Oh, oh, oh!

[scripsi]

I just posted what I want to nominate for Yuletide, and I suddenly remembered something I would dearly get. I’ve never met anyone who has read it. It was one of my Mum’s childhood books and I have loved it since I was nine. Elizabeth of the Garrett Theatre by Gwendoline Courtney. Originally published as Stepmother in, I think, 1948 and also as Those Verney Girls. It’s very high on my list of comfort reads.

It’s about four sisters, aged nine to seventeen who has a blissful childhood in the countryside with their father, who is an author. Their whole life gets turned upside down when their father suddenly remarries and they decide to hate their stepmother with a passion, though they have no idea what kind of person she actually is. It’s a funny and charming book, the sister all have their individual characters and I’d love to have fic about them.

Comments

[gillo]

I adored that story, though the fact that they lacked a sewing machine bemused me. I wanted to be Elizabeth so much!

Have you read Sally's Family by the same author? All about keeping a family together in the immediately post-war period. Fascinating from a social history perspective, but also really engaging characters.

My copy is at home, and I'm in France. I'd have to re-read it, but I might have a go...

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

Yay! And yes, I was bemused by no sewing machine too. I identified more with Alison. I was very shy as a teenager. :)

I haven't read anything else by Courtney. This one is teh only one translated to Swedish, and though I nowadays have it in English too, I never got around reading anything else by her. I probably should. :)

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a charming book.

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

It really is! :)

[thisbluespirit]

Aww, go for it! (Well, when nominations open of course. Ack, I'm going to need my yuletide icon already, aren't I?)

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

I will! I mean, what is the worst thing that can happen? :D

Obviously you do!

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a book I need to read!

*HUGS*

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

Do, if you can find it, it's charming. And a pretty quick read as it is what is nowadays called a YA. :) *hugs*