The green and gold of France during a hot August is poignantly remembered by Cecil, the middle sister of a family of English children on holiday in the champagne country of the Marne. The sudden illness of their mother means the children are left to deal as best they can with the hostile, mysterious, but entrancing world of the Hotel des Oeillets.
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"After four books together, Godden and I finally see eye to eye. I quite enjoyed this story, and all the characters seemed real and interesting. Calling this a "coming of age" novel seems trite, but even the narrator describes it so. If I were to guess, I would say this is probably one of Godden's highest rated works; off to find out if I'm right." — Carrie (4 out of 5 stars)
"After four books together, Godden and I finally see eye to eye. I quite enjoyed this story, and all the characters seemed real and interesting. Calling this a "coming of age" novel seems trite, but even the narrator describes it so. If I were to guess, I would say this is probably one of Godden's highest rated works; off to find out if I'm right."
" Love this story especially in audio. I want to hear it again. "
" Very evocative of adolescence as well as managing to be a decent thriller. Made into a good film too (Kenneth Moore, Susannah York and Jane Asher) "
" This book was entertaining...however it took the very end of the book to get there "
" Old childhood favourite, and just as magical and enchanting thirty years later. Captivating coming-of-age story, full of well rounded characters and beautiful descriptions of a small French town in summer. "
" I'm trying to come up with a definite time period for the setting of this novel. If Paul was a young child (perhaps five years old) when France was liberated (the summer of 1944) and assuming that he is around 18 at the time of the novel, then my best guess is that it would be set around 1957. It was published in 1958. Any further ideas? "
" One of the best books I have ever read. "
" An engaging coming-of-age tale with beautiful descriptions of the French countryside in the summer. "
" Love Rumer Godden's writing...she perfectly captures the long days of summer as a child (although in France) and how children view adults in situations they can't fully comprehend... "
" Charming little story, really enjoyed it. "
" An unsettlingly accurate portrayal of coming of age,vividly written,but not a difficult read "
" This is one of my favorite books. "
" Not my type of book. Not really interested in a story based on the thoughts of a 13 year girl though it did bring back some happy memories of France. "
" I ended up with "couldn't put it down" after not thrilled with start. What a plot. I went back and re-read it right away. "
" Another of Godden's deceitfully simple novels. Wonderfully written, perfectly evocative, and filled with tenderness. Godden knows about childhood and knows how to write about it. "
" So evocative, with beautifully drawn characters and poignant scenes. Loved this "
" Summer in France is perfect on a cold winter night. "
" A coming-of-age novel. "
" Always have enjoyed Godden's books. "
" Even with some heavy-handed foreshadowing, this book was a pleasant read. The author creates charming characters. It made me want to travel to France! "
" This was my very first Rumer Godden book, which I believe I came across in the library catalog while searching for soemthing else. She is one of those very itneresting people who write great character books. I loved the story full of eccentric children during a summer in France. "
" This is a beautiful book, and, oddly enough, a mystery. A girl grows up and learns about life and love in a foreign land. "
" I'm glad I listened to this one. I really enjoyed the descriptions and all the French. Great characters and an overall great read. "
" Everything I said about An Episode of Sparrows applies here to. One of the characters is a little gay (that word is never used, but you'll see) boy called Wilmouse. He designs clothes and saves up all his money to buy a silk muff. "
" Personally I felt stylish with this book. Stream of time is often changed in order to tell this story more dramatically. "
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