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A Mouse in the Manse
In this charming sequel to Lady of the Manse we return once more to the big, draughty house where the young and inexperienced Lavinia Derwent played the role of chief bottle-washer and chambermaid, as well as hostess for the whole Berwickshire community where her brother was minister.
Privileged lady of the manse she might be - but just as often she felt like a mouse ...
Funny, nostalgic and delightful is this account of a Scottish world we have now lost - with its village fetes, ghastly musical evenings, and visits from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland himself - not to forget encounters with such extraordinary characters as Wee Wullie and Oor Net.
Lavania Derwent is the pen name of Elizabeth Dodd.
Privileged lady of the manse she might be - but just as often she felt like a mouse ...
Funny, nostalgic and delightful is this account of a Scottish world we have now lost - with its village fetes, ghastly musical evenings, and visits from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland himself - not to forget encounters with such extraordinary characters as Wee Wullie and Oor Net.
Lavania Derwent is the pen name of Elizabeth Dodd.
141 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
About the author
Lavinia Derwent
88 books4 followersLavinia Derwent (1909 – 1989) was the pen name of Scottish author and broadcaster Elizabeth Dodd MBE.
She was born in an isolated farmhouse in the Cheviot hills some seven miles from Jedburgh. She began making up stories about animals at an early age. Her most famous creation was "Tammy Troot" who entranced generations of children. She also wrote a best-selling book about an island called Sula which later featured in a film. The novels were: Sula (1969), Return to Sula (1971), The Boy From Sula (1973) and Song of Sula (1976). She also wrote a version of Greyfriars Bobby (1985). Her autobiographical books, particularly A Breath of Border Air recreate a world when it was the more fundamental things of life that mattered. Her Border Bairn series is set around Jedburgh, and Lady of the Manse has a Berwickshire setting. She wrote the wee kirk moose poem.
In the 1970s she co-presented the television series Teatime Tales (alternating with Molly Weir and Cliff Hanley) on STV in which she recollected stories from her own childhood.
She was born in an isolated farmhouse in the Cheviot hills some seven miles from Jedburgh. She began making up stories about animals at an early age. Her most famous creation was "Tammy Troot" who entranced generations of children. She also wrote a best-selling book about an island called Sula which later featured in a film. The novels were: Sula (1969), Return to Sula (1971), The Boy From Sula (1973) and Song of Sula (1976). She also wrote a version of Greyfriars Bobby (1985). Her autobiographical books, particularly A Breath of Border Air recreate a world when it was the more fundamental things of life that mattered. Her Border Bairn series is set around Jedburgh, and Lady of the Manse has a Berwickshire setting. She wrote the wee kirk moose poem.
In the 1970s she co-presented the television series Teatime Tales (alternating with Molly Weir and Cliff Hanley) on STV in which she recollected stories from her own childhood.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 15, 2021
The author has written several delightful books about growing up on a farm in the Scottish Border country. Oh, the joys of a simple childhood, and a country upbringing!
This particular book centres around the time she spent helping her brother, who was a bachelor minister in Berwickshire.
4 Stars = Excellent. I enjoyed it.
This particular book centres around the time she spent helping her brother, who was a bachelor minister in Berwickshire.
4 Stars = Excellent. I enjoyed it.
August 15, 2018
I love this book! Lavinia Derwent has a great voice. Her light-hearted narrative is wonderful and never fails to pick me up when I need something happy to read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews