Book Beginnings on Fridays (hosted by Rose City Reader)
The elegant oval of Kirkaldy Crescent was placed on the downward slope from Queensferry Street with such consummate art that it looked ad though it had arrived there by happy chance.
🌳 Miss Dorothea Balfour of Kirkaldy Crescent No. 4 has been dominated all her life, first by her father, then, after his death, by her elder sister Belle. Now that her sister was dead, she is free finally - free to do anything she likes. Free, for example, to observe her neighbors, the Lenoxes, who occupy no. 16, from her window. Miss Dorothea is always interested in her neighbors' lives, and so very delighted when one of the Lenox girls impulsively made a visit to the poor old lady at no. 4.
Friday 56 Quote (hosted by Heads Full of Books):
She sounded so wistful that Rowan said: "I would love to call you 'Miss Dorothea' if you didn't think it cheek."
That was the beginning of the warm and affectionate relationship between the two near neighbours.
🌳 Willow, Rowan, Hazel, and Holly - that's how Mr. and Mrs. Lenox had named their girls - from trees. The only son, Murray, escaped this faith, and got a normal name. These five young ones are the center of this story, with the old ones, Miss Dorothea and her brother-in-law, who joined her at Kirkaldy Cresent soon after, as a lingering background. Their fates and lives are intertwined with the young ones, but theirs are more subdued, though not the least significant. I've had suspicions of the brother-in-law along the book, is he really what he says he is? Or will he cause trouble for the naïve Miss Dorothea? The toxic relationship Rowan had had with the dancer was quite alarming too, and I'm glad how it ended.
🌳 With less of a plot, Clavering has cleverly woven the slices of every day life into a charming story. From ex-marital problem to little romances; from awkward adolescence to work-and-love relationship - everything is plausible; sweet, but not overdone. The result is a tender, charming, a bit funny, and heartwarming, wholesome read. If you ever need a book for comfort, this one will be perfect!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Read for:
Dean Street December #DeanStreetDecember
This is a lovely one, isn't it - I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for submitting our first Molly Clavering and tenth review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! I enjoyed the Clavering I read - I ordered another for myself but it still hasn't come!
ReplyDeleteSounds delightful Fanda - and another example of a wonderful DSP cover design.
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