artbysmashley's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 stars. Such a sweet and charming story, if not a bit bogged down with chunks of prose that kept me away from the characters. It’s certainly not an exciting piece, but subtle in the way it sneaks up on you with love and adoration for these people.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
4.0
Filled with snappy, clever dialogue, elegant description and well-rounded, interesting characters, this book is absolutely captivating. A delicious, fun treat to read.
spirallingshape4385's review
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
diba_a's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
tinalouise_3's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed being on the emotional roller coaster of the characters lives.
kricketa's review against another edition
5.0
Now that I think of it, I probably adore this one so much because of the connections to "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith. Both families live on a crumbling estate of sorts and both main characters fall violently in love with unsuitable men. This one is wickedly funny though. I might even call it "a refreshing romp."
later, i reviewed it for the librarian's choice blog at work thusly:
Fans of Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle or Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love will enjoy this playful comedy set on a crumbling British estate after World War II. Penelope Wallace has never before had friends like the charismatic Charlotte and her brash cousin Harry, and is delighted to join them in glamorous new social circles. Posing as Harry’s new girlfriend (to make the old one jealous) does not, however, prevent Penelope from falling in love with a hopelessly unsuitable older man. And try as she might, she can’t think of a way to save Magna, the rotting, leaking and threadbare mansion where she lives with her family. Readers may find themselves wishing they could spend a week or two with the characters of this deliciously amusing story as they plot, scheme and dance late into the night.
re-read late february 2012 on the plane to texas. just as good as i remembered it. maybe even better?
later, i reviewed it for the librarian's choice blog at work thusly:
Fans of Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle or Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love will enjoy this playful comedy set on a crumbling British estate after World War II. Penelope Wallace has never before had friends like the charismatic Charlotte and her brash cousin Harry, and is delighted to join them in glamorous new social circles. Posing as Harry’s new girlfriend (to make the old one jealous) does not, however, prevent Penelope from falling in love with a hopelessly unsuitable older man. And try as she might, she can’t think of a way to save Magna, the rotting, leaking and threadbare mansion where she lives with her family. Readers may find themselves wishing they could spend a week or two with the characters of this deliciously amusing story as they plot, scheme and dance late into the night.
re-read late february 2012 on the plane to texas. just as good as i remembered it. maybe even better?
mochitofu's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
foreverday's review against another edition
5.0
2019 re-read:
I love it still. One of those re-reads when you have to stop every now and again think to yourself 'Yep, I'm really enjoying this'. It still feels very glamorous to me, and I still love that the house is basically another character in the story.
(Something I never realised until this re-read was that it has a Fake!Dating plot?! Not sure how I missed that before)
I love it still. One of those re-reads when you have to stop every now and again think to yourself 'Yep, I'm really enjoying this'. It still feels very glamorous to me, and I still love that the house is basically another character in the story.
(Something I never realised until this re-read was that it has a Fake!Dating plot?! Not sure how I missed that before)
meganclancy's review against another edition
5.0
This book is wonderful. It reminds me in many ways of one of my other favorite books, I Capture the Castle.
margaretefg's review against another edition
5.0
Just finished and am left with a warm glow. Post-war England (1955) just coming out of rationing. Young people like Penelope and Charlotte who've never known the world before the war, and people just a bit older, whose world was rocked by it. Rich Americans and American pop music meet Penelope and her widowed mother and younger brother, who can't afford their mediaeval home, Milton Magna. Then there's plenty of star -crossed love, coincidences... Just fun.