Celia's House by D. E. Stevenson

256 pages

Published 1943, reprinted 1971

Holt, Rinehart and Winston

New York, NY

Having finished the Miss Buncle series I finally got a chance to pick up a completely different novel by D. E. Stevenson. Celia's House came highly recommended to me by cousins and book bloggers Noel and Marie De Vries.

The Plot:

"Celia's House... is the story of Dunnian -- a spellbindingly lovely family estate in Scottish Border country -- and of the generations of Dunne family that live in it and love it dearly. Beginning in 1905 with ninety-year-old Celia Dunne, it delightfully portrays the bustling life of her heir and grand-nephew Humphrey Dunne, and his family of five rambunctious children. It follows the family over forty years -- through their youthful antics merry parties, heartbreaks and loves and marriages, as each in turn comes to maturity and an understanding of the enduring satisfaction Dunnian gives to their lives." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:

I found Celia's House a romantic and entertaining read. Although the story was a little reminiscent of two other books I've read it was still uniquely different... if that can be possible, which I think it can.

For starters, I was happy to have finally found the story plot that I've been looking for. The story of an English/Scottish estate and the adventures and drama that surrounds the family ensconced in the great home over the course of several decades. To be quite honest this is the type of story plot I expected when I picked up Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh earlier this year. Of course once I started reading Brideshead I realized it was NOTHING like I had imagined, which proved a little disappointing. Not so with Celia's House! This time, without any preconceived expectations I found that very story plot within this novel. You can imagine my delight; it was a very satisfying read.

The other novel that Celia's House reminds me of is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. While it only occurs as a small part of the story I did notice several similarities between Celia's House and Mansfield Park. (i.e. the beautiful, quarrelsome, yet devoted sisters; the quiet, loving, yet imposed upon cousin; the handsome and somewhat clueless eldest son; a set of conniving siblings who try to worm their way into the family; and even a play! Even though Mansfield Park is probably my least favorite novel by Jane Austen I still enjoyed this nod by Stevenson towards the Bertram family and Mansfield Park's unlikely heroine, Fanny Price.

Another aspect of Celia's House that I liked was how the story seemed to go full circle. It begins in the early 20th century as Miss Celia is about to pass away and leave Dunnian to the next generation complete with the laughter and tears of young children. The novel ends in the middle of the 20th century and the reader finds that once again Dunnian is being passed to the next generation, this time another Miss Celia.

There's very little that I didn't like about this book. The only thing that comes to mind is a two weird scenes at the beginning of the story when it seems Ms. Stevenson is hinting at the presence of the ghost... although Celia's House is the farthest thing from a ghost story. I wasn't entirely certain if she intended to make a point with the two scenes, but I soon forgot it as the story carried me away from the past and in to the future of the characters. If asked I'd have to say my favorite characters were Mark (It was fun to watch him grow from a little boy to an established and respected gentleman.) and Debbie (I wasn't sure I would like Debbie when she first entered the story, but it didn't take long before I was cheering for her in the story.) Oddly enough, though the story is titled Celia's House I never felt attached to either Celia in the story. Perhaps I will feel differently after reading the novel's sequel, Listening Valley.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Celia's House a 4.5. While some may argue that Celia's House is more a romance than a classic, I still say it's definitely worth owning, especially if you are a fan of Mansfield Park or coming-of-age family sagas. Some good news for readers of D. E. Stevenson is that Celia's House is relatively easy to find. Stat with your local library and if you find they don't own a copy then check the ILL system. I'm betting there's a god chance you'll find it this way. If you are like me and want to own a copy then you should be able to find a reasonably priced copy online thanks to the fact this book was reprinted several times until the late 1970s.

As for the sequel, Listening Valley, I am hoping to get my hands on a copy, so stay tuned because if I do I will be posting a review in early 2010.

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Curious to hear what other readers think? Check out the following reviews:

Fireside Musings (April 2008)

No Jam Today (January 2008)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his

lovingkindness is everlasting."

Psalm 107:1 (NAS)

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

The Two Mrs. Abbotts by D. E. Stevenson

282 pages
Copyright 1943
Farrar & Rinehart, Inc.
Printed in the United States of America
by J.J. Little and Ives Company
New York, NY

Another Miss Buncle book? Yes!

