Thursday, September 23, 2021

Book Review - The Fortnight in September; B.C. Sherriff

 

The Fortnight in September;R.C. Sherriff

Simon & Schuster Audio - 2021

 Jilly Bond - narrator - 9 hours 40 min.


Originally written in 1931, The Fortnight in September,  was a wonderful COVID-escape read.

The Stevens family is preparing for their annual holiday returning to the same seaside town where the couple honeymooned 20+ years earlier.  Now the Stevens the clan, as a family, has returned to Bognor Regis year after year.  Besides the mother and father there is Mary 20, Dick 17 and Ernie 10-ish.  The story begins with all the pre-planning that goes on into getting there: packing, leaving the pet, home and garden behind, train arrangements and so much more.  

Mrs. Stevens clearly doesn't even like going to the beach but she does it year after year for her family.  She comes across as a bit of an anxious woman who worries about what people will think about her, afraid of not measuring up or being laughed at, her mind is constantly moving and worrying at full-speed.  Mr. Stevens seems anxious as well; he obsesses about everything in preparing for the trip by checking and double checking.  He is a bit of a nut when it comes to details making sure everything and I mean everything is in place with no room for error.  It is clear that Mr. Stevens is a hard worker and that his family means everything to him.  Once they finally arrive and getting there is full of delightful details, they soon settle into holiday mode. We see the children enjoy themselves, relaxing, swimming and meeting new friends and thinking about their own futures.

The story is told basically from the POV of Mr. Stevens but, we clearly get to see what others are thinking and doing. There is nothing earth-shattering that happens in this story, yet the prose and slower pace makes the reader long for a similar, simpler life and time. What a treat! This would be a terrific book to take along on your own holiday or vacation. I'm happy I had the chance to try it and it was such a different kind of story from anything I've read in a long while.

Thanks go to Simon & Schuster Audio and Edelweiss for allowing me access to both the eGalley and audio book which made for a perfect combo read/listen. The audio was read by Jilly Bond who did a fine job.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

33 comments:

  1. This book sounds like one I would enjoy; I am currently reading D.E. Stevenson and Molly Clavering and their novels are also great escapism reading.

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  2. So glad you wrote about it here, too! I wanted to show you my review from 2009.
    https://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2009/09/fortnight-in-september-by-rc-sherriff.html
    As I have noted a few times on various blogs or my own comments, I can hardly believe that is my writing. It seems I could never either read a book, or write with such depth these days. I wonder if it will ever come back.

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    1. Nan, i clicked on the link and was so impressed with you thoughtful, concise review. Don't feel bad as I look back on my reviews from 10+ years ago and see how my review writing has declined with age but, who care? Although I appreciate comments and that others read my blog, I am not trying to impress anyone just inform them about my thoughts on various books.

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    2. I enjoyed reading both of your reviews, Diane & Nan. This sounds like a wonderful novel and quite unique compared to so much of what's out there today. I agree with both of you about our earlier reviews. I used to put so much time and effort into my reviews, but somewhere along the way I decided to just give a brief comment or two about my reaction to a book. The other day I wrote a much more involved post (still, nothing compared to my earlier posts) and my husband complimented me on writing such a good review. :) Like you, Diane, I'm not trying to impress anyone, but rather leave a record of what I've read for my own future reference. If others enjoy the posts, even better. So thank you both for your reviews on this charming book. It sounds delightful.

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    3. Les, I find I am very passionate about my reviews when I LOVE the book but, even then nothing like when I first started blogging. When I have mixed feelings about a book, it's so hard to motivate myself to even review it but, I do eventually.

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    4. I feel the same, Diane. My higher rated books get much more attention than those I didn't care for. I just finished a dud and all I want to say is "Meh. Don't waste your time." I should probably explain why, though, right? ;)

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  3. This seems like a nice respite from much of our more modern literature and a good story to boot.

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    1. Dorothy, it was a real treat to go on 'holiday" with this family and learn about their life and fears.

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  4. This sounds like a delightful beach read, and a nice break from the real world.

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  5. So glad to read your review and see that you enjoyed this one. I just finished it last night and found it delightful. Given that we've been stuck at home due to covid this reminded me of all the planning and anticipation of preparing for travels. Such an enjoyable read.

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  6. That does sound like a pretty happy vacation!

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    1. Yes, I never had those family getaways as a child. I loved reading about The Stevens family.

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  7. I really like the sound of this one and my hold just came in from the library.

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  8. This does look very relaxing in a simpler time, slice-of-life on holiday kind of way. And I absolutely LOVE that cover, the way the water is drawn. I rally enjoy that art style.

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    1. Me too, Greg that cover is a gem! I liked escaping back to what seemed like an easier way of life.

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  9. Nice review, Diane. I think I'd enjoy the audio.

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    1. The audio was pretty good but there were times I wanted to see a particular section in print as well.

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  10. Sounds like a good one, and the cover is beautiful!

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  11. This sounds like one of those more literary character studies that I use as a change of pace sometimes, a book about "real" people with the kind of problems that "real" people have in life. I'm always looking for those, so thanks for the review.

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    1. "Real People, a more simple life in so many ways." i was a nice change of pace read for sure.

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  12. Oh, it is the time period that most intrigues me. I may give this one a try!

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    1. Yes, I loved flashing back to a time before I was born - definitely a nice realistic family story.

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  13. This has been on my list for years, but the new cover is going to finally get me to read it - so beautiful! Just need to decide whether to read or listen...

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    1. I did a combo read listen as often while I was listening I found myself wishing I could see certain passages in print as well. Such a nice story though.

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  14. This sounds like what I call a "gentle read" and sometimes that is just the thing that works for me.

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    1. Helen, it's the kind of book that works for me when I need some thing very different from my normal reads.

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  15. This sounds wonderful and I could use a nice slow read right now.

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