Fresh From The Country tells the story of Anna, a young woman brought up in the English countryside. She has completed her teacher’s training and is now tackling her first position in Elmhill, a new suburb just outside of London. It is the early 1950’s and England is experiencing a baby boom and families are moving into the cities looking for work. Her school is new and she is eager to begin her teaching life.

Miss Read is a favorite author of mine. I call her books “comfort reads”. She effortlessly writes about everyday life and things, and although a little dated, she draws one in with her wonderful descriptions and sly humor. Anna’s life is laid out for us, the interesting and eccentric characters she meets and becomes involved with from her skinflint landlady to her formidable headmistress to the adorable, funny and sometimes mischievous children in her classroom.

I loved this book and for a short time I was carried away to a different time and place and got to experience a kinder, gentler way of life. ( )