finished the bolter. very good, very depressing, and it's still going round my brain a couple of days later. thanks for the recommendation.

Thanks again, have just ordered The Light Years.

Also just had long train journey today - am halfway through The Bolter. not really what i was expecting - it's making me a bit depressed - though it's very good. I think I'd really like a book all about the Radletts.

I strongly second the earlier recommendation of the Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard.

Try The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy - very similar in feel to Mitford

that procrastinating was first to respond!

The Bolter would certainly NOT do the housework.

The Bolter arrived this morning. Am salivating over it whilst I should be doing housework.

What would The Bolter do?

The Bolter was Fanny's mother in The Pursuit of Love et al.

Who was she based on then? (Not Nancy M's mother, who was a pillar of rectitude!)

Kitchens - I like the sound of The Bolter. In fact, all suggestions are great. Now I just need the time to get through them.