Country Lodgings By: Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855)
Country Lodgings by Mary Russell Mitford is a delightful and charming collection of short stories that takes readers on a journey through rural England in the early 19th century. Mitford's beautiful descriptions and vivid portrayals bring the countryside to life, transporting readers to a time and place filled with quaint cottages, rolling hills, and a close-knit community. The book is divided into several stories, each showcasing different aspects of country life. From the warm and humorous anecdotes of village happenings to the bittersweet tales of love and loss, Mitford captures the essence of rural England with her keen observations and insightful characterizations. Through the eyes of various individuals, we glimpse the struggles and joys of everyday life, forming a deep connection with the characters and their surroundings. Mitford's writing style is elegant and immersive, drawing readers into the world she creates. Her attention to detail is remarkable, whether it is describing the beauty of nature or the idiosyncrasies of the villagers. Every story is rich with atmospheric descriptions that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, making readers yearn for a simpler time. What makes Country Lodgings truly special is Mitford's ability to infuse her stories with genuine warmth and humanity. The characters feel like old friends, with their quirks, flaws, and relatable emotions. The author's deep affection for the countryside and its inhabitants shines through, making the stories feel authentic and endearing. Furthermore, Mitford's keen wit and humor add a delightful element of entertainment to the collection. The dialogue between characters is both witty and insightful, often serving as a commentary on society and human nature. These moments of levity provide a welcome balance to the more poignant stories, ensuring that readers are kept fully engaged. However, it is worth noting that some readers might find the pace of the book slow, as it focuses more on the everyday experiences and interactions rather than grand plots or action-packed scenes. Those seeking a fast-paced narrative might need to adjust their expectations when approaching this collection. Overall, Country Lodgings is an enchanting and evocative book that captures the essence of rural life with its beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and heartfelt stories. Mitford's keen observations and deep understanding of human nature make this collection a joy to read. If you appreciate well-crafted tales that transport you to another place and time, then pick up a copy of Country Lodgings. First Page: COUNTRY LODGINGS By Mary Russell Mitford Between two and three years ago, the following pithy advertisement appeared in several of the London papers: "Country Lodgings. Apartments to let in a large farm house, situate in a cheap and pleasant village, about forty miles from London. Apply (if by letter post paid) to A. B., No. 7, Salisbury street, Strand." Little did I think, whilst admiring in the broad page of the Morning Chronicle the compendious brevity of this announcement, that the pleasant village referred to was our own dear Aberleigh; and that the first tenant of those apartments should be a lady whose family I had long known, and in whose fortunes and destiny I took a more than common interest! Upton Court was a manor house of considerable extent, which had in former times been the residence of a distinguished Catholic family, but which, in the changes of property incident to our fluctuating neighbourhood, was now "fallen from its high estate," and degraded into the homestead of a farm so small, that the tenant, a yeoman of the poorest class, was fain to eke out his rent by entering into an agreement with a speculating Belford upholsterer, and letting off a part of the fine old mansion in the shape of furnished lodgings. Nothing could be finer than... Continue reading book >>

Country Lodgings By: Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855)

Country Lodgings by Mary Russell Mitford is a delightful and charming collection of short stories that takes readers on a journey through rural England in the early 19th century. Mitford's beautiful descriptions and vivid portrayals bring the countryside to life, transporting readers to a time and place filled with quaint cottages, rolling hills, and a close-knit community.

The book is divided into several stories, each showcasing different aspects of country life. From the warm and humorous anecdotes of village happenings to the bittersweet tales of love and loss, Mitford captures the essence of rural England with her keen observations and insightful characterizations. Through the eyes of various individuals, we glimpse the struggles and joys of everyday life, forming a deep connection with the characters and their surroundings.

Mitford's writing style is elegant and immersive, drawing readers into the world she creates. Her attention to detail is remarkable, whether it is describing the beauty of nature or the idiosyncrasies of the villagers. Every story is rich with atmospheric descriptions that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, making readers yearn for a simpler time.

What makes Country Lodgings truly special is Mitford's ability to infuse her stories with genuine warmth and humanity. The characters feel like old friends, with their quirks, flaws, and relatable emotions. The author's deep affection for the countryside and its inhabitants shines through, making the stories feel authentic and endearing.

Furthermore, Mitford's keen wit and humor add a delightful element of entertainment to the collection. The dialogue between characters is both witty and insightful, often serving as a commentary on society and human nature. These moments of levity provide a welcome balance to the more poignant stories, ensuring that readers are kept fully engaged.

However, it is worth noting that some readers might find the pace of the book slow, as it focuses more on the everyday experiences and interactions rather than grand plots or action-packed scenes. Those seeking a fast-paced narrative might need to adjust their expectations when approaching this collection.

Overall, Country Lodgings is an enchanting and evocative book that captures the essence of rural life with its beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and heartfelt stories. Mitford's keen observations and deep understanding of human nature make this collection a joy to read. If you appreciate well-crafted tales that transport you to another place and time, then pick up a copy of Country Lodgings.

First Page:

COUNTRY LODGINGS

By Mary Russell Mitford

Between two and three years ago, the following pithy advertisement appeared in several of the London papers:

"Country Lodgings. Apartments to let in a large farm house, situate in a cheap and pleasant village, about forty miles from London. Apply (if by letter post paid) to A. B., No. 7, Salisbury street, Strand."

Little did I think, whilst admiring in the broad page of the Morning Chronicle the compendious brevity of this announcement, that the pleasant village referred to was our own dear Aberleigh; and that the first tenant of those apartments should be a lady whose family I had long known, and in whose fortunes and destiny I took a more than common interest!

Upton Court was a manor house of considerable extent, which had in former times been the residence of a distinguished Catholic family, but which, in the changes of property incident to our fluctuating neighbourhood, was now "fallen from its high estate," and degraded into the homestead of a farm so small, that the tenant, a yeoman of the poorest class, was fain to eke out his rent by entering into an agreement with a speculating Belford upholsterer, and letting off a part of the fine old mansion in the shape of furnished lodgings.

Nothing could be finer than... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Mary Russell Mitford
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