Fascinating Story of Earlier Times

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Miss Clare’s childhood and life. A very interesting prequel to the Fairacre stories telling of country life at the turn of the 20th century and then through the world wars.
Beautifully narrated as ever by Gwen Watford

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A quiet heroine

It's possible to suspect the Miss Read stories of being a bit twee, set as they are in idyllic Cotswold villages, evoking nostalgia for a vanished way of life. Some of them may have an element of that, but this one definitely does not. It is the story of Miss Clare's life, spent mostly in the same obscure but beautiful place. It is a realistic tale that does not leave out tragedy or the grimness of poverty but is nevertheless, like Miss Clare herself, gentle, kindly, optimistic, but strong. Miss Clare is a character who never appears under any spotlight on the world stage, but is nevertheless a quiet heroine, devoting her life to others while taking pleasure in her work, and finding joy and strength in the beauty of nature around her: an example of a how to live a useful and happy life in the face of one's own sadnesses and misfortunes.

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Lovely story

This is a most enjoyable story bringing to life the experiences of a past generation. Beautifully and sensitively read by Gwen Watford.

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1 person found this helpful

such a moving story

I absolutely loved this book.everything about it was perfect .Well read and well written. x

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2 people found this helpful

Love miss read books

I was introduced to miss read books many years ago when my children where small. I used to only read horrors and thrillers. I thought I should try some lighter subject matters and so all these years later ( decades ) I now enjoy the audio books almost as much as I did the paperbacks. This is my favourite narrator of those chosen to read the miss read books. I’ll definitely be purchasing more. Nice clean enjoyment.

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I loved it

A gentle glimpse of a long lost (and rather idealised) way of life. I will read this book again in the future.

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2 people found this helpful

Warmth

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

You would either like Miss Reads books or hate them so I suspect most of my friends would be amongst the latter,n

What other book might you compare Miss Clare Remembers to, and why?

Miss Marple without the murder & mayhem

What about Gwen Watford’s performance did you like?

Her voice is incredibly 1950s upper middle class but her talent is undeniable.the perfect voice for what are very English novels & rather class conscious ones at that

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really ,I don't get moved easily by fictional situations

Any additional comments?

I've read everyone of the Fairacre & Thrush Green novels,I've also listened to them all on audio.Not the kind of novels usually associated with we males & a retired miner to boot but I enjoy them as quite a lot of men do though some would deny it.Pure escapism int an England lost long ago if it ever actually existed,nothing dramatic ever happens no one is really nasty,cosy would be the most accurate description of these books & none the worse for that in today's un cosy world.

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7 people found this helpful

Interesting and touching

Wonderful story of Miss Clare the schoolteacher. Interesting accounts of the world wars and as always with Miss Read, the insights are exceptional.

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Miss Clare's memories

Another excellent written book,a difficult one to put down, I found the historical details very interesting how they had been woven in the story without it being a history lesson.

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3 people found this helpful

A masterpiece.

"Miss Clare Remembers" is a masterpiece. Spanning the last twenty years of Queen Victoria's reign, the Edwardian period, World War I, the interwar years, World War II and the post-war years, Miss Read tells the tales of both Miss Clare and Britain itself, weaving the stories together beautifully and with effortless charm. I felt absorbed by the book and couldn't stop listening. There are many heartbreaking moments, yet the book is not sad or depressing. Quite the opposite! Miss Clare's resilience and strength to face everything with courage and faith are inspiring and moving, however overwhelming the tragedy.
As always with Miss Read, the writing is flawless and its beauty inspires and uplifts. Ms Watford's reading only highlights the book's quality and is like heavenly music to the ear.

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1 person found this helpful