The Two Mrs. Abbotts is a new story about the unique Miss Buncle. War has brought external changes to the small English town of Wandlebury and to its inhabitants. But they are external changes only. Barbara Abbott, the former Miss Buncle, still attracts people to her like flies, drawn by her simple honesty. Although her methods of dealing with their problems are never orthodox, they are highly successful. Barbara's niece, whose husband is serving overseas, has a major part to play in the story, and in her own way manages to complicate matters in a thoroughly diverting manner. To tell the story would be to spoil part of the joy of reading it. It is enough to say The Two Mrs. Abbotts has excitement, humor and romance. (Summary courtesy inside front dust jacket cover.)

My Thoughts:
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Miss Buncle series. Although each of the three books in the series are connected by characters and each story builds upon the last, they are yet almost unique unto their own. If asked I still think I'd claim Miss Buncle Married as my favorite of the three, but at the same time they are each so different that I find them difficult to compare.

Still, I really enjoyed The Two Mrs. Abbotts. It was just as entertaining and witty as the previous books. The adventures and quirky characters are new, but still keep the plot moving. One definite difference between The Two Mrs. Abbotts and the two previous books in the series is the setting of the story. As the book opens the reader finds themselves once more in the home of Barbara Abbott (nee Buncle), but it is several years after the end of Miss Buncle Married and England is in the midst of war with Germany. Because of this setting the story does have some darker moments, but nothing that weighs the reader down.

A nice little surprise for readers and fans of Miss Buncle's Book is the appearance of Sarah Walker from Silverstream, one of the few loyal friends Barbara had while living there and writing as John Smith. I thought Stevenson used this little side-story to tie together Barbara's past and present quite nicely, which resulted in bringing the stories almost full circle, which was a fun surprise to me the reader.

Not to long ago I read another blogger's review of The Two Mrs. Abbotts where the reader lamented that there wasn't enough of Barbara in the story. I didn't find this to be the case at all. While it is true that Barbara is not as central as she was in Miss Buncle Married, I didn't find her any less of a presence than she was in the first book, Miss Buncle's Book. Although the story revolves more around the other Mrs. Abbott I didn't mind because it was giving me a chance to get to know more about Barbara's extended family and friends without leaving Barbara completely out of the story.

Although The Two Mrs. Abbotts is technically the last in the Miss Buncle series, I've been told that several of the characters appear in various other books by D. E. Stevenson, particularly The Four Graces, which is on my TBR list. I find this whole connectivity of the characters very fascinating. While several of Stevenson's books are stand alone novels and several are grouped in specific series there are overlapping people and places, which makes her fictional world seem all the more real-life. I love it!

Ever since I began reading the Miss Buncle series I have been puzzled as to why such a delightful set of books could fall out of print. I recently read something that might prove to be the answer. Apparently during World War II there was a paper shortage which meant publishers could not quickly or easily reprint books when they sold out. This resulted in a small number of books being available to purchase and eventually to the point we are now where those copies available for purchase are quite expensive and rare. Thankfully, as I mentioned before Persephone has chosen to republish Miss Buncle's Book. It is now my hope they will one day continue on to republish the entire series.

But in the meantime, if you've started to read the series and can't afford to purchase the rest of the books I encourage you to check out your library's ILL program. It was through mine that I was able to get my hands on the entire series and I believe they were worth the small trouble and wait. On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate The Two Mrs. Abbotts a 4. I truly enjoyed this story and hope to one day include in my personal library.

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Other D. E. Stevenson reviews:
Miss Buncle's Book
Miss Buncle Married
The Two Mrs. Abbotts

Rochester's Wife

What's On My Nighstand: November

I am happy to report I almost have a fresh list this month's What's On My Nightstand post! I was able to finish three of the five books I listed in my What's On My Nightstand: October post and I hope to have the last two finished before the month's end.

Because there is still a week left in the month I have decided to divide this month's post in two. The first half will be the list of books that currently sit on my nightstand and which I expect to finish before the month's end. The second half will be the list of books on my nightstand that I plan to read in December, hopefully before the next nightstand post. (Sorry no pictures this month, things are busy, so I'll wait to post pictures when I post each book's review.)

November Reads:
Cards On the Table by Agatha Christie
The Black Print by Malik Green

December Reads:
The Rackety-Packety House by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Little Minister by J. M. Barrie
Journey To Bethlehem by Delos W. Lovelace
Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (expected to carry over to January)

Perhaps my December list is a little on the ambitious side... December is, after all, one of the busiest months of the year! It is very likely I won't finish half the books I've listed, but I'm listing them just the same. I am excited to see what I do read and I hope you'll check back often in the coming weeks to read my reviews and other end of the year posts. (I can't believe it's nearly the end of another year!)

What about you? What are you planning to read in December? Leave a comment and let me know (a list or a link to your blog is fine). And if you are curious to know what others are reading check out 5MinutesForBooks' What's On Your Nightstand for November.

