A review by kricketa
The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice
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?