Customer Reviews

The Happy Prisoner

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You walk into Olivers home as he reads under the lamplight nursing a 2nd world war won heart wound and a leg that will not heal. You end up being on such intimate terms with the whole family that in order to reaquaint yourself with them you read the book over and over and marvel at her gift, a copy of this book is in the bedside table drawer of every member of my family. A Treasure

I first read the book "The Happy Prisoner" in 1966 at the age of 15. I loved it then, and have continued to love this tale of an endearing British family in post WWII England ever since. The characterizations are vivid, honest, and delightful. The story is captivating. This book, along with Margery Sharp's "The Nutmeg Tree" and Dodie Smith's "I Capture the Castle" forms my top favorite "triad" of books that I will return to over and over and over again, as the the years roll by. I only wish more contemporary authors would write such life affirming stories as these...skipping lurid details and gratuitous sex, plot "formulas" and sensational scandals, and simply give a reader a solid, enjoyable, intelligent, humorous, touching and engaging story that one wants to have go on forever...and barring that, at least one can always return and read it all again. Highly recommended. I have not heard the cassette version, but assuming it is read well, and with sensitivity, I am sure it will become as much a treasure for others as the book has been for me for over 40 years!