Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson Series: Miss Buncle #1
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark on September 1, 2012 (first published 1934)
Source: Purchased
Genres: Classic
Pages: 299
Format: Paperback
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Barbara Buncle is in a bind. Times are harsh, and Barbara's bank account has seen better days. Stumped for ideas, Barbara draws inspiration from fellow residents of her quaint English village, writing a revealing novel that features the townsfolk as characters. The smashing bestseller is published under the pseudonym John Smith, which is a good thing because villagers recognize the truth. But what really turns her world around is when events in real life start mimicking events in the book. Funny, charming, and insightful, this novel reveals what happens when people see themselves through someone else's eyes.
Miss Buncle’s Book is delightful. Barbara Buncle needs to make some money and decides that writing a book is the perfect solution, much better than raising hens, but all she knows is her small town, so the people she sees every day become the characters, simply re-named. Miss Buncle sees her neighbors quite clearly, though, and not everyone is happy with their portrayal. Happily she wrote under a pseudonym, otherwise, her life would be miserable.
Miss Buncle’s book, Disturber of the Peace, is also charming. She takes this regular English town, and introduces her Golden Boy, and the townsfolk allow themselves to follow their passions, marry the neighorbor women, leave their husband, go off on an adventure. And some of the actual people find themselves doing the same things, more or less. So her fiction imitates life which then imitates fiction in the most enjoyable way.
I loved Miss Buncle. It’s a light read perfect for this time of year. It’s funny and feels real. People in general don’t see themselves as others do and the was they react to seeing themselves in the book is classic. And I love that the generally nice people get their happy endings, in the book and real life. Silverstream/Copperfield was a wonderful place to visit. And I don’t think it’s just for people who enjoy “classics.” Yes, it’s a bit old-fashioned but so fun.
About D.E. Stevenson
Dorothy Emily Stevenson (1892–1973) was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 “light romantic novels” over a span of more than 40 years.
Stevenson began writing at a young age but hid her efforts because her parents and governesses disapproved. Her father refused to send her to university, lest she become a bluestocking. In 1916 Stevenson married James Reid Peploe, a captain in the 6th Ghurkha Rifles. Her 1932 novel Mrs. Tim of the Regiment, which describes her life as a British army wife, was based on her personal diary.
She wrote most of her books while living in the town of Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Her novels were best-sellers, with more than seven million copies printed and translations in multiple languages.
I read just one and I was hooked. I’ve still to track down any other books by this delightful author.
I know. I’m definitely adding more of her books to my to-read list.
You have made this book sound wonderful!
I’m glad. I really enjoyed it.
Aww good find there! I do need a light read as well
To be honest, I don’t remember how it got on my to-read list, but I loved it.