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happylilkt's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this one almost as much as Miss Buncle's Book
thenovelbook's review against another edition
3.0
Really it's between 3 and 4 stars. It would have been better if it was longer, I think, with more time developed to make the sisters stand out from each other a bit more.
This book can stand on its own, though it has extremely incidental references to a couple of characters from The Two Mrs. Abbotts. It's really not important to get the connection, though, as this book is about an entirely different family.
It's World War II, and the Graces are a family of four daughters and their father. They lead a very routine life, and they are pretty content with it. They are a clever but comfortable family. Elements of change begin to creep in, which make up the bulk of the novel. For one thing, a lodger comes to stay--an archaeologist of indeterminate age who is checking on some nearby Roman ruins. For another thing, a young officer gets acquainted with the girls, who all become immediately confused as to which one of them he is interested in. And a manipulating aunt-by-marriage moves in and makes herself at home. It's domestic drama and humor in the midst of a bigger world drama, which just has to take a back seat.
My favorite character is William Single, the archaeologist and lodger. He's physically rather clumsy and awkward, but surprisingly insightful and also very kind and humble.
It was a nice, gentle book, but it felt like little glimpses when I wanted a long look. Worth a read, though!
This book can stand on its own, though it has extremely incidental references to a couple of characters from The Two Mrs. Abbotts. It's really not important to get the connection, though, as this book is about an entirely different family.
It's World War II, and the Graces are a family of four daughters and their father. They lead a very routine life, and they are pretty content with it. They are a clever but comfortable family. Elements of change begin to creep in, which make up the bulk of the novel. For one thing, a lodger comes to stay--an archaeologist of indeterminate age who is checking on some nearby Roman ruins. For another thing, a young officer gets acquainted with the girls, who all become immediately confused as to which one of them he is interested in. And a manipulating aunt-by-marriage moves in and makes herself at home. It's domestic drama and humor in the midst of a bigger world drama, which just has to take a back seat.
My favorite character is William Single, the archaeologist and lodger. He's physically rather clumsy and awkward, but surprisingly insightful and also very kind and humble.
It was a nice, gentle book, but it felt like little glimpses when I wanted a long look. Worth a read, though!
heather_freshparchment's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy and War
rebroxannape's review against another edition
5.0
“I have noticed that nowadays when people speak of being broad-minded they really mean muddleheaded, or lacking in principles—or possibly lacking the strength to stand up for any principles they may have. Nowadays people are anxious to appear worse than they are,” said Mr. Grace, smiling. “It’s a queer sort of inverted hypocrisy, Mrs. Smith…but I must apologize for sermonizing.” “Not at all,” replied Mrs. Smith. “I always think it’s so interesting to hear people talking shop.” Mr. Grace was a trifle taken aback at this description of his calling. He was silent.”
The Four Graces takes up right where The Two Mrs. Abbotts leaves off. Starting with Miss Buncle’s Book, This is the 4th novel set in the universe which opened with Barbara Buncle in Silverstream and continued to Wandlebury and environs. The once mysterious Jane Watt is marrying Archie Chevis-Cobbe and the wedding is being officiated by Reverend Grace, the local vicar, with one of his 4 daughters, Tilly, playing the organ. We are soon introduced to the other 3 Graces: Liz, Sal, and Addie. Liz and Sal are the two sisters that this book revolves around. After the wedding, Miss Marks, my favorite character from “Abbots”, loses her umbrella which kicks off a series of events that ends in marriage for one of the Graces. Or is it Tilly's failure to dust the organ before sitting down which starts things off? While getting two of the 4 Graces settled as far as their “happily ever afters,” we are treated to stories involving an evacuee who is being called home to London by his mother (echoing a similar happenstance in a former book), a scandal involving doing the flowers in church, an archeologist excavating a Roman fort, a fete, and the various challenges that all England had to face during WWII. Not to mention, an intrusive Aunt that causes havoc and confoundment for our family. Through it all, the four sisters are right in the thick of everything that happens.
I absolutely adored it. Of all of the 4 interconnected novels, it was my favorite. It was touching, tender, wise, and the most romantic. And it is funny. The characters of each of the Grace family, their neighbors, and the fly in the ointment, Aunt Rona, were flawlessly drawn. The two love interests for Sal and Liz were so appealing. I couldn't have devised better for the two young women, whom I grew so fond of. Aunt Rona was the soul sister of Mrs. Elton of Emma, and I am not exaggerating when I say she belongs right up there next to her in the pantheon priceless English caricatures (in a bad way.) There is a passage towards the end of the book where Liz is cleverly satirizing the vanquished Aunt that is not only witty and clever but hilarious as well. I wish I could quote reams from the book, but I listened to it on Audio which was charmingly narrated by Karen Cass. And you would have to get to know Aunt Rona to appreciate the humor. And you should. I would recommend to anyone who loves gentle English novels to treat themselves and get to know this charming happy family. But first, you really should read the one prior to it, and the one prior to that, and the one prior to that. I wish D. E. Stevenson had written more in this particular world ala Angela Thirkell and her Barsetshire Chronicles.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings.com/
tessisreading2's review against another edition
3.0
Very gentle romance set during World War II. As seems to be typical for me I didn’t feel closely connected with any of the characters, really, but the family interactions of the Graces were fun.
misajane79's review against another edition
4.0
This book just begs to be re-issued by Persephone. Beautiful, beautiful story of four sisters in England during World War II. Very quiet, and yet very, very funny. One of my favorite lines: "even the best people have at least one bat in the belfry."
Definitely recommended--and I'm keeping my eyes open for more Stevenson.
Definitely recommended--and I'm keeping my eyes open for more Stevenson.
we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
4.0
Cozy, charming, English, heartwarming, comfortable, delightful and etc. In other words, not for everyone, but I loved it.
Other reviewers have compared The Four Graces to Little Women but aside from the similarity in number of sisters, I'd say the two are nothing alike.
Other reviewers have compared The Four Graces to Little Women but aside from the similarity in number of sisters, I'd say the two are nothing alike.
k5tog's review against another edition
4.0
I adore D.E.Stevenson's writing. It's sweet and endearing - English village life at its best.
celticrockgirl's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this, my favorite DE Stevenson so far. I wish there had been a couple more chapters though. I felt like Tilly’s story was forgotten… the book started with her and you got some sections of the story from her POV, but you were left wondering how she acclimated to all the changes in the family that had her so unsettled. Overall, I think I may have liked the book more if it had all been from just one of the sisters’ POV, not all three (the fourth Grace wasn’t in the story much). Each of the sisters’ characters just felt a little underdeveloped due to that technique. I still recommend this if you want a sweet, feel-good, British family (light) drama that will make you crave pots of tea and trays of scones!
marlo_c's review against another edition
4.0
What does one read in the midst of a global pandemic when you have shelter-in-place orders? Something lovely and charming filled with humor and heart. The four grace sisters are delightful company, with Liz being my favorite. And who doesn’t like a happy ending when the news is rubbish?