Listen free for 30 days
-
Village School
- Narrated by: Phyllida Nash
- Series: Fairacre, Book 1
- Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
People who bought this also bought...
-
Winter in Thrush Green
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A new excitement comes to the village of Thrush Green when Harold Shoosmith, a distinguished bachelor who has chosen the village for his retirement, takes the corner house on the green. Harold is soon enmeshed in village politics and becomes involved in the private lives of his neighbours as well. His presence has a dramatic effect on Dimity Dean and Ella Bembridge and is the cause of a serious misunderstanding between the two friends.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By J. M. Wiggett on 29-11-18
-
Christmas at Thrush Green
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie
- Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The villagers of Thrush Green celebrate Christmas traditionally, in a way that has hardly changed over the generations. Children eagerly hang up their stockings, families go to church together and everyone enjoys the treats of the festive season. And when it snows as the carol singers make their way round the cottages on the green, it looks as if Christmas will be perfect this year. But not everything is as peaceful as it seems.
-
-
Not the same charm
- By M. on 23-05-18
-
Mrs Pringle
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Gwen Watford
- Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mrs Pringle, the lugubrious school cleaner, has always been a favourite character in the Fairacre series. Here we trace Maud Pringle's life from childhood visits to the village from her Caxley home.
-
-
Only Gwen Watford reads this so brilliantly
- By melisa on 11-11-19
-
Storm in the Village
- Fairacre Series, Book 3
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Carole Boyd
- Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here's a story that brings all the villagers of Fairacre together, as they face the prospect of developers who hope to build new houses on the fields adjoining old Mr Miller's farm. Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone is in agreement about the development. Under the watchful gaze of Miss Read, the school teacher, we meet old characters and new, from retired teacher Miss Clare and the surly Mrs Pringle, to the new assistant teacher, Miss Jackson, who brings with her problems of her own.
-
-
another great title
- By Elaine on 17-03-10
-
Thrush Green
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Clare Higgins
- Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's the May Day holiday, and a fair has come to the village of Thrush Green. The residents of Thrush Green all have their own views about the fair. For young Paul, just recovered from an illness, it is a joy to be allowed out to play at the fair; for Ruth, who returned to the soothing tranquility of Thrush Green nursing a broken heart, the fair is a welcome distraction from her own problems. And for Dr Lovell, the fair brings an unexpected new patient.
-
-
Order Please!!!
- By Mrs B on 25-07-17
-
The Market Square
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first charming Caxley tale introduces the deep-rooted camaraderie between Septimus Howard, a calm and controlled man, and Bender North, a confident, successful but gruff ironmonger. Their argumentative sides often clash, displaying moments of fury and forgiveness with wonderful tenderness. Theirs is a friendship that survives misunderstandings, the tragedy of war, and the bitterness of loss. The story of their families continues through the generations. Read by June Barrie.
-
-
A Typical Miss Read
- By Pam on 22-07-15
-
Winter in Thrush Green
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A new excitement comes to the village of Thrush Green when Harold Shoosmith, a distinguished bachelor who has chosen the village for his retirement, takes the corner house on the green. Harold is soon enmeshed in village politics and becomes involved in the private lives of his neighbours as well. His presence has a dramatic effect on Dimity Dean and Ella Bembridge and is the cause of a serious misunderstanding between the two friends.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By J. M. Wiggett on 29-11-18
-
Christmas at Thrush Green
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie
- Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The villagers of Thrush Green celebrate Christmas traditionally, in a way that has hardly changed over the generations. Children eagerly hang up their stockings, families go to church together and everyone enjoys the treats of the festive season. And when it snows as the carol singers make their way round the cottages on the green, it looks as if Christmas will be perfect this year. But not everything is as peaceful as it seems.
-
-
Not the same charm
- By M. on 23-05-18
-
Mrs Pringle
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Gwen Watford
- Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mrs Pringle, the lugubrious school cleaner, has always been a favourite character in the Fairacre series. Here we trace Maud Pringle's life from childhood visits to the village from her Caxley home.
