Summer Half

By: Angela Thirkell

Narrated by: Penelope Freeman

A captivating comic novel from Angela Thirkell's much-loved 1930s Barsetshire series: trainee barrister Colin Keith makes an ill-advised foray into teaching at Southbridge School.

To his parents' dismay, Colin Keith - out of the noble but misplaced sense of duty peculiar to high-minded young university graduates - chooses to quit his training for the Bar and take a teaching job at Southbridge School.

Little does Colin imagine that he will count among his pupils the demon in human form known as Tony Morland; or that the master's ravishing, feather-brained daughter Rose will, with her flights of fancy and many admirers, spread chaos throughout school and village. Humorous, high-spirited and cleverly observed, Summer Half is a comic delight.

©1937 The Estate of Angela Thirkell (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Humour and irony

Obviously written in the thirties before the war, it is a window into the lives of various people, both rich and poor. It is a life that stopped during and after the war.

Lovely. Engaging and very amusing

Marvelous romantic story and wonderful storytelling! The narrator is magnificent and she uses wonderful and different voices for each character.

Pleasing comedy of bygone England

Essentially a comedy of manners with stock characters, enlivened by the school setting and occasional wit. The narrator gives a finely modulated performance, adroitly catching both female and male voices. The novel does not rise above the ordinary but it’s an entertaining piece nonetheless. Excellent bedtime or mid-afternoon listening.

I Have Taught College English...

for twenty six years, and I have to say Thirkell captures every comical nuance of the teaching profession in this charming novel of the "accidental professor. " Goodbye Mr. Chips after a few shots of scotch.

Thirkell makes me laugh.

Her characters are so much fun. Please bring more of her books to Audible; I own all the current list and listen to them when I need stress relief.