Good Book, Wrong Narrator

I ejoyed the book, but I did not enjoy this narrator as much as other narrators of the Miss Read books. I find the books fascinating because they hark back to a time that probably never was but we would all like to imagine. It is slightly irritating that some of the characters age in the normal way throughout the course of the books while others seem stuck in time and hardly age at all. Revisiting one of the early books has reminded me that poor Joseph Coggs was stuck at the village school for the entirety of Miss Reads headship and on her retirement he was only about nine years of age. Mrs Pringle was clearly older than Miss Read in the early books but she is still working at the school and apparently reasonably sprightly when Miss Read retires! As long as you're not overly troubled by these confusing tricks of time the books are lovely, a very gentle antidote to real life.

15 people found this helpful

A joy to read or listen to.

Miss read books are like food for the soul. Escapism from today's hectic life pace, to the slower, simpler, richer times of days gone by. The wonderful characters and observations of nature and the seasons add to the lovely story lines of simple country life. Miss Read is a joy to read.

8 people found this helpful

Village School

l Ioved every moment of this gentle book and cannot wait to download the next in series.

3 people found this helpful

A refreshingly innocent blast from the past

I used to read the Miss Read books regularly back in the 80's and 90's however, unfortunately, my paperbacks have long since become to fragile to handle. Listening to this gentle, undemanding, peaceful tale is a plesant escape from the current world

2 people found this helpful

village school

Absolutely loved it!
As a teacher with 24 years experience, I adored hearing about the simpler times, although I appreciate it wasn't always a simple ride.
Joseph Coggs....💜

1 person found this helpful

Not as engaging as the other books

I love listening to Miss Read books, great escapism from the real world. This book was a little disappointing though, and I found it slightly boring in parts. However I was happy to finish listening to the book and I enjoyed the narrator. Just not as good as some of the other books

1 person found this helpful

Great start to a lovely series

This entire series has been a joy to read and listen to. The author’s description of nature and her garden made me yearn to be outside. And now that I’ve listened to them all I have to say this narrator is my favorite. (Nothing against the others.)

Nostalgic listen

So enjoyable. The descriptions are vivid, and the characters feel real. A relaxing book about life in a small village school, and the surrounding community.

A Charming Tale of Times Gone By

Delightfully nostalgic story of a country village. Centred around the school with colourful characters and childish scrapes. Very enjoyable.

pleasant but uneventful read

pleasant like a comforting sofa, but uneventful. interesting to hear how village life was like in the 50s and 60s