Happy reading!

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

363 pages
Published 2000
By Counter Point
Washington, DC

I like to think of myself as a well-read person, that is to say I read a lot of books and what I read tends to be from a variety of topics, genres, and eras, but I also realize that I have not reached the peak of literacy. There is always something else I should be reading or want to read, but I think it's this way for everyone. Reading is a life long journey.

Most recently, my reading journey brought me to Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry; a book that had it not been for the ladies in my book club, I probably would never read. It just wouldn't have crossed my reading radar.

The Plot:
"From the simple setting of his own barber shop, Jayber Crow, orphan, seminarian, and native of Port William, recalls his life and the life of his community as it spends itself in the middle of the twentieth century. Surrounded by his friends and neighbors, he is both participant and witness as the community attempts to transcend its own decline. And meanwhile Jayber learns the art of devotion and that a faithful love is its own reward." (Summary from B&N)

My Thoughts:
For starters, I found Jayber Crow an interesting story concept. It's always fascinating to me to hear how life was different for the previous generations. The character of Jayber (a.k.a "Jonah", a.k.a. "J") was born a few years prior to my own grandfather. And while my grandfather has spent his lifetime entirely in the northern part of the United States, there are a few similarities in what he saw and experienced and those that Jayber sees and experiences in the south (rural Kentucky). This aspect of the novel was definitely interesting to me.

But for those readers looking for an exciting and action packed tale, look elsewhere. Jayber Crow is a coming-of-age story that begins with a young boy and ends with an elderly man. It is told in the first person and has a lot of disjointed memories mixed in with description and dialogue.

For the most part I can't say that I liked Jayber Crow, I just never "clicked" with the characters of the story, which was a little disappointing. Throughout the story I felt as if Jayber just kind of floated on by, waiting and watching as the world changed around him, but doing little with his own life. At one point in the story Jayber finds true love, but it doesn't end in a "happily ever after" as some readers might hope. Throughout his lifetime, and in turn the novel, Jayber searches for answers to deep questions, questions about God and life and love. Jayber seems to be searching for heaven on earth in the people he knows, but in the end finds more of a hell than anything like a paradise, and by the end of the story many of the answers to his questions seem to have alluded him forever. I found this aspect of the novel not so much irritating or thought provoking as it was depressing.

The one aspect I did enjoy was Wendell Berry's writing style. It was at times very easy to read and many passages were quote worthy. I posted two in recent Tuesday Teasers, which can be read here and here. Another good quote is:

"So now maybe you can imagine it: the moon hanging all alone out in the sky, its light pouring down over everything and filling the valley, and under the moonlight the woods, making a darkness, and within the darkness a little room of firelight, and within the firelight several men talking, some standing, some sitting on stools of piled rocks or on logs, some sitting or squatting or kneeling around a spot swept clear of leaves where they were playing cards, and all around you could hear the whippoorwills." (Chapter 9, page 111)

While I may have a mixed opinion of Jayber Crow, it is considered by some literary critics as an excellent example of Southern Agrarian writing. Until reading this book I'd only heard the term "Southern Agrarian" once or twice before and I had no idea what it meant. (Perhaps I'm not as well-read as I like to think!) For those of you, who like me, are not familiar with Southern Agrarianism, it is a type of philosophy and lifestyle founded during the early-mid 20th century by a group of Southern authors. Their views included opposition to any form of modernity or technology that would promote urbanism and industrialism and eventually lead to the end of Southern traditions and "the way things are." Because this is a review of a novel and not a review of the philosophy I will only say that in reading Jayber Crow I agreed with a few small points, but for the most part I find the Southern Agrarian philosophy to be unrealistic and impractical in the 21st century.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Jayber Crow a 2.5. It was an "ok" read, but not intriguing enough to make me want to read more of Berry's novels. If you're still interested in reading I'd advise you borrow (as I did) versus buy this novel, at least until you know if you want to own a copy. As it is a recent publication (within the last decade) and a somewhat popular author you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a copy at your local public library.

Quote of the Day:

“Tea and books - Mmmmmm, two of life's exquisite pleasures that together bring near-bliss.” ~ Christine Hanrahan

Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery

225 pages
Published 1919, reprinted 1998
by Bantom Books
Harper & Row Publishers, Inc.
New York, NY

At long last I had time to sit down and not only begin reading Rainbow Valley, but time to finish it! Rainbow Valley is the seventh book in the Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery, but it isn't really a book about Anne, it's more of a book about her children... and yet it's not entirely about them either.

