In A Summer Season

I've read a couple of books by this author previously, the first I adored (Mrs Palfrey) but was not so convinced about the second. There is a lot of love for this book though so I thought I would try it.The novel is just over 250 pages split into 14 chapters so not too much of a time commitment. The chapter lengths are unusual as they start really long and gradually get shorter (40-40-34-26-24-15-11-15-15-14-4-10-18-2).My first piece of advice is skip the introduction. It means well but gives too much of the story and tries to tell the reader how to feel about the novel under the guise of giving context. I got so cross with the intro that I put the book down and came back to it a year later.I'm pleased I gave it another go as the writing does have some merit. Elizabeth Taylor has a light touch that conjured up a period of buttoned up emotion and society pressures. The delicate handling makes the reader feel comfortable and creates a sense of security which then allows the points she wants to make clear stand out. ET never takes the reader for granted and relies on their intelligence to work out what is happening as often what is not said is more important than anything else.Whilst there is plenty of interest, I didn't get on with the book at all and thought it was very difficult to read in a modern context. I'm sure it is well observed but think that the humour doesn't work as well to a modern reader.This book has value as a historical observation but was not enjoyable for me.I probably won't read any more books by this author.

I read and enjoyed Taylor's "MRS PALFRY AT THE CLAREMONT" and so bought a second novel from the same author. By chapter three of IN A SUMMER SEASON, I had guessed the entire plot line and ending. I skimmed through the rest of the book because I always feel I have to complete. I found nothing of substance. It's all trite and predictable unlike "MRS PALFRY..." where the characters were interesting and, as the reader, I was genuinely keen to learn more about each and everyone.

Enjoyable novelette, but not quite as good or engrossing as I had hoped from Elizabeth Taylor, but an easy read.

I first encountered Elizabeth Taylor when I saw the film of Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont and then read the book. Whilst In a Summer Season is an excellent read, I did not find it as good as Mrs Palfrey. I would, however, recommend it to friends who enjoy a well drawn and well chacterised book. Elizabeth Taylor never fails to satisfy.

Quite good, really enjoyed parts of it but overall found the book to be slow and not that memorable.