Village School

Fairacre Series, Book 1

By: Miss Miss Read

Narrated by: Carole Boyd

Fairacre is a village of cottages, a church and the school, and at the heart of the school, its head mistress, Miss Read. Through her discerning eye, we meet the villagers of Fairacre and see their trials and tribulations, from the irascible school cleaner Mrs. Pringle, to the young school children, with their scraped knees, hopeful faces, and inevitable mischief. Miss Read takes us through the school year, beginning with the Christmas term, when the bitterly cold weather challenges the school's ancient heating system, right through to the hot summer day when school is over for another year.©1955 Miss Read; (P)2006 Orion Publishing Group Ltd

Critic reviews

"Read by Carole Boyd, this is the very first of the Miss Read novels, and takes the listener back to a two-class school in the 1950s where she is head. The minutiae of everyday village life is beautifully observed and related to the listener with wit, gentle understanding, and a nip of irony. Very quickly, Mrs. Pringle, Miss Clare, and all the rest become our neighbours, too." ( Daily Express)

Welcome to Fairacre

Would you listen to Village School again? Why?

I have read all Miss Read's books, including Village School, more than once. I will definitely revisit the Audible version several times during the coming years.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character is Miss Read, because of her sense of humour, her practical take on life, and her love and tolerance for people of all walks of life.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Sunday School-outing to the seaside is my favourite scene.The fun and tribulations of all the loveable characters during this trip are highly enjoyable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I immensely enjoyed listening to narration of Carole Boyd. She is able to bring all the characters to life. The book's makes me smile and gives me a warm nostalgic feeling.

Any additional comments?

Miss Read has been one of my favourite authors for many decades. To be able to listen to the Audible versions of her books is a great treat for me.