The Plot:
Anne Shirley is grown up, has married her beloved Gilbert, and is the mother of six mischievous children. These boys and girls discover a special place all their own, but they never dream of what will happen when a strange family moves into an old mansion nearby. The Meredith clan is two boys and two girls--and a runaway named Mary Vance. Soon the Merediths join Anne's children in their private hideout, intent on carrying out their plans to save Mary from the orphanage, to help the lonely minister find happiness, and to keep a pet rooster from the soup pot. There's always an adventure brewing in the sun-dappled world of Rainbow Valley. (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
I had mixed thoughts going into this book. On the one-hand I was sad to know this story wasn't really about Anne. Although she is present throughout the book and is definitely a part of the story, Rainbow Valley isn't her story and because of this I did find myself missing Anne. I also truly missed Gilbert. For the first time in the series Gilbert only has one line! And although he is mentioned throughout the book he only makes two or three appearances in the story. Alas!

I guess because of this it almost felt to me as if Rainbow Valley was more of a companion story to the Anne of Green Gables series, like the three Deep Valley books are to the Betsy-Tacy series. (The only difference here of course is that Rainbow Valley is one of the Anne books.)

Nevertheless, once I got over this snag I truly enjoyed Rainbow Valley. The adventures of the Blythe and Meredith children are hilariously entertaining. And like all Montgomery stories, this book had it's sweet and it's sad moments. Of course, what Montgomery novel would be complete without a little romance? Rainbow Valley contained two -- one of lost love that gets a second chance and one of unexpected love, both added greatly to the richness of the story. And in the end I found the book to be a sweet, charming and completely delightful read. Not at all boring, which I must admit I was secretly worried it might be.

Another interesting feeling I had while reading Rainbow Valley was the feeling of familiarity. Although this was my first time reading this particular book so much of the story telling felt familiar, as if Montgomery took some of her best character personalities in all their quirkiness, some of the familiar phrases and humor and gave them a fresh twist. Not to say that the story feels recycled, because it doesn't. Just comfortably familiar and I think a pleasant read for any fan of Montgomery's writing.

For those who have read the Anne of Green Gables series and have never given this book a read, you are missing out. Don't focus on the fact that Anne is no longer at the center of the story, enjoy the story for all the other wonderful characters and adventures that are to be found within.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Rainbow Valley a 4.5. I really enjoyed it and am sorry I put off reading it for so long. I am glad to own a copy for my own personal library and highly encourage you to check out a copy at your library or find one at your local book store. This Lucy Maud Montgomery book is a must read!

My other L. M.Montgomery reviews:
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Avonlea
Anne of the Island
Anne of Windy Poplars
Anne's House of Dreams
Anne of Ingleside

The Blue Castle

And for those interested in reading some or more of L. M. Montgomery's works be sure to check out Reading to Know's L. M. Montgomery Reading Challenge, which will run in January 2010.

Friday Finds...

I'm long over due for a post like this. Over the last couple months I've been slowly collecting books, due to the number and my limited time for blogging I'm going to keep this post to a list of titles and authors, then once I read them I'll post cover pictures and further details.

Found a charity book sale. Total spent $5.
* The Gate Marked Private by Ethel M. Dell (c) 1928
* Miss Morissa: Doctor of the Gold Trail by Mari Sandoz (c) 1955
* The Man Without a Country by Edward Everett Hale (c) 1897
* Heidi Grows Up by Charles Tritten (c) 1938
* Through the Green Gate: The Alice and Jerry Books by Mabel O'Donnell Published 1939, (c)1957
* The Rand McNally Book of Favorite Animal Stories. Published 1949, (c) 1980.
* Read-To-Me Storybook Compiled by the Child Study Association of America, Illustrated by Lois Lenski. (c) 1947.

Found at a thrift shop. Total spent: $0.50.
* Skinny by Robert Burch (c) 1964
* M.E. And Morton by Sylvia Cassedy (c) 1987

Free through Paperback Swap. Total spent: NOTHING.
* General "Ike" Eisenhower by Delos W. Lovelace (c) 1944

Found online. Total spent: $12 + shipping
* The Four Graces by D. E. Stevenson (c) 1946, reprinted 1976
* Rear Admiral Byrd And the Polar Expeditions by Coram Foster (c) 1930
* Journey To Bethlehem by Delos W. Lovelace (c) 1953
* That Dodger Horse by Delos W. Lovelace (c) 1956

I am particularly excited to add some of the works written by Maud Hart Lovelace's husband, Delos, to my library. Likewise, I found the Read-to-Me Storybook a real treasure with it's short stories and poems including those written by Margaret Wise Brown (author of Good Night Moon) and stories and poems and illustrations by Lois Lenski.

