This is the third book in Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire series and recounts the mischief Tony Morland gets up to during school holidays, most of them during the summer break.
Synopsis
This is the frighfully frustrating story of Tony Morland who first appeared in
High Rising. A sweeter demon doesn't exist than this 12 year old with a gift for disconcerting remarks and getting what he wants from his mother.
Boys will be boys, and little Morland is no exception, boasting, bragging, breaking windows, messing about in boats and demanding breakfast in bed, all very much to the despair of his mother, Laura. More than anything, Tony is desperate for a bicycle and although Laura is certain he'll come home in
a coffin after one of his rides, Tony is determined to make her concede.
My Thoughts
Overall, I liked this one, although I could only read it in small stages. For such a short book (254 pages and large print), it took me a while to get through. I liked Tony in the first book, but this time he was so annoying that after reading a chapter I’d have to have a long break. However, some of his escapades are amusing and others quite gross.
An endearing character is Tony's silent friend from school, Master Wessendonk nicknamed 'Donk', who shares his passion for trains and likes babies. 'Donk' is the antithesis to Tony's exuberant nature.
In the village of High Rising there are a few people that Tony considers to be his special friends. Among these are the two sisters from the vicarage, Rose and Dora Gould, both close to him in age. Rose admires Tony, but Dora doesn't, not that this bothers Tony too much. She shows no interest in his trains and constantly promotes her imaginary village 'Dorland'. This prompts Tony to create 'Morland' and instigate the rivalry between these two villages, with 'Morland' being far superior, of course.
Another character who finds Tony irritating is the village doctor, Dr. Ford. He has no qualms in telling Tony to shut up whenever in his company, not that Tony takes much notice or takes offence.
Not sure if I can recommend this book, but if you're interested in Angela Thirkell's novels and as it is part of a series, it would be a shame not to read it. I can see now why I found it hard to find a print copy. Obviously, not a popular book. I could only find two reprints: one from 1995 and the large print copy released in 2002 that I finally got my hands on. However, it is available as an ebook.
The next in the series is
August Folly.
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