Why I Read/Loved: Miss Buncle’s Book by DE Stevenson

My mom introduced me to author DE Stevenson a lot of years ago. So many years ago that figuring them out would require math and I try not to do math on this blog. Or anywhere. Because I don’t like math. So we’ll stick with: “a lot.”

At the time, not all her books were available in the States, and there was no internet (I told you it was a lot), so I didn’t “meet” Miss Buncle’s Book until some time later when a used bookstore clerk told me about it (giving me much hope and reader joy), then followed up with: copies are really hard to find (ripping hope out of my heart with considerable cruelty since we were poor students at the time).

Luckily, I was able to eventually secure a copy of the book (and it looks like all her books are in the process of being re-released, both in print, digital and a few in audio editions) and I very much enjoyed it, and the sequel, Miss Buncle Married.

Though both books were fun, one reason I wanted to read Miss Buncle’s Book so very much was its story line:

Who Knew One Book Could Cause So Much Chaos?

Barbara Buncle is in a bind. Times are harsh, and Barbara’s bank account has seen better days. Maybe she could sell a novel … if she knew any stories. Stumped for ideas, Barbara draws inspiration from her fellow residents of Silverstream, the little English village she knows inside and out.

To her surprise, the novel is a smash. It’s a good thing she wrote under a pseudonym, because the folks of Silverstream are in an uproar. But what really turns Miss Bunde’s world around is this: what happens to the characters in her book starts happening to their real-life counterparts. Does life really imitate art?

Reasons I wanted to read Miss Buncle’s Book:

• Miss Buncle is an author. I’m an author, though you don’t have to be an author to enjoy the book.
• The book is funny, not LOL funny, more gently humorous. Quirky. Unexpected.
• I enjoy books set in English country villages.
• It’s well written and filled with interesting, quirky characters.
• There’s a gentle romance and I love romance.

I got the audio book from Audible and ended up enjoying it all over again in a new way. It’s so…charming and relaxing to be read to in an English accent. And, because I read too fast, it gave me a chance to savor the author’s word crafting.

I’m glad that publishers, authors and their heirs are starting to re-release so many of my favorite books (though there are still many holes in digital book shelf). I very much hope the trend will continue, that new readers will get a chance to discover these books.

Have you re-discovered old favorites while browsing virtual bookshelves? Or even the bookshelves of used bookstores? I truly do not discriminate against paper book readers. Story is what matters to me, not format. 🙂

And you know that comments are rewarded by entry into my monthly drawing for an AnaBanana gift basket ($25 value). I announce a winner the first blog post of the new month. 🙂

Perilously yours,

Pauline

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to tweet about it, here’s a suggested tweet to make it easier.  Cuz that’s how I roll.

“#Perilousp revisits a classic favorite: Miss Buncle’s Book by DE Stevenson. #Audiobooks #rereadinghttp://wp.me/p2wY7X-Hw”

And if quirky is your reading preference….

“Jones concludes her Project Universe series with this fun, fast-paced tale. Ashe is a tough, no-frills heroine with plenty of spunk and a lovable companion, her nanite Lurch, who steals the show with his snark. Filled with plenty of humor and sexual tension, this quick read is ideal for lovers of sci fi romance.” RT Book Reviews

Project Enterprise Book 5

Kicking Ashe can be purchased from your favorite online bookstore or ask your library to order it!

Available in print, digital and audio! 🙂