosmith in the previous book. Alongside also arrives Dr Bailey’s nephew Richard, who continues to be a trial in some ways though useful and somewhat pleasant in others. Enjoyed once again, this glimpse of life in this gentle piece of countryside.
September 21, 2024
So nice to revisit Thrush Green, looking forward to the next visit.
July 7, 2024
Another visit to my new favorite place! With a bit of a surprise ending this time.
July 18, 2016
"Miss Read" or Dora Saint's books have a huge following, and at least two members of my family have found her books charming. Yet from my diary of 2002 I read, "cosy, trite, gossipy, fatuous." Granted this was over a decade ago, but I am not tempted to try this author again. Clearly I am not her target audience.
March 29, 2018
The big news in Thrush Green is a beautiful newcomer: Phyllida ‘Phil’ Prior and her young son Jeremy, who move into Tullivers, one of the few empty houses in the village. Phil is immediately befriended by Winnie Bailey (old Dr. Bailey’s wife) and Harold Shoosmith, and they are both drawn into the mysterious circumstances of their new friend. Does Phil have a husband? And if so, where is he? Meanwhile, there are gallant struggles as Phil endeavours to shape up her house, to make a living as a writer and to fit into the close-knit village of Thrush Green. Before long, Phil finds herself ‘besieged’ by a trio of suitors; well, I admit that the besieged is ironic, as all three of the suitors are either unlikely, ambivalent or of the ‘dark horse’ variety.
Still, there is something undeniably comfortable about reading this series - even when its description of gender relations are rather antiquated. I find that every book yields some graceful insight, and the understanding of human nature transcends the time period in which the books are set. When Phil is taken to dinner with Richard, her youngest suitor, she realises why he so often comes across as cold and self-involved. “She found him interesting and remarkably astute when talking about his work, but incredibly naive in his attitude to people. ‘He’s just not interested in them’, thought Phil to herself, watching him demolish caramel custard with a few swift movements.’” It might be a simple insight, but being able to identify this particular form of selfishness could have (personally) saved me a lot of trouble and heartache.
Still, there is something undeniably comfortable about reading this series - even when its description of gender relations are rather antiquated. I find that every book yields some graceful insight, and the understanding of human nature transcends the time period in which the books are set. When Phil is taken to dinner with Richard, her youngest suitor, she realises why he so often comes across as cold and self-involved. “She found him interesting and remarkably astute when talking about his work, but incredibly naive in his attitude to people. ‘He’s just not interested in them’, thought Phil to herself, watching him demolish caramel custard with a few swift movements.’” It might be a simple insight, but being able to identify this particular form of selfishness could have (personally) saved me a lot of trouble and heartache.
April 6, 2021
5 stars
April 21, 2025
I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I found this book a bit shocking when I finished!
October 6, 2014
This book follows up the last two and takes place about 2 years after Winter at Thrush Green. The local gossips are all abuzz about The Tollivers, a cottage that has been empty for years. A young woman and her son move in - without a man - and proceed to fix up the cottage and grounds with some help from Harold Shoosmith. The lady, Phil, has moved to Thrush Green for a fresh start after some personal problems. She's an independent modern woman who writes a girls' column for a living. She's a little hesitant to become involved in village life but soon Winnie Bailey becomes the mother she misses. Can she confide in Winnie? Winnie's nephew Richard arrives to conduct some research at Oxford. Winnie and Dr. Bailey find him self-centered and boorish but Phil discovers he can be charming when he wants to be. Albert and Nelly Piggot find that married life doesn't suit them as much as they had hopes and Nelly ignores doctor's orders at the peril of Albert's help. Meanwhile, Dotty Harmer is busy trying to find GOOD homes for a litter of feral cats, despite Sam Curdle's offer to drown them.
This book is very different from the previous two. There's no hook or mystery to grab the reader and keep them interested. The plot doesn't engage as much, being a series of small events without an overall narrative. The plot is more melancholy than the previous two books. Modern life intrudes : television news, Heathrow airport and painted women are all mentioned, along with a number of d- words and one h-word. I really didn't like this intrusion of modernity at all. I vastly prefer the stories centered around village gossip for that reminds me of Cranford with a bunch of middle aged and elderly ladies sticking their noses in everyone else's business. I absolutely hated the ending. It took me by surprise. I like the predictable coziness of these types of stories.
The main characters here are Phil and Jeremy with Harold Shoosmith as the secondary main character and Albert Piggot as the third. Dotty Harmer also has a small plotline. My favorite character was Dotty. I'm also passionate about animal welfare and impatient with children at times so I could certainly relate. I guess I'm a crotchety old spinster myself and if I could, I'd be the crazy dog lady instead of the crazy cat lady. I wanted to like Phil because she's an independent woman and a writer but I felt she was too weak and weepy at times and her language brought the modern time frame of the story into sharp focus. Her plot takes a dramatic twist I didn't expect which affects the tone of the novel. Jeremy is a wise-beyond-his-years kid but with all the exuberance and good nature of a young boy. He's sweet and provides a good friend for Paul. Shoosmith is not an interesting character. He's indecisive though his heart is leading him in a certain direction. He takes on too authoritative a role for my tastes.
