Summer Half: A Virago Modern Classic (Virago Modern Classics Book 376)

Colin Keith decides he can't depend financially on his parents any longer and applies for a job as classics master at Southbridge School. He is supposed to be reading for the Bar but he knows he won't be earning any money for years. He isn't really cut out to be a teacher but he acquits himself reasonably well and makes friends with some of the masters and the boys - including Tony Morland - who first appeared in High Rising.Colin finds himself witnessing the disintegration of Philip Winter's engagement to the headmaster's daughter - Rose Birkett. Rose is a totally selfish and rather beautiful young woman and even her parents are not blind to her faults. The episode where she commandeers all the coats belonging to the male members of a boating party when they are caught in a thunderstorm is priceless and made me laugh out loud.This is a real comedy of manners set against the background of a boarding school and the countryside in summer. Naturally the characters are shuffled into the correct order by the end of the story leaving the reader satisfied and still smiling over some of Rose's behaviour and her incredible ignorance when compared with her well educated and knowledgeable peers.

I really enjoyed this book, by far the best of her works that I've read so far. There's a nice story ark back to her earlier works, and although it was written 90-odd years ago it still has a timeless quality about it. Recommended.

A charming, witty and well made novel full of gentle, human wisdom and kindness.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Angela Thirkell novel depicting another slice of life of the 'gentry' of the 1930s. The characters are well drawn - bossy, confident Lydia and Kate, who takes delight in mending and home making. No women's libbers here!Tony Morland from 'High Rising' makes another appearance and we find out about life in his public school. Settling with a Thirkell is a truly enjoyable, calming experience. I love her books!

A period piece that has not stood the test of time. So many good books evoke school life, from Tom Brown through to Mr Chips and even Jennings. But this book just failed to spark. And its Blytonesque unquestioning acceptance of the privileged lives of the upper classes between the wars, feels downright distasteful to the modern eye.

This was a light and gentle summer read but not as funny as I'd hoped. Good holiday reading or for reading when sick in bed.

One of my favourite Angela Thirkell novels. If you have read her before, you'll love this one. So funny.

This was OK. A nice easy read