Monday, September 21, 2009

Miss Hargreaves

Now this was something completely different to anything I've ever read before. Norman Huntley and his friend, Henry invent Miss Hargreaves during a short session of lies referred to as 'spur of the moment'. Norman has a history of telling these sorts of tales but never quite like this. These two young men take things a step further by mailing off a letter to their made up character. They're in for the shock of their lives when Norman receives a letter BACK from Miss Hargreaves saying that she's arriving soon for a visit - and she shows up! I must say, Norman is the most chivalrous of young men for putting up with the antics of Miss Hargreaves, her pets and accoutrement including a hip bath that travels with her everywhere. Poor Norman's circle of friends quickly dwindle, including a girlfriend as suspicion clouds his relationships. Just what on earth could Norman be thinking spending so much time with an 83 year-old woman! Meanwhile, he is being driven mad by this woman's antics and wonders how he can undo the mess he's created. His father, Cornelius is a sympathetic listener but quite the oddball in his own right, lets just say he's rather hilarious! This book sparkled with nostalgia and an innocence that I found charming and refreshing. It was magical, in more ways than one. I loved it.

14 comments:

  1. First, Stuck in a Book, and now roses over a cottage door...I feel like I should be reading this book...now! I am glad to see that you loved it and will be moving it up on my tbr list.

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  2. I'm a little apprehensive to try another Bloomsbury as I didn't jive with Henrietta's War at all, which a lot of bloggers have raved about. But then this one sounds really fun!

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  3. Well it sounds very wacky and charming! I picked up a copy of this a while ago and I WILL get around to reading it...Simon, Elaine and you have all liked it so much that I am sure I can't fail to!

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  4. 60 pages to go! I didn't want to put it down last night I was enjoying it so much (no idea what's going to happen next!) but sleep finally got the better of me...

    K x

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  5. I've got this, but you beat me to it!

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  6. I really must read my copy too. Have you read The Brontes Went to Woolworths? It does sound as if it is in a similar vein, with the imaginary impacting on and illuminating real life.

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  7. Book Psmith, When you're in the mood for something magical, don't hesitate to pull this one off of the shelf!

    claire, These books may not suit everyone's taste to be sure, I'm very much drawn to this sort of story. If you ever feel in the mood for a 'cozy sweater' kind of read, this would be a good one.

    Rachel, Wacky and charming sums it up! Sort of like a fairy tale for grown-ups.

    kristina, You're almost there now...we'll compare notes soon! D x

    verity, You were busy with that Du Maurier woman and traipsing to conferences!

    Paperback Reader, I haven't read The Brontes...yet, but was thinking the very same thing. Fairy tales were a favourite genre of mine as a child as this read like a fairy tale for grown-ups I thought.

    JoAnn, Oh it was. It would be especially delightful after a bout of intense reading to lighten the mood a bit.

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  8. This sounds lovely! I need to get a copy!

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  9. Cornflower, We need more books like this. It was lovely to have fun while reading, just like when you were a child. Thanks for stopping by!

    Jo, Nice to meet you! I've just had a peek at your blog. That wonky church spire is quite interesting isn't it! This book is very endearing, keep an eye out for it.

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  10. I read this in Edinburgh, and was delighted :-) Always so pleased when someone else enjoys Miss H

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  11. I'm looking forward to this one. I love the premise. Imagine doing something so crazy and having a real person respond! It's on my pile...

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  12. StuckInABook, Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

    Danielle, Too true, I'd be making up all sorts!

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