I have one more book on my nightstand and then I will see what the other books sound like and maybe see if I still like the series.
This book is very different from the previous two. There's no hook or mystery to grab the reader and keep them interested. The plot doesn't engage as much, being a series of small events without an overall narrative. The plot is more melancholy than the previous two books. Modern life intrudes : television news, Heathrow airport and painted women are all mentioned, along with a number of d- words and one h-word. I really didn't like this intrusion of modernity at all. I vastly prefer the stories centered around village gossip for that reminds me of Cranford with a bunch of middle aged and elderly ladies sticking their noses in everyone else's business. I absolutely hated the ending. It took me by surprise. I like the predictable coziness of these types of stories.
The main characters here are Phil and Jeremy with Harold Shoosmith as the secondary main character and Albert Piggot as the third. Dotty Harmer also has a small plotline. My favorite character was Dotty. I'm also passionate about animal welfare and impatient with children at times so I could certainly relate. I guess I'm a crotchety old spinster myself and if I could, I'd be the crazy dog lady instead of the crazy cat lady. I wanted to like Phil because she's an independent woman and a writer but I felt she was too weak and weepy at times and her language brought the modern time frame of the story into sharp focus. Her plot takes a dramatic twist I didn't expect which affects the tone of the novel. Jeremy is a wise-beyond-his-years kid but with all the exuberance and good nature of a young boy. He's sweet and provides a good friend for Paul. Shoosmith is not an interesting character. He's indecisive though his heart is leading him in a certain direction. He takes on too authoritative a role for my tastes.
I have one more book on my nightstand and then I will see what the other books sound like and maybe see if I still like the series.
February 13, 2016
A quiet story, continuing along the path of the Thrush Green books. Perfect for my reading during a bout of respiratory flu, just what the dr. ordered!
I just had to continue with the "Thrush Green" series after finishing "Winter at Thrush Green". The characters continue to engage my thoughts and are so down-to-earth and, well, *real*.
A young woman with a six year old son moves into the neighborhood. Abandoned by her husband who has left his family to pursue another interest in France, the reader's sympathy is immediately drawn to Phillida and her son Jeremy, who keeps asking where "Dad" is. Will the folk at Thrush Green befriend her or ignore her? Although she is getting some monetary support from her absent husband, she continues to struggle financially with the upkeep of a cottage and garden that have deteriorated over time.
There are several village upsets in this serene story, to pique the reader's interest. Winnie Bailey's nephew thrusts himself upon Winnie and the Dr., who is aging and often ill.
"I'm living on 'borrowed time', as dear old Mrs. Curdle used to say," he said matter-of-factly. And very lucky I am to have these few extra years.'
His complete absence of self-pity made things more bearable for Winnie, but the secret sadness was always there, and made her doubly sympathetic toward the young widow next door."
Albert Piggott's marriage isn't all it has cracked up to be, and the eccentric Dottie finds herself saddled with a family of kittens to find new homes for. Albert himself becomes dangerously ill (and cranky!) Harold Shoosmith finds himself giving more and more attention to Phillida, as does Richard, Winnie's self-absorbed and narcissistic nephew. Will Phil have two suitors, or perhaps even three?
A quiet pleasant read, sprinkled with a dash of Miss Read's wry humor here and there; just the thing for a snowy winter's day.
I just had to continue with the "Thrush Green" series after finishing "Winter at Thrush Green". The characters continue to engage my thoughts and are so down-to-earth and, well, *real*.
A young woman with a six year old son moves into the neighborhood. Abandoned by her husband who has left his family to pursue another interest in France, the reader's sympathy is immediately drawn to Phillida and her son Jeremy, who keeps asking where "Dad" is. Will the folk at Thrush Green befriend her or ignore her? Although she is getting some monetary support from her absent husband, she continues to struggle financially with the upkeep of a cottage and garden that have deteriorated over time.
There are several village upsets in this serene story, to pique the reader's interest. Winnie Bailey's nephew thrusts himself upon Winnie and the Dr., who is aging and often ill.
"I'm living on 'borrowed time', as dear old Mrs. Curdle used to say," he said matter-of-factly. And very lucky I am to have these few extra years.'
His complete absence of self-pity made things more bearable for Winnie, but the secret sadness was always there, and made her doubly sympathetic toward the young widow next door."
