Home to Roost
On sale
14th May 2009
Price: £10
‘My father would not have wasted time reading – a trait I have inherited from him.’
The unmistakeable voice of Deborah Devonshire, the youngest of the Mitford sisters, rings out of this second volume of her occasional writings.
As broad and eclectic as her long and eventful life, the pieces range from a ringside view of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and funeral, a valedictory for her local post office, the 1938 London season, Christmas at Chatsworth and the hazards of shopping for clothes when your eyesight is failing.
Affectionate, shrewd and uproariously funny, her no-nonsense, bang-on-the-nail observations are as good as any antidepressant.
The unmistakeable voice of Deborah Devonshire, the youngest of the Mitford sisters, rings out of this second volume of her occasional writings.
As broad and eclectic as her long and eventful life, the pieces range from a ringside view of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and funeral, a valedictory for her local post office, the 1938 London season, Christmas at Chatsworth and the hazards of shopping for clothes when your eyesight is failing.
Affectionate, shrewd and uproariously funny, her no-nonsense, bang-on-the-nail observations are as good as any antidepressant.
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Reviews
'The book is peppered with humorous and affectionate tales of the country, in addition to providing a rare insight into some of the more momentous world events of the last century...endearing...candid and down to earth style...an intriguing window into the events of a bygone era...all delivered as if to a friend, with a high degree of honesty and humour'
'Debo's is a voice from a vanished Golden Age ... the Duchess herself embodies these noble and conservative values and she personally is a wonderment and an inspiration'
'Her latest has an introduction from Alan Bennett, so you get two national treasures for the price of one ... she's a wonderful writer'
'The dowager duchess treats us to more of her musings...her profile is high following the success of In Tearing Haste'
'This collection of wit and wisdom from the Duchess of Devonshire (and last surviving Mitford girl) just dances off the page ... funny and insightful ... whatever te subject, playfulness and a love of life spill from the page, and there are no words wasted. Perfect for dipping into, this book is bound to touch and tickle anyone's heart'
'Behind the wit and quips, there is something else stronger and more rigorous ... a small, cumulative but revealing self-portrait ...this is a book about manners, how to behave, and being funny as a form of civilisation'
'This prolific writer needs no introduction ... this small book is a brilliant selection. I read it with such enjoyment, sometimes laughing aloud, sometimes pausing to think "Goodness! How right she is". It is remarkable not only for its style but also for the grear clarity, sympathy , conciseness and humour ... brilliant'
'Affectionate, shrewd and uproariously funny'
'All her writing is characterised by incisive observation and unfailing humour ... this blend of sagacity and wit proves very appealing.'
Books of the Year 2009, 'an appealing blend of incisive observation and unfailing humour'