By Alexander McCall Smith. Fiction. c. 2005. Published by Anchor Books.

McCall Smith uses an unusual technique in this book – it was originally serialized fiction for a newspaper, so each chapter has to introduce a scene and finish it.

It was not nearly as enjoyable as the book series – The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency – that led me to pick up this work by the same author. He paints his characters just as well — they just weren’t as charming. He also paints a striking portrait of Edinburgh, Scotland, its landscape and levels of society.

What it lacked was follow-up, which can probably be attributed to the format. Characters entered the scenes and left, never to be seen again. He nicely wraps up the stories of Pat, her vain flat-mate Bruce and her clueless employer Matthew and their odd triangle, but I was not satisfied at the end with poor little Bernie’s conflict with his overbearing mother.

My rating? 6 out of 10. It was a good light read, and even compelling in some places, but I didn’t identify well with any of the characters. It’s possible, however, that 6 other people out of 10 would recognize either themselves or someone they know.

by Jeannette Walls. copyright 2005. Published by Scribner.

This is an amazing memoir, written with a lot of conversation and short chapter segments, which makes it very easy to read.

Jeannette and two of her siblings not only survive but thrive under their extremely neglectful parents – both eccentric, fanciful, highly intelligent and irresponsible.

The mother is self-centered, the father an alcoholic. The conditions they force upon their children are unbelievably harsh; they seem to have no conscience about the environment they provide for their children.

Though the mother inherits great wealth, she will have none of it. She prefers the adventures that poverty brings. The father occasionally has a tinge of conscience but is a slave to his drink.

What they do bestow on their children – especially on Jeannette – is a love of learning, intelligence, and a story no one else could tell.

My rating? 9 out of 10, which means I would recommend it to 9 out of 10 people. The 10th person might not appreciate nor see the value of the graphic details of children neglected. Writing style? Something to be imitated. You can tell Ms. Wall is a pro.

Author: Elizabeth Goudge (1900-1984)

About the Books

This is a trilogy set in England spanning from after WWI to after WWII. The titles of the books, in order, are

The Bird in the Tree, published in 1940
The Herb of Grace (entitled Pilgrim’s Inn by American publishers), written in 1948
The Heart of the Family, written in 1953.

About the Author

A quick look at Wikipedia also reveals this about Elizabeth Goudge’s writings: Her favorite among her books was The Little White Horse (1946), which is also a favorite of J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter stories.

Another little tidbit that’s significant for me: She also wrote a book called Island Magic (1934), which is about the Channel Islands. It seems her mother was a native of Guernsey. Two of my favorite experiences have been watching The Island at War, a BBC series, and reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. (Can you tell I’m a fan of British historical fiction?)

Not for Everyone

I would recommend The Eliot Family series to certain readers, but not all. They have what I think you’d call an esoteric appeal.

Because the place is as important as the characters, Goudge describes it in great detail. She does it well. Even if you don’t recognize the names of all the flora and fauna she describes, you still get a sense of the lush surroundings, the smallest leaf, every sparkle of the sun.

Since the books were written in the early 20th century, some may find the language old-fashioned, which to me is part of its appeal.

Goudge also develops the characters wonderfully. This is a quote from a friend who is still reading the second book in the series:

I’m really in love with the Eliot family, and will continue to read the books in the series.  I love how the author writes her books.

The Spiritual Dimension

My sister, who recommended the book to me, commented that in this series, Goudge makes you feel like everything’s going to be all right.

The two houses in the books, Damerosehay and the Herb of Grace, bring out the best in all who enter them, helping them shed both their sins and their struggles. The source of the spirit of the houses is Lucilla, the matriarch. The books richly emphasize a spirituality that comes from God and the value of children as our legacy. The last word of the last book is “child.”

Sunset or sunrise, he had forgotten now which it was. The old house seemed to hold them both, and to hold, too, a welling up of freshness, as though it renewed its youth in the youth of this marvellous child.

#6 – On Books

Books are keys to wisdom’s treasure;

Books are paths that upward lead.

Books are gates to lands of pleasure;

Books are friends.

Come, let us read!

from her Little Notebook of Sayings
Hilda Kitt, 1890 – 1967