Albert Piggott's marriage isn't all it has cracked up to be, and the eccentric Dottie finds herself saddled with a family of kittens to find new homes for. Albert himself becomes dangerously ill (and cranky!) Harold Shoosmith finds himself giving more and more attention to Phillida, as does Richard, Winnie's self-absorbed and narcissistic nephew. Will Phil have two suitors, or perhaps even three?
A quiet pleasant read, sprinkled with a dash of Miss Read's wry humor here and there; just the thing for a snowy winter's day.
May 12, 2025
This is one of my favorites in the Thrush Green series. One of the small cottages on the Green that has been empty for a while is sold to a young woman named Phyllida Prior, along with her young son, Jeremy. Of course everyone in the village is curious about her, and it isn’t long before they all know that Phil, as she is called, is separated from her husband. He is in France with the woman he left her for; she hasn’t been able to bring herself to tell Jeremy yet.
Harold Shoosmith volunteers to help work in her garden, and the two of them become quite good friends. Harold even contemplates marriage, once Phil is officially divorced. Sadly, the divorce never occurs; Mr. Prior is killed in a car wreck in France.
Other happenings include Dotty Harmer finding a feral mother cat and her six kittens. She takes it upon herself to get the mother spayed and find homes for the kittens.
Winnie Bailey’s nephew comes to stay with her and Dr. Bailey while he is working in Oxford - he is a physicist and while he is brilliant, he lacks social skills.
Alfred Piggott, who had married Nelly Tulling in the last book, is now single again, Nellie having run off with “the oilman,” and Alfred collapses from a bleeding ulcer.
After Phil recovers, she muses with Harold. ‘What is it about Thrush Green which makes it so special? Is it the air, or the green, or the people?’ Indeed!
Harold Shoosmith volunteers to help work in her garden, and the two of them become quite good friends. Harold even contemplates marriage, once Phil is officially divorced. Sadly, the divorce never occurs; Mr. Prior is killed in a car wreck in France.
Other happenings include Dotty Harmer finding a feral mother cat and her six kittens. She takes it upon herself to get the mother spayed and find homes for the kittens.
Winnie Bailey’s nephew comes to stay with her and Dr. Bailey while he is working in Oxford - he is a physicist and while he is brilliant, he lacks social skills.
Alfred Piggott, who had married Nelly Tulling in the last book, is now single again, Nellie having run off with “the oilman,” and Alfred collapses from a bleeding ulcer.
After Phil recovers, she muses with Harold. ‘What is it about Thrush Green which makes it so special? Is it the air, or the green, or the people?’ Indeed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
Reading the print book in this series is more satisfying to me than listening to the audio. I don't try to rush through to "see what happens." I enjoy pausing to enjoy the turns of phrases and descriptions of quotidian village life.
Miss Read's books are a lovely vacation from more strenuous reading. I am enjoying reading through the series in order. Comfort and joy.
Miss Read's books are a lovely vacation from more strenuous reading. I am enjoying reading through the series in order. Comfort and joy.
March 1, 2018
I did not like this as much as the first two, but it's always a pleasure to visit Thrush Green and its various inhabitants.
August 8, 2024
I really like this series.
December 29, 2020
Nothing soothes your soul like a visit to Thrush Green! A new person arrives in the village and settles in. She has attracted attention of a number of those in the village.
A self centered nephew comes for a prolonged stay with The Baileys.
Sam Curdle is up to his old shinanigsns.
Dotty Harmer has a family of kittens needing a new home.
Nelly has not settled into marital bliss well with Albert Piggott. I have a soft spot for the grumpy old sexton.
Miss Watson and Miss Fogerty are in a pickle.
Ben and Molly Curdle come back to the village as Molly has to care for Albert.
And Harold Shoosmith is the dearest man around!
I wouldn't dare say more as your own visit to Thrush Green
A self centered nephew comes for a prolonged stay with The Baileys.
Sam Curdle is up to his old shinanigsns.
Dotty Harmer has a family of kittens needing a new home.
Nelly has not settled into marital bliss well with Albert Piggott. I have a soft spot for the grumpy old sexton.
Miss Watson and Miss Fogerty are in a pickle.
Ben and Molly Curdle come back to the village as Molly has to care for Albert.
And Harold Shoosmith is the dearest man around!
I wouldn't dare say more as your own visit to Thrush Green
December 29, 2008
This is light and charming, a visit with interesting characters in an idyllic setting. The romance at the heart of this one is de definitely pre-feminist, but not in an overly grating sort of way. It's like watching an old black and white movie.
After doing a little research on the author, I suspect the character Phil (short for Phyllida) is based on the author.
After doing a little research on the author, I suspect the character Phil (short for Phyllida) is based on the author.
July 29, 2011
Great little book. Took me a little while to get into it, but after a while, I was just as captivated, as I am with all of the miss Read books I've read so far.
Can't wait to read the rest.
Can't wait to read the rest.
