Scan barcode
siria's review
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
This is a lovely, quiet book about a lower middle class English family in the early '30s, taking their annual two weeks holiday by the sea. R.C. Sherriff does a great job at conveying both the kinds of little things that people get anxious about—how to pack; how to ensure the optimal seat on the train; which spot on the beach to select and is it worth hiring out a particular bathing hut or not—and the kinds of pleasures that come with the change of routine and place, however mundane. The Fortnight in September isn't a book in which much happens—it's a slice-of-life story with no grand life lessons to it. But throughout you have a muted sense of nostalgia, the faint sense that since the Stevens children are getting older this may be the last time the family makes this journey all together. A pleasurable read.
perryleibovitz's review
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
sarahmatthews's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
The Fortnight in September by R C Sheriff
Read on audio
Narrator: David Thorpe for RNIB
persephone Books
Pub. 1931, 304pp
___
I chose this book when I was in need of some comfort and it’s so wonderful I already know I’ll be reading it again in future. The story follows an ordinary family from Dulwich on their travels down to Bognor Regis for two weeks’ holiday, which they do every year. The routine ordinariness is the appeal and I related to many of the situations and feelings of the family, both in remembering being a child and now as a parent of a 12 year old. It’s staggering really how relevant the concerns expressed are to modern family life, given it was written in 1931. I definitely related to their anxiety about getting the train:
“There was plenty of time as there always is, if you panic sufficiently early and get it over with… there were so many little things that might happen, something forgotten that must be gone back for, a queue at the booking office window, a hich in labelling the luggage…one remote reason always haunted Mr Stephens with unreasoning and ridiculous fear; it was the possibility of a passing lady fainting or accidentally falling down. it would mean stopping and helping her up, brushing down her dress, picking up her umbrella and bag, possibly her spectacles. it was not that Mr Stephens lacked humanity or courtesy, it was simply the agonising delay that might be caused; for under such circumstances you cannot leave a lady with the cold blooded statement that you have a train to catch.”
The writing continues in this delightful way throughout their journey and, as there’s so much to say, they finally manage to get to the beach during Chapter 13!
We hear the anxieties and observations of each of the family as the story progresses and the characters are so beautifully written. the three children are growing up and there’s a melancholy atmosphere as they all reflect on their times at Bognor and wonder if this year will be their last.
I’ve been enjoying this gentle read at breakfast over the last couple of weeks and have loved every minute, I’m really going to miss it!
jmutrickster's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
annieheinsen's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
fienterest's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Perfect for reading when on holiday
annadekinder's review against another edition
5.0
Hoe simpel en hoe prachtig een boek tegelijkertijd kan zijn. Enorm van genoten en ideaal om mee te nemen op vakantie! Of om te lezen tijdens je staycation, zoals ik gedaan heb ;)
raincityreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
koiren's review
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Enjoyed more than I thought I would !