The Young Visiters (sic) by Daisy Ashford - Have You Read It?

[NineUnlikelyTales]

I love this book, it is just so funny, but I don't know anyone else in RL who has read it.

Also, has anyone seen the BBC adaptation that was on a few years ago and if so what did you think?

The full text is here and it's not very long, if anyone wants to give it a try..full text

[bran]

I've read it, and thought it was funny. Although I wouldn't rush to read a lot of that kind of thing (not that there are a lot of novels by children about). Children do make great unwitting satirists of the society the grow up in don't they?

[NineUnlikelyTales]

They certainly do I love the bit where Ethel says that her complexion is very pale "owing to the drains in this house." How many parental conversations must she have overheard to get that gem!

[Bouquetsofdynomite]

Oh love it!

[Boco]

I read it years ago - it's very sweet and funny - have also seen the adaptation - was good.

[MyEye]

there's a school of thought that it's a hoax, and JM Barrie wrote it for a prank...

I saw the TV version, thought it disappointing (then again it was doomed to fail imho, as the glory/point of this book is the tone).

[HonoriaGlossop]

Yes, I love this book!

I don't care if it's a hoax or not, it's brilliant either way. When I go out now I always say "I am going to put some red rouge on my cheeks" as per this book

[NineUnlikelyTales]

Oh I didn't know about the hoax theory, though I don't care either way, it's still hilarious.

I saw the adaptation first and thought it was funny so I bought the book. The book is infinitely superior but I thought it was a good effort, with hindsight.

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

Love it, didn't know about the hoax theory (interesting!), liked the adaptation - of course it could never have totally done it justice, but I thought they did a pretty good job as far as they could.

[Bluestocking]

It's hilarious, isn't it? I didn't know there had been a BBC adaptation - who was in it?

[NineUnlikelyTales]

cast of BBC adaptation

[Bluestocking]

What a fab cast!

[Bonaventura]

It's almost certainly not a hoax. Miss Ashford lived to the age of 80 or thereabouts, and never said anything about a hoax. It's true she never wrote anything in later life, but there are many kids who are good storytellers at that age, but never become writers. But my main reason for thinking it's genuine is the text itself.


Then Bernard said shall I show you over my domain and they strolled into the gloomy hall.

I see you have a lot of ancesters said Mr Salteena in a jelous tone, who are they.

Well said Bernard they are all quite correct. This is my aunt Caroline she was rarther exentrick and quite old.

So I see said Mr Salteena and he passed on to a lady with a very tight waist and quearly shaped. That is Mary Ann Fudge my grandmother I think said Bernard she was very well known in her day.

Why asked Ethel who was rarther curious by nature.

Well I dont quite know said Bernard but she was and he moved away to the next picture. It was of a man with a fat smiley face and a red ribbon round him and a lot of medals. My great uncle Ambrose Fudge said Bernard carelessly.

He looks a thourough ancester said Ethel kindly.

Well he was said Bernard in a proud tone he was really the Sinister son of Queen Victoria.

Not really cried Ethel in excited tones but what does that mean.

Well I dont quite know said Bernard Clark it puzzles me very much but ancesters do turn quear at times.



You just couldn't fake it.

[Mercy]

lol!

I read this years ago - was very funny! Just the sort of thing I imagine my dd would write when she is older tbh

[NineUnlikelyTales]

the Sinister son of Queen Victoria