Total books found = 14

Total spent = approx $17.50

Happy book hunting!

Tuesday Teaser

"I'd had the idea once, that if I could get the chance before I died I would read all the good books there were. Now I began to see that I wasn't apt to make it. This disappointed me, for I really wanted to read them all. But it consoled me in a way too, I could see that if I got them all read and had no more surprises in that line I would have been sorry."

(Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry, Chapter 6, page 47)

Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie

213 pages
Published 1935, reprinted 1985
A Bantom Book
published by arrangement with Dodd, Mead & Company
New York, NY

Published in the summer of 1936, both in the UK and the US, Murder in Mesopotamia is the 12th Hercule Poirot novel by Agatha Christie.

For those unfamiliar with the Middle East, the "Mesopotamia" in the title refers to the Tigris-Euphrates region in the eastern Mediterranean, which is largely composed of Iraq, northeastern Syria, and parts of Turkey and Iran. Ms. Christie spent some time in this area of the world with her second husband, Sir Max Mallowan, who was an archaeologist. And it is clearly evident that the Mediterranean had special meaning to Ms. Christie, for she dedicated Murder in Mesopotamia, the first of several novels set in and around the Middle East: "to my many archaeological friends in Iraq and Syria."

The Plot:
"When Amy Leatheran agrees to look after archaeologist Dr. Leidner’s wife at a dig near Hassanieh, she finds herself taking on more than just nursing duties – she also has to help solve murders. Fortunately for Amy, Hercule Poirot is visiting the excavation site. But will the great detective be in time to prevent a multiple murderer from striking again?" (Summary courtesy of AgathaChristie.com)

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed solving Murder in Mesopotamia. I found the story's setting to be both unique and interesting. I particularly liked it because I knew Ms. Christie drew upon personal experience when writing this novel. The narration style of this book was somewhat unique in that the narrator was a stranger to the reader and in that sense reminded me a little of The Man in the Brown Suit and The Mystery of the Blue Train. As I have found to be the case with most of her crime novels, the plot was fast moving and interesting, the characters were diverse, and the mystery a little tricky. But unlike several of Agatha Christie's early mysteries I actually managed to solve this one before it was revealed to the reader. I was so pleased with myself!

One fun note is that although Murder in Mesopotamia was published in 1936, the events occur three years in the past in 1933. Readers of Murder on the Orient Express will recall Hercule Poirot has just returned from Mesopotamia when he travels on the Orient Express and solves that murder. (Click on the title to read my review of the novel.)

As I've mentioned before, I used to dislike Hercule Poirot. I'm not sure why as I had not read many of the novels where he was featured. I think from the little I knew of his character I thought him vain and annoying, but I've since changed my opinion. Over the last year I've read twelve novels where he solves the crime and I've really come to admire the character Ms. Christie created as well as the detective. Perhaps he can be a bit vain, but I think within reason. Of course, ask me again when I reach the end of the Poirot mysteries if I've changed my mind. I read once that Agatha Christie was glad to be done with Poirot when she finished her final novel starring the Belgian detective.

For those interested in watching a film version this novel, David Suchet stars in the role of Hercule Poirot in the 2001 adaptation for the Agatha Christie's Poirot series. Suchet, in my opinion is the best actor to play Poirot. Although I have yet to see this movie I read that the character of Captain Hastings was added to the story (he does not make an appearance in the book), which resulted in reducing Amy Leatheran's character drastically.

In summary, on a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Murder in Mesopotamia a 3.5. I really enjoyed it, but I missed Captain Hastings and the English setting. And while the setting was unique and interesting, I can't say it was a favorite, but still it's a definite must read for fans of Hercule Poirot. Borrow vs. buy this book, unless you intend to collect the complete works of the Queen of Crime, Dame Agatha Christie.

Up next: Another Poirot mystery, Cards On the Table, review to come later this month.

Silence is...

They say "silence is golden," but I wonder if that is still true of blogs?

I feel as though I've said this a lot in recent weeks, but pardon my silence. I haven't had any free time in the last week. But I do have books I'm trying to find time to read, reviews that need to be written, quotes to post, and links to link. I will be back, hopefully with a lot more free time in the coming weeks.

Thanks for waiting.

Tuesday Teasers

"Telling a story is like reaching into a granary full of wheat and drawing out a handful. There is always more to tell than can be told."

(Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry, Chapter 4, page 29)