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Original poster

Does/did anyone else like Miss Read's books?

37 replies

CambridgeBlue · 12/11/2013 19:57

I was sad to discover that she died recently. I am enjoying her last book (a collection of memoirs complied by her daughter) but it's a shame to think there won't be any more although 'her' last fiction book was actually written by her editor and was a bit rubbish.

I have read everything she's ever written, many of them several times. I don't think anyone could call it great literature but it's lovely gentle reading with some beautiful descriptions of the English countryside and some interesting historical stuff. I just wondered if anyone else was a fan?

OP posts:
NCISaddict · 13/11/2013 13:23

I love the Christmas ones. Will make one of them my Christmas eve read. Thank you for reminding me.

Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 13/11/2013 13:22

I discovered them when I was at school - they first caught my attention on the bookshelf because my maiden name was Read so seeing 'Miss Read' on a book was in effect seeing my own name! I also grew up in a Cambridgeshire village.

I agree they are the ultimate comfort read and great for this time of year - I am looking forward to getting the Christmassy ones out soon for yet another re-read.

Love your username maud, hope you are a little less belligerent than your namesake :)

OP posts:
NCISaddict · 13/11/2013 13:14

I used to buy them for my Mum too womma, she wasn't a great reader but enjoyed them. They also remind me of stories my Dad used to tell of growing up in a Cambridgeshire village in the 1920's.

Bonsoir · 13/11/2013 13:05

I loved them as a child/tween.

maudpringle · 13/11/2013 13:02

They are a safe haven for me, my ultimate comfort read .
Can you tell my favourite character? Grin

womma · 12/11/2013 20:26

My mum loved these books. She died 25 years ago. I'm obviously going to have to read them all for myself now, so glad I found this thread.

WipsGlitter · 12/11/2013 20:24

I used to love them

Chottie · 12/11/2013 20:23

I love them too, her wry observations on family life and country ways are a balm to the soul. RIP Miss Read.

ShoeJunkie · 12/11/2013 20:19

Yes, I really enjoy re-reading them. I remember one of the last times was when I has just started mat leave and was waiting for DS to arrive.

Sad to hear she died recently.

ancientbuchanan · 12/11/2013 20:18

Yes, I do, though they are highly sentimentalised.

The day Mrs Coggs fought back and when Joe got school dinners was great.

emmelinelucas · 12/11/2013 20:16

I re-read them all every winter, in fact I replaced some last week, as they are extremely tatty.
They are so gentle, but with some reminders of how life could be in the idyllically remembered country villages. I always felt so desperately sorry for poor little Joe Coggs.
I like her short stories, too.

NCISaddict · 12/11/2013 20:00

I love them, have downloaded some to my kindle as my hard copies have fallen apart. They are the sort of thing I go back to when I'm not feeling very well and need comfort.