The Fair Miss Fortune by D.E. Stevenson was published by Greyladies in 2011, it was one of those books that D.E. Stevenson’s agent couldn’t get anyone to publish back in 1937 when she wrote it. At the beginning of the book there’s a correspondence between Stevenson (under her married name Peploe) and Mr Curtis Brown, her agent. He was explaining to her that publishers felt that the book was a bit too old fashioned as it featured identical twin sisters and mistaken identity. Having read the book I can see what the publishers meant, but on the other hand it’s a mildly entertaining read of the marshmallow or fluff variety.
The village of Dingleford in England is peopled by the usual widows, bachelors and retired army colonels, it is of course a time when Britain still had an empire so one of the bachelors is home on leave from the army in India.
When Jane Fortune appears in the village with the intention of turning an old house into a tearoom, helped by her old nannie – she quickly attracts the attention of two young men. They are a bit perplexed though when they realise that she doesn’t seem to be quite the same person as they had met before, and often seems not even to know them.
Throw in a truly ghastly smothering, selfish mother of a grown up son and and you have a reasonable light read, but this one doesn’t have the serious social aspects of some of her later books. It’s still entertaining though for when you can’t concentrate on anything too heavy.
I read this one for the Read Scotland Challenge 2017.
I’m wondering: Do you have a favorite D.E. Stevenson novel? Or maybe several that you liked a great deal? I’d like to read one, but there are so many, and many are so long that it’s a considerable time investment. Just curious!
Judith,
I’ve only read about a handful of her books and quite enjoyed them all but I think you might like Miss Buncle’s Book and I also liked one called Kate Hardy which is about – amongst other things – life being difficult for men coming back from war. You should be able to get them in a US library as her books seem to be very popular your side of the pond. The fans call themselves ‘Dessies’
Hee hee. When you say considerable time investment, I believe a lot of Dessies would say, oh, how I wish I had lots of unread ones to read. We do tend to read and reread, because they are so calming and comfortable, with some nice edgy reality too. Especially the wartime books.
Take a look here for information about all the books:
http://dalyght.ca/DEStevenson/desbooks.html
As for where to start, many recommend Miss Buncle’s Book. It is wonderful, for sure, but a somewhat different tone than most of her books. For a quintessential DES book, I’d recommend starting with The Blue Sapphire or Amberwell or Sarah Morris Remembers. Or…or… well, anything you can get your hands on, really.
Enjoy.
Susan D,
Thanks for that link, it’s very interesting with all the locations. I’ve only read eight of the books, so I have quite a way to go. I find that her books don’t often appear in secondhand bookshops, even although I’m living in Scotland. I prefer to get the original copies if possible.
I had heard there was another book of hers published in recent years, so it’s interesting to read your review and learn what it’s about. Stevenson is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve read all of her other books. If I get the chance, I would probably try this new one, but from your review, I’m not really sure….
Thanks,
Paula
Paula,
It’s worth reading but only if you can borrow it from a library I think, probably possible for you as her books are popular in the US I believe.