From the Bookshelf of Retro Reads…

Pomfret Towers (Barsetshire, #6)

Angela Thirkell

Start date: July 7, 2022

Finish date: August 6, 2022

Discussion: Group Reads

Discussion leader: Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂

Why we're reading this: Continuing our read of the Barsetshire series!
[close] Continuing our read of the Barsetshire series!

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What Members Thought

Jul 11, 2022 Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, humour

4.5★

My favourite Thirkell so far!

I will be honest & say that until I devoured this book, I didn't quite get the Thirkell Mania that some of the members of the Retro Reads feel. But this title charmed me! It didn't quite make 5★ because, for me, there was a bit of a lull after an absolutely sparkling beginning.

This book is mainly about shy (extremely shy) Alice Barton receiving a normally much sought after invitation to join a weekend party at Pomfret Towers. While Alice's shyness becomes tiresom ...more

36 likes · Like · see review

Jun 07, 2019 Mela rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: group-virago-modern-classic, humor, region-british, historical-romance, historical-period-1914-1945, historical-fiction, series

Although I admit, it wasn't as hilarious or bitter-sweet as some other of Thirkell, nonetheless, it was another one of the best by Thirkell I have read. What made it so perfect was the thoughtfulness, integrity of the novel (story). It was easy to see that the author knew how to write a good novel, loved to do it and had fun doing it.

There was wit (which I adore so much), of course, a bit of satire of society and the people, a little romance, many great characters. Simply perfect.

PS And as much ...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2021 Tuesdayschild rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: england, audio, historical-fiction, 2021-read, gentle-read, recommended-by-others

I listened to the audiobook at a quicker speed, it made for a much better listening experience.

Alice, to coin Patricia Wentworth, starts out as a spineless dreep, but comes into her own by the end of the story. I’m pleased Gillie choose the wife who was the best match for him. Mrs. Rivers needed to be pushed into one – what an awful mother.
I’m always a little bemused by the amount of “lighting up to smoke” vintage authors felt they must include in their stories.
Extra: The parents, wisely, step i ...more

1 like · Like · see review