Reviews

The Little Village School by Gervase Phinn

canadianbookworm's review

4.0

This is the first novel in a new series set in Barton-in-the-Dale. The village school has had an inspection recently and the report is pretty bad. Parents already had some complaints, but now some are taking their children out of the school in favour of a school in another villlage. When they advertise for a new head teacher, the pickings are slim, but one candidate stands out. Elizabeth Devine has been head teacher of a big inner city school and while some wonder why she would come to a smaller school, most are just hopeful. She has big changes in mind for Barton. Elizabeth settles in over the summer, making over a cottage nearby and beginning work on making the school more welcoming. Her manner is one that earns her the love of her students and the respect of her staff. She has parents and staff working together in a positive way. Facing challenges head-on, and using diplomacy and her professional knowledge, Elizabeth makes Barton-in-the-Dale her home and the village school one to be proud of.
A feel-good novel of village life, with all sorts of characters to enliven the plot, this gentle read will have readers clamouring for the next book in the series.

jennyanydots's review

3.0

He has previously written biographical collections of anecdotes about working as a school inspector in Yorkshire in the 1980s and this novelised version of a failing village school with a new headteacher trying to turn things round before the council can decide to close them down is very clearly drawn from his previous experience. I even recognised some of the same anecdotes. He has an engaging writing style and has spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a good teacher and how to get the best from different children, and his expertise shines through when he's writing about the school. He is less assured when it comes to some of the other elements, such as the entirely predictable romantic sub-plot he feels the need to include, and he came up with a complex back story for his main character which never quite rang true for me. Overall enjoyable, but not that accomplished. Glad it was a library book and not one I paid for. I'll read the sequel if I spot it, but won't make much effort to seek it out.

laura's review

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A pleasant read. Encouraging for anyone who ever works/worked in education. There are moments of hilarity which remind you of the honesty and innocence of children. Looking forward to reading more of the series.