February 7, 2021
Honestly? These are sweet books. Just really easy reading about folks you'd want to live around (for the most part, lol).
Normally, I'd probably rate these books as 3 stars, but they get the pandemic lifesaver star bump.
Normally, I'd probably rate these books as 3 stars, but they get the pandemic lifesaver star bump.
September 20, 2020
This one has a surprise ending.
March 16, 2023
Re-read.
January 22, 2018
I find Miss Read's novel, while unrealistic, still a pleasant read since I find them well-written - conversations are not stilted, great vocabulary use, believable and personable characters. For me, they are to novels what Thomas Kinkade is to paintings. Why unrealistic? Because I have never seen this level of friendship develop so quickly and continue between people. But I think many of us would love in one sense to live in a village where there is a high degree of human interaction and people care for one another. It is not the Garden of Eden but closer than what so many experience nowadays where so many feel socially isolated.
February 1, 2024
Another Miss Read marvel!
Miss Read certainly has a way with words, and was a true storyteller. I have loved all of her offerings, and they are my go to when I need a “comfort read”. I can pick them up to read anywhere in the book and be immediately transported to a simpler, more peaceful time!
Miss Read certainly has a way with words, and was a true storyteller. I have loved all of her offerings, and they are my go to when I need a “comfort read”. I can pick them up to read anywhere in the book and be immediately transported to a simpler, more peaceful time!
December 22, 2024
I think this might be my favourite of the series so far, it felt funnier. Another new inhabitant on the green, this time a young woman, and a bit of a love triangle ensues.
March 24, 2018
#MissReadalong on IG - March 2018
July 23, 2025
Enjoyed this escape to the pleasant world of Thrush Green. Unfortunately, there were a lot of typos in the Kindle version. But that did not diminish my enjoyment of the content!
February 8, 2025
Enjoyable read. Did NOT see that end coming. Not sure I like it either!
April 17, 2018
Every so often I like to imagine living in a cottage of Cotswold stone in an idyllic village like Thrush Green. OK, more than every so often, I'm pretty much obsessed with English country living. So, I indulge myself by reading books featuring the same. Miss Read is wonderful at filling the village cast with vivid characters: the sympathetic, kind and patient ones like the doctor and rector and their wives, the hardworking gossipy housekeeper, the endlessly complaining sexton with his nagging wife, the quirky herbalist and animal lover, and the minor criminal to mention a few. This story centers around Phil (short for Phyllida) Prior, a young mother buying a cottage in Thrush Green seemingly on her own. The book was published and set in 1970, so some traditions hold sway, but Phil is a working woman, a writer working from home. This distinguishes her from most of the genteel married women who are housewives, though there are plenty of women who work - the spinster school teachers and the married housekeepers, for instance. The story is centered on Phil's marriage - is she married or available and what is going on with that. There are suitors poised to step into the breach if she is indeed single and unattached. The plot is gentle but interesting, although rather conveniently wrapped up. Still a relaxing place to visit should you wish to get away to an English village.
February 7, 2023
I think Miss Read (Dora Saint) was coming into her own in the early 70's. I'm reading the Miss Read books (Fairacre/ Thrush Green series) in publication order and I can see that this one was better written than several of her earlier efforts. (With several truly lovely passages and turns of phrase.)
That said, I didn't LOVE it. I thought I would, but it landed with a thud for me. (Thereby demonstrating the importance of an ending.)
I find the casual use of "gypsy" or even worse, "gyppo" very grating. (Yes, Miss Read, we know Sam Curdle is a bad 'un. No need to disparage an entire people group.) I also did not like Albert Piggot's brand new wife just...taking off. It made no sense after the build up in the last book.
She also just completely changed Dimity into a different character after she married the rector. Ella and Dimity were fairly ridiculous characters as written in the first few Thrush Green stories but Dimity is now wise, gentle, and honored. And Dotty Harmer is downright dangerous. If I lived in the area, I'd never let her around my child. (I say this because she is rude to everyone and even hits one of the young boys who is fascinated by her and her menagerie.)
That said, I didn't LOVE it. I thought I would, but it landed with a thud for me. (Thereby demonstrating the importance of an ending.)
I find the casual use of "gypsy" or even worse, "gyppo" very grating. (Yes, Miss Read, we know Sam Curdle is a bad 'un. No need to disparage an entire people group.) I also did not like Albert Piggot's brand new wife just...taking off. It made no sense after the build up in the last book.
She also just completely changed Dimity into a different character after she married the rector. Ella and Dimity were fairly ridiculous characters as written in the first few Thrush Green stories but Dimity is now wise, gentle, and honored. And Dotty Harmer is downright dangerous. If I lived in the area, I'd never let her around my child. (I say this because she is rude to everyone and even hits one of the young boys who is fascinated by her and her menagerie.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews