High Rising

A Virago Modern Classic

By: Angela Thirkell, Alexander McCall Smith - introduction

Narrated by: Jilly Bond

Successful lady novelist Laura Morland and her boisterous young son, Tony, set off to spend Christmas at her country home in the sleepy surrounds of High Rising. But Laura's wealthy friend and neighbour, George Knox, has taken on a scheming secretary whose designs on marriage to her employer threaten the delicate social fabric of the village.

Can clever, practical Laura rescue George from Miss Grey's clutches and, what's more, help his daughter, Miss Sibyl Knox, to secure her longed-for engagement?

Utterly charming and very funny, High Rising is irresistible comic entertainment.

©2016 Angela Thirkell (P)2016 Hachette Audio UK

Front row seats ...

I read Thirkell in my teens and decades later am trying the Audible version. It's more delicious than ever, her wit is even sharper when performed. One might as well be at a Broadway play. Am quickly moving on to the next one.

I've discovered a gem!

I found both the story and the narration very entertaining. I enjoyed it from the beginning and hated for it to end. I'm looking forward to more books from this author and narrator. It was a delightful mixture of mystery, family drama, romance and just plain fun.

An Absolute Treat From Start To Finish..!!

I finished this truly enjoyable read half an hour ago ,... and I'm STILL smiling.
Jilly Bond as narrator was the perfect choice with all of the varying characters intonations.. she was spot on point the entire time..
What a delight.. thanks Audible for offering this little gem..!!

Angela Thirkell - an amusing Jane Austin

Any additional comments?

In the mid 90s I ran across this book in a friend's attic and after reading it, bought all that I could find. I was delighted to see this one featured with an introduction by Alexander McCall Smith and 20 years later, I'm hooked again. (Although I haven't been able to figure out where Smith's introduction is on the Audible file - probably some technical issue I don't understand.)

Angela Thirkell sets her books in fictional small English villages, most in the first half of the 20th century. They are light and amusing - British self-deprecating humor at its best. Jilly Bond does a great job with the characters' and voices. The main character in this book is Mrs. Moreland, a widow and author who makes fun of her own books, acknowledging that she's a hack who writes silly novels for the money. After raising 4 sons, with her youngest still at home, she's an uncomplicated and unsentimental mother who adores her son but , wants to kill him at times. The characters who take themselves too seriously provide comic relief and the villains are delicious.

Overall, just a great set of books that are well-written amusing - much like an early 20th century Alexander McCall Smith.

AntiSemitic Remarks are the only flaw

Yes, the book is from 1933, but if Ronald Dahl must be edited, a substitute if “weasel” or “meanie” can be inserted here.

You will know what I mean upon listening to this, otherwise light and charming book.