Happy Return [Hardcover]

Angela Thirkell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1953

Thirkell welcomes us back to the beloved precinct of Barsetshire in this novel set in the mid-century. Old friends and new faces join the community conversation which ranges from Sir Cecil Waring's plans for a home for boys of naval men killed in the war to the relocation of the Priory Preparatory School; from Charles Belton's hesitant courtship and headlong marriage to the spoiled Clarissa Graham, and to Grace Grantley's betrothment to Lord Lufton, with much discussion in between of gardens, dogs, and other country matters.

The older generation observes the younger with affection and concern while the younger settles into its own middle age, its prospects still shadowed by the war and its aftermath. Thirkell's marshaling of story across generations show- to quote her own praise of Lady Lufton- "all her excellent qualities to the best advantage."

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in 1951 and first published in 1952, the characteristically witty, nostalgic 25th novel in the beloved Barsetshire series describes the lingering effects of WWII on the fictional village that Thirkell adapted from its Victorian inventor and chronicler, Anthony Trollope. Classical scholar Eric Swan, part of a conspiracy to get his friend Charles Belton married to the lovely Clarissa Graham (once beloved by young Lord Ludovic Lufton), finds himself falling for librarian Grace Grantley, who in turns falls for Lord Lufton. The dowager Lady Lufton, widowed and melancholic, finds solace in a platonic friendship with her rich tenant, while the birth of several babies to various members of the leading families brings renewed hope to those of the older generation who are unable to adjust to the suffering and social upheavals brought on by the war.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Angela Thirkell was born in London in 1890. Mrs. Thirkell did not begin writing novels until her return to Britain in 1930; then, for the rest of her life, she produced a new book almost every year until her death in 1961. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Alfred a Knopf (June 1953)
• ISBN-10: 9997532651
• ISBN-13: 978-9997532657
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,052,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy Returns, March 29, 2000

By 

Manya Marshall (Ozone, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Happy Returns (Angela Thirkell Barsetshire Series) (Paperback)

In the many-volume Bartshetshire saga, Angela Thirkel takes us into a way of life which has disappeared from the earth.

As World War II approaches, exists and slowly leaves center stage, the county copes and attempts to retain the best of the old days. It sends its children off to war and welcomes them back, changed.

The motto of Bartshetshire might well be "We Presist" as elders, by steadfast example, communicate their standards of duty and breeding to the children irristably forced into a new world.

I'm sure that these novels are escapism, pure and simple; but, like the tales of Elfland, one is the better for one's journey.