The Village by Marghanita Laski

I've spent the past few days reading this wonderful book by Marghanita Laski at every opportunity. It exceeded all of my expectations and I suggest that if you have a copy languishing on your bookshelf that you get it down. To set the tone... Then they parted, Mrs Trevor going up the road to Wood View on Priory Hill where the gentry lived and Mrs Wilson going downhill on the other side, down Station Road among the working-classes. Picking up on the the last night of WWII, Laski takes us through the conflicts that arise when the classes mix. Much to the dismay of the Trevor family, their daughter, Margaret, falls in love with Roy Wilson. Despite the fact that Roy has served his country and learned a trade which earns him more money than Margaret's father, he will never be worthy of the Trevor's hospitality - much less their daughter. The ways in which class distinction are observed in this story made for a fascinating study. Mrs Trevor knots her scarf under her chin, Mrs Wilson knots hers on top of her head in turban-style. Wendy Trevor chides her daughter for using the term 'Auntie', blaming her association with Roy for her lapse of proper English, the correct term would be 'Aunt'. The romance between Roy and Margaret is so sweet, they go to the cinema, ride their bicycles and have a picnic while they plan their life together. I had to laugh when Roy, being ever so chivalrous, lets Margaret know that she won't be working once they're wed. Which suits her just fine as all she's ever wanted for herself was to be a homemaker and raise a family. Roy, tired of romancing his intended under a veil of secrecy, marches to the Trevor's front door to speak with the man of the house. Gerald and Wendy are perplexed as to why someone from Station Road would use their front door. You can imagine the explosive scene when Roy announces that he and their daughter are engaged. "And how do you think we're going to feel with a son-in-law we're ashamed to introduce to our friends?" rages Mr Trevor. You will have to read this book for yourself to discover whether true love prevails over class distinction. I don't know what made me grab this book at the last minute for this reading challenge but I'm awfully glad that I did.