D.E. Stevenson
1934
4/5 stars
Barbara Buncle's income has diminished to a worrisome point, so in an attempt to earn money she writes a novel under the pen name of John Smith. Not having a vast imagination, Barbara writes of what she knows: the people in her village. It becomes a best seller and her neighbors are in a fury over the depictions of themselves, seeking to unmask the anonymous author. At the same time, the book affects some villagers--even Barbara herself--in a positive way that she would never have suspected.
This charming novel is well-written, entertaining, and amusing. The plot was believable and engrossing. Stevenson's wit is intelligent, and sometimes sarcastic, but always genuinely funny. While being a gentle book, it's not overly sweet. I enjoyed it enough that I will most definitely read more of Mrs. Stevenson's novels.
