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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Having absolutely loved Miss Buncle’s Book, I was really looking forward to be in Barbara’s company once more, while worrying a little that this novel might not be as good as the first one. Nothing of the sort. Stevenson delivers again. From the very first pages, I was sucked in the story, following the newly-wed couple in their life together.
All the things I loved in the first book are here again, albeit in a different fashion. Barbara and Arthur move to a little village, Wandlebury, and meet a whole new cast of colourful characters. Once more the mocking narrator goes from one person to the other, revealing thoughts and showing actions, all with a big pinch of comedy and ridicule (lots of giggles). Not to say that everything is rosy. The author does allude to some harsh realities, such as the ones exemplified by the lives of Mrs. Marvell and Miss Foddy. Barbara is also different. I enjoyed seeing her grow in her role, gaining confidence, but not at the cost of her endearing personality.
Insights abound once more. For instance:
"In a new friend we start life anew, for we create a new edition of ourselves and so become, for the time being, a new creature…/…In creating a new Barbara for Jerry Cobbe, Barbara created a new facet of herself and was enlarged by it (p175)".
Great read (4 stars instead of 4.5 just because I preferred the first one).
All the things I loved in the first book are here again, albeit in a different fashion. Barbara and Arthur move to a little village, Wandlebury, and meet a whole new cast of colourful characters. Once more the mocking narrator goes from one person to the other, revealing thoughts and showing actions, all with a big pinch of comedy and ridicule (lots of giggles). Not to say that everything is rosy. The author does allude to some harsh realities, such as the ones exemplified by the lives of Mrs. Marvell and Miss Foddy. Barbara is also different. I enjoyed seeing her grow in her role, gaining confidence, but not at the cost of her endearing personality.
Insights abound once more. For instance:
"In a new friend we start life anew, for we create a new edition of ourselves and so become, for the time being, a new creature…/…In creating a new Barbara for Jerry Cobbe, Barbara created a new facet of herself and was enlarged by it (p175)".
Great read (4 stars instead of 4.5 just because I preferred the first one).
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5! This story was sweet and had twists I didn’t expect! There were one or two parts that were slow or I would’ve given it a 5. The first is my fave, but this one allowed me to have a bit more Barbara Buncle in my life! Would recommend :)
While this didn't jump out at me quite as quickly as Miss Buncle's Book, it was still a delight to read. Fairly predictable in many ways, but unassuming and unpretentious. Full of insightful tidbits on human nature.
Read 1/2 of this - had to put it down for awhile - came back and was completely disinterested.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
At one point Mr. Abbott turns to his wife and says "Barbara! You know you're funny now, don't you?" or some such exclamation and that is how I felt here. Stevenson knows that she is funny and is trying a little too hard. It forced but it was still fun.
Frothy reread. But a nice companion for my current, heavier reads.
Another glorious farce from an English country village...
Delightful second installment in the life of Miss Buncle, now Mrs. Abbott. A wholesome, old-fashioned read that I found very relaxing and entertaining.