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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
The in depth look into life in the end of the 19th century in the English countryside was very enjoyable, but the very non linear structure (especially in the first two books, and especially the constant reminders of the eventual fate of the characters) was constantly jarring.
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Fans of the BBC series “Larkrise to Candleford” should not expect a replica of the episodes in these original stories, but rather a lovely companion to them. Better yet, is to forget the series altogether (hard to do, it’s so good) and read this as it’s meant to be read: as a lyrical and literary time capsule to a very specific time period and region of England—the Cotswolds, at the tale end of the 1800’s. The three volumes included in this collection could easily be read as a well-documented anthropological text, something akin to “A History of Private Life” by Perrot, Aries and Duby. In truth, at times the modern reader may feel the stories are as dry as some non-fiction. Nevertheless, the lilting charm of Flora Thompson’s voice draws the reader in and makes it difficult to tear away from even the most mundane-seeming details. Two favorite stories of mine in this collection were “A Hamlet Home” and “Mrs. Herring,” both of which play on the Gothic sensibility which still lingered during the late 19th century in England. This is the sort of book one can read, put down, pick back up again, over and over. One need not read each story chronologically. For all the autobiographical detail the "Larkrise to Candleford" trilogy imparts, each chapter is fictionalized enough in style and content (composite characters, etc.) that each is so enjoyable on its own.
I found it very dry, I think if I hadn’t watched the tv series when it came out, I may have enjoyed it more. I feel it didn’t have the life, and exuberance and soul that many of the tv characters posses and is really what makes me love lark rise!
4.3 stars
This was one of those cosy, beautiful books that slowly forced me to love it more and more until now I can hardly bare to let it go.
I will miss reading about Laura’s life of hamlets, hills and post offices, as I am sure that many other readers of Thompson have felt.
One thing I will say was that the first book in the trilogy, Lark Rise, didn’t flow very well otherwise this comforting countryside memoir would easily have the five star trophy.
This was one of those cosy, beautiful books that slowly forced me to love it more and more until now I can hardly bare to let it go.
I will miss reading about Laura’s life of hamlets, hills and post offices, as I am sure that many other readers of Thompson have felt.
One thing I will say was that the first book in the trilogy, Lark Rise, didn’t flow very well otherwise this comforting countryside memoir would easily have the five star trophy.
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Animal death, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Blood, Alcohol
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No