I want to say thank you to everyone who played a part in this celebration of the lovely legacy of books that Margery Sharp left to the world

Thank you to everyone who found a book to read – we covered a wonderful range of titles.

The Flowering Thorn (1933)

Cynthia said;

“5 stars!”

The Nutmeg Tree (1937)

Lory said;

“Julia is portrayed with so much sympathy and humor, though, that we embrace her follies as part of her inimitable verve and zest for life. In her outer and inner battles, we root for her and forgive her many lapses, which if we are honest may remind us of our own efforts to “be good.””

Sarah said:

“The blurb on my old copy says this is ‘a rich, amusing and lovable book.’ It’s now the twenty-first century but the copywriter was absolutely correct. Hurray for Julia Packett, hurray for The Nutmeg Tree and Happy Birthday Margery Sharp.

Harlequin House (1939)

Leaves & Pages said:

“This book was written and published just as World War II was looming, and though the tone is frothy enough – one might even go so far as to call it somewhat hectic – there are enough glimpses of the darkness of the times to give one pause here, to consider the situation of those soon to be heading into the terrible days of what we now know was World War II.”

Cluny Brown (1944)

Gabi said:

“Exactly the right book for me to be reading right now, when I need cheering up. Wrtten in 1944, when the war had been dragging on for 5 years, it must have provided comfort, humor and solace to a war weary Britain.”

Lory said;

“Though published in 1944, Cluny Brown is set six years earlier, in an England on the brink of war and of the destruction of many of its ancient ways of life, and the coming change is foreshadowed in Cluny’s subtly disruptive nature. This serious strain anchors the comedy, and gives it a slightly darker touch that keeps it from being too silly and bright.”

Simon T said:

“Cluny Brown is an absolute delight, and establishes Sharp in my mind not simply as a first rate middlebrow novelist but also (which I had forgotten) a wry and witty one.”

Britannia Mews (1946)

Anbolyn said:

“I was constantly surprised by this novel. The characters were very unpredictable and the many unexpected turnings of the plot made this a fresh and exciting reading experience. Sharp’s writing is straight forward and fantastically descriptive and the dialogue is frank and vigorous. I always love multi-generational stories and this one is so satisfying. I turned the last page sad to leave the family behind.”

Sarah said:

This is no comfort read but do take it up because it is so worthwhile. Sharp’s novel is a retelling of a Victorian morality tale told to frighten wayward girls in the schoolroom, told with a feminist sensibility and also a respect for old-fashioned grit and making the best of one’s situation.”

The Foolish Gentlewoman (1948)

Ali Said:

“I am so glad that I chose The Foolish Gentlewoman for Margery Sharp day; I loved every bit of it. It is a novel of great insight, humour and warmth; it is a truly delightful read.”

Mystica said:

“Set in the period after WWII I do so like the pace of this book. Somehow in some strange way it slows you down, gets you to think of how and why people acted the way they did.”

Lise Lillywhite (1951)

Audrey said:

“Part of me wants to share lots of wonderful bits about the characters {you just have to love a book that has a telling scene involving a twinset, don’t you?}, but I’d rather hope that you have a chance to read this for yourself. “

The Gipsy in the Parlour (1954)

I said:

“The pictures that Margery Sharp paints of the Sylvester household and the cuckoo in the nest are wonderful. Some of the credit must go to her inspired choice of narrator: Charlotte’s eleven year-old niece who spends her winters with her family in London and her summers on the farm tells the story, some years after the events that she describes.”

Something Light (1960)

Vicki said:

“It begins most promisingly: “Louisa Mary Datchett was very fond of men. Not all women are…” “

The Sun in Scorpio (1965)

Cat said:

“Margery Sharp writes with the true British humour that I love, capturing the attitudes and eccentricities of her characters with the perception that comes from close observation.”

The Innocents (1972)

Kirsty said:

“Sharp’s use of the first person perspective and its subsequent immediacy is marvellously crafted, and the whole story is rendered more believable and heartwrenching in consequence. “

Kathy said (in a lovely comment):

“I wanted to let you know that I loved The Innocents! When I finished I just wanted to think about what a lovely story it was and then to discuss it with someone. Sadly, I couldn’t think of anyone else I know that could have possibly read it. So now my mission is to set that aright by mentioning it (annoyingly, I’m sure) to every book lover I know.”

Thank you to Karen and Simon, who weren’t able to take part but who spread the word.

I think that’s everyone, but if it isn’t let me know and I’ll put things right.

I know that there were others who would have loved to take part, but who couldn’t find books.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to have some reissues …. ?!