The New York Times has published a nice piece on Angela Thirkell, who between 1933 and 1961 wrote 29 books set in fictional Barsetshire, England.I read a couple of Thirkells many moons ago and enjoyed them; this article makes me want to get back to reading more. They reminded me a bit of books by Miss Read, with a dash of Betty Neels thrown in on the side.
If you like cozy books set in Britain, Thirkell might be up your alley.
This is an author I was not acquainted with so thanks for the link. What caught my eye in your blog was the name Betty Neels. I was a huge fan of hers and miss her books now that she has passed away. They were certainly different from other romance novels, very chaste and pure with the man (usually a tall, older Dutch doctor declaring his love on the last page or two to the more often than not homely, slightly overweight girl, usually a nurse). I loved it!
ReplyDeleteCounty of Los Angeles library lists her books but shows all but one as unavailable. So I have requested the one they do have to give it a try. Long Beach library has 27 of them.
Fun to discover another common interest, Irene! Betty Neels books are my "comfort reading." I love them, especially all the British lingo ("hoovering" the floor and taking a break for "elevenses"). A friend of mine discovered that some of her books had the British terms changed when they were reissued, which we found rather horrifying...takes a lot of the character out of the books. (As I recall, the same thing happened with at least some of the Harry Potter books.) I have a longing for an Aga stove as a result of Neels' books (grin).
ReplyDeleteYou described the Neels books well! I have collected all but a handful of her oldest titles. Although they are all very similar, they are also all so delightful -- real treasures.
Enjoy trying Thirkell!
Best wishes,
Laura
She sounds wonderful!! I'll have to take a look. I love Miss Read (and Jane Austen), so I might like these too. Thanks!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy them! :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Laura
I just discovered her - through the Klinkenborg piece - I'm reading the first one - it's charming.
ReplyDelete