Beginning of a journey

High Rising is the first book in Angela Thirkell's revisiting of the land of Barsetshire in England, this area having been created by Anthony Trollope many years earlier. If you enjoy a mixture of clever use of language, insight into human relationships, the frustrations of daily life, satire and more this may be the series for you. And Jilly Bond does a very creditable job of telling this story, distinguishing characters and portraying the spirit of the book.

My one complaint of this recording is that the headline clearly states "Alexander McCall Smith - introduction", and that introduction is NOT included in the recording!!! The introduction is present in the Kindle and paper versions, but NOT in the audiobook. Audible should either get Jilly Bond to read the introduction and upgrade/update the offering or change the way this is listed/documented to make it clear that the introduction is NOT included in the reading.

In spite of this, I hope very much that more of Thirkell's works will be made available through Audible and also that more of them be made wispersync compatible.

25 people found this helpful

Deliciously funny

Angela Thirkell has long been a favorite author of mine to read for charming escape from the day's dire circumstances. There is one sour note and that is the infrequent but disturbing casual antisemitism, sadly common in 1933. Thirkell's writing is marvelous and the comments are not relevant to the plot so I still highly recommend her books but reduce the stars by one. Jilly Bond is the perfect reader.

7 people found this helpful

Discover Angela Thirkell!

Would you listen to High Rising again? Why?

No but I loved it.

What did you like best about this story?

The setting and the amusing characters.

Have you listened to any of Jilly Bond’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I liked her narration and I'd look for her again.

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

Comforting escapism.

Any additional comments?

After this, I'm ready for more Angela Thirkell.

4 people found this helpful

Entertaining enough and with twists

What did you love best about High Rising?

I love the characters, the main ones being independent, self-sufficient women. The comedic thoughts of Laura about her boy was particularly engaging - it's how a parent can remain sane during different phases a child goes through.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No one in particular stood out.

What three words best describe Jilly Bond’s performance?

Way too fast.At times in an effort to express certain characters, she raced through conversations. I had to back up and re-listen to understand some things she was saying. I would have enjoyed a slower pace in several parts much more.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I especially appreciated the care taken to treat others well - Ann Todd caring for her mother, for example, and the fact that others showed respect for her because of it.

Any additional comments?

The author's choices for motivations of characters were interesting and sometimes totally spot-on - like engaged couples being in a world of their own - better to marry quickly than have a long engagement. I would like to see some character flaws in Laura who was almost too perfect.

3 people found this helpful

Humorous story of another time.

Another wonderful book by Angela Thirkell of well developed characters, in a small setting for those who need a reminder of good writing.

2 people found this helpful

A Pleasure

Witty, wholesome, funny. For those who love the English language for it's own sake. Entertaining.

1 person found this helpful

Amazing Narrator Elevates this Story

I listened to this on audio and found the reading of it absolutely delightful. It’s rare for me to enjoy an audio book more than a written one, but I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a better voice actor. Jilly Bond took a rather lightweight story and imbued it with so much charm I listened in almost one sitting making Saturday a very cozy day. I loved the main character and especially her relationship with her little son. Not unexpectedly for a book written in 1933, there were some of the usual comments that wouldn’t pass today (stereotypical comment said about Jews, natives, etc) but these, if jarring, were rare.

1 person found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

Stories about people told by a great author.

It is refreshing to read about the relationships of average people in a fictitious but recognizable community in the early twentieth century.