Published: 2015
Author: Alexandra Brown
Bright and sunny – a great summer read
I’ve been reading a lot of crime and literary fiction recently but decided as it’s summer that it’s time to lighten up a bit with some sunny, happy reading. I’ve got a few books that look fabulous on my to-be-read pile including A Proper Family Adventure, The Art of Baking Blind and The Little Flower Shop by the Sea but Alexandra Brown’s The Great Village Show
This is the second in Brown’s Tindledale series which began with The Great Christmas Knit-Off but you really don’t have to have read the first book to love the second, although obviously there are spoilers. This story focuses on Meg, the acting headteacher of the local school and the village’s participation in the annual Great Village Show competition. Meg has to bring the village together, save the school from threatened closure, sort out her feelings for bad-boy celebrity chef Dan Wright and help village newcomer Jessie, whose life isn’t as perfect as it initially appears.
The Great Village Show is brilliant summer fun; it’s the perfect sunny day read with lots of likeable characters and a great wee story. I’m not sure there’s anything here that will come as a surprise to anyone – the story unfolds in a fairly recognisable way but it’s such good fun that the familiarity is comforting rather than frustrating. When you’re sitting on a beach or in a garden (or even a village green) you really don’t want to have to think too much. This is a story that is as bright and appealing as the fabulous cover suggests. There are a few moments of pathos and real life peeking through in The Great Village Show – mostly relating to Jessie and her story.
For those among you who prefer something gritty and diverse, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a non-white, non middle-class character. This isn’t a view of Britain today, but it is an idealised portrayal of village life. And to be honest there’s nothing wrong with that, we all need a little light escapism from time to time.
I really enjoyed The Great Village Show, it’s not my usual kind of read but it’s great fun. It zips along at a great pace and you care about the characters – particularly Meg and Jessie. This is an ideal summer book – fun story, easy and enjoyable to read. I look forward to both going back in Tindledale’s timeline to catch up with The Great Christmas Knit-Off and seeing what Alexandra Brown has in store next for the happy villagers.