I read a book that is so amazing and original that I am putting it on my list of 20 top favorite all time novels I've read.
"Miss Hargreaves" by Frank Baker.
Written in 1940 and set in England, a college age man named Norman and his friend Henry invent an eccentric old lady to explain their presence to a sexton in an old Irish church where they shouldn't be. As part of this lark they enjoyed making up all sorts of details about her. They decided her name is Miss Hargreaves (pronounced Har graves), she is 83, eccentric, travels with her talking parrot, dog, harp and a bath.
On a whim Norman sends her a note inviting her to come visit him and his parents and sister, making up where to send it. The most amazing thing happens. Miss Hargreaves received the note and arrives in town, causing Norman much fear and trepidation. She is sure they are old and very dear friends, which is pretty much impossible to explain to his family, his girlfriend, and circle of friends in town.
Miss Hargreaves establishes herself in town and amazing things happen.
I will say no more. I enjoyed reading it. Some reviewers didn't like it, as is always the case, people's reading tastes vary. I bought a used copy online and it is a keeper, one to loan to friends. In the comments Rita says she found online an audible copy, now that is one I would like to listen to.
39 comments:
I need to read it, but I am guessing she is a lonely lady who leaps at the chance for adventure and pretends to be Mrs. Hargreaves...or dreams come true and they made her become real because books are amazing like that. ;-) Am I close?
Sounds good!
Thank you so much! I shall add it to my list.
This does sound like fun! Here's hoping my library has a copy. :D
Oh my! I found it online in an audio book for free! Thanks.
https://archive.org/details/MissHargreavesByFrankBaker
What a crazy fun book!
That sounds like so much fun to read. I am happy you shared it so I may put it on my reading list.
I know that Simon at http://www.stuckinabook.com/ loves this book, and I keep meaning to read it. I think your nudge is just what I needed!
Sounds like a book I would enjoy. I'm going to try to find it!
Sounds like a good book
I checked and our local library doesn't have anything at all by Frank Baker. Rats! I guess it's out of print by now. Sure sounds interesting.
It sounds wonderful and now I have to read it!!
Now I'm so excited to read it. Just bought a used copy on Amazon. :)
This sounds like a really fun book...I need something entertaining but not the 'beach read' sort of thing. I just started Olive Kitteridge at the suggestion of a friend. its a bit dated but I understand the author has a sequel. Have you read it?
Jane
That does sound like a great book. I haven't been reading nearly as much as I used to. I'm addicted to U-Tube videos while I knit and crochet. I hope you enjoy the rest of your reading time.
Blessings,
Betsy
Hi Terra - it sounds delightful ... I've noted to read via the library ... cheers Hilary
Oh that sounds so interesting. I must look this one up when I finally get my new library card. Since we moved recently I haven't gotten established yet at the library here...and I've been too busy to do much reading anyway...but with the onset of these "long winter nights" upon us, I will probably be doing more reading. This one sounds so intriguing. Thanks!!
I've never heard of this and it sounds delightful! Thanks, Terra!
I'll definitely look for this book! It sounds great and I've just finished a book that was a chore to get through. lol Have your read the Kopp sisters series by Amy Stewart? I'm going to read her newest book next...I can't wait! They are GREAT fun!!! You would love them Terra!
Hi Terra~
Always looking for a good book, thanks for telling us about this one, it looks like a great read!!
Hugs and Love,
Barb
Hello! And thanks for the info on the book. Because of Glaucoma, I'm only comfortable with e-books that I read on my iPad. I can enlarge the type and that makes all the difference. So I'll see if our library has the book. If not, perhaps Amazon will have it. It sounds like a delightful read. Peace.
This tickled my curiosity, so I checked to see if it was available for Kindle, which it was. As I also had a gift card credit to use there, I downloaded it straight away! Looking forward to reading it soon. :)
Oh my this sounds like a fun read! I will check it out!
Blessings, Joanne
Oh that sounds good. I'll have to look for it. Have you read Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day?
Okay, just ordered it for my kindle!
I've GOT To find this book... sounds great!
Top ten of all times is a pretty impressive recommendation for a book. Sounds like a fun read.
Oops, top 20 but still impressive. LOL
I might have to check that book out. I love to read. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Sounds like a great and interesting read ... clever and original! My favorite kind of story. I will make a note of it. xoxo
Oh, you've challenged me. I don't read a book very often any more but this sounds so good. Thank you for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I have never heard of this and it sounds wonderful!
I have never heard of this and it sounds wonderful! Will need to try to find a copy!
Oh my goodness that sounds fun! I love to read but find it challenging. When I get into a really good book, all I want to do is read until I finish it and everything arounds me suffers as a result. So when you mentioned the audio version my ears perked up. I love audio books because I can keep doing what I do and enjoy a book at the same time. I'll have to look that one up.
Thanks for the review and a sneak peek!
Saimi
I love seeing what others enjoy reading as I'm in two book clubs and we are always being asked for book suggestions! Top 20 books that's a big call, you've got me thinking what would be in my top 20 now!
Happy reading.
Wren x
Hello!! This sounds wonderful. I will put it on my list. Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a great week! Kit
Sounds like a likeable read.
Hurrah! My favourite book of all time :D
This book sounds perfectly charming! I'll look forward to reading it and sharing it with others.
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