-
-
Only Gwen Watford reads this so brilliantly
- By melisa on 11-11-19
-
Storm in the Village
- Fairacre Series, Book 3
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Carole Boyd
- Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here's a story that brings all the villagers of Fairacre together, as they face the prospect of developers who hope to build new houses on the fields adjoining old Mr Miller's farm. Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone is in agreement about the development. Under the watchful gaze of Miss Read, the school teacher, we meet old characters and new, from retired teacher Miss Clare and the surly Mrs Pringle, to the new assistant teacher, Miss Jackson, who brings with her problems of her own.
-
-
another great title
- By Elaine on 17-03-10
-
Thrush Green
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Clare Higgins
- Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's the May Day holiday, and a fair has come to the village of Thrush Green. The residents of Thrush Green all have their own views about the fair. For young Paul, just recovered from an illness, it is a joy to be allowed out to play at the fair; for Ruth, who returned to the soothing tranquility of Thrush Green nursing a broken heart, the fair is a welcome distraction from her own problems. And for Dr Lovell, the fair brings an unexpected new patient.
-
-
Order Please!!!
- By Mrs B on 25-07-17
-
The Market Square
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first charming Caxley tale introduces the deep-rooted camaraderie between Septimus Howard, a calm and controlled man, and Bender North, a confident, successful but gruff ironmonger. Their argumentative sides often clash, displaying moments of fury and forgiveness with wonderful tenderness. Theirs is a friendship that survives misunderstandings, the tragedy of war, and the bitterness of loss. The story of their families continues through the generations. Read by June Barrie.
-
-
A Typical Miss Read
- By Pam on 22-07-15
-
Christmas at Fairacre
- No Holly For Miss Quinn, The Christmas Mouse
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Carole Boyd
- Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From an unexpected visitor on Christmas Eve in "The Christmas Mouse" to an unwanted change of plan in "No Holly For Miss Quinn", Miss Read recounts some of the most memorable Christmas events where often, despite best-laid plans, things do not always go as expected.For heart-warming reading there is no writer to rival Miss Read, and this charming collection of Christmas tales is packed with unforgettable characters, enchanting stories and festive cheer.
-
-
Middle of the Road.
- By Ms. Indie Cole on 31-10-12
-
The Howards of Caxley
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Howards of Caxley begins on a fine May morning in the fateful year of 1939, and then follows the path of the two families and the little town through the Second World War, towards hope for happier times ahead.
-
-
a nice bit of village life.
- By Cres on 07-09-20
-
Tyler's Row
- Fairacre Series, Book 5
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Carole Boyd
- Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miss Read heard about the sale of Tyler's Row from the always well-informed Mrs Pringle - and before long Fairacre was alive with rumours. Why were the present owners selling?
-
-
Delightful! Miss Read at her best!
- By ann deaves on 06-01-21
-
Fresh from the Country
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Gwen Watford
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anna Lacey had spent most of her 20 years on her Essex farm. Her doting parents, rural friends and country childhood had not prepared her for the shock of relocation to a raw new neighbourhood for her first year as a teacher. But Anna was gifted with the abilities to make friends and to learn as she taught.
-
Mrs Griffin Sends her Love
- And Other Writings
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Jilly Bond
- Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From organising the school summer fete - 'Because of our inability to recognise our climatic shortcomings from the outset, arrangements for outdoor jollities get completely out of hand' - to the sometimes rather odd passions of childhood - 'I collect stones with holes in them' - Miss Read captures the essence of rural life, and in particular of village schools, as only she can.
-
-
Miss Griffin Sends her Love
- By Anonymous User on 21-03-19
-
Tales from a Village School
- By: Miss Read
- Narrated by: Sian Phillips
- Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Illegal battering of gingernuts and conkers in a murky corner of the playground; a procession of bearers of lost property interrupting the telling of the story of Joseph; justice being firmly done on three malefactors who stole Mr Henry's eggs... Here are 40 delightful stories about life as a village schoolteacher, set against the changing seasons of the countryside.
-
-
Tales from a village school
- By Mrs. Sylvia Woolmer on 09-11-17
-
Wish You Were Here
- By: Catherine Alliott
- Narrated by: Julia Franklin
- Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Flora, James, and their two teenage daughters are offered the holiday of a lifetime in a chateau in the South of France in return for one simple good deed, they jump at the chance. But Flora didn't anticipate a mysterious guest and a whole heap of family baggage coming along too… Their dream holiday suddenly takes some very unexpected turns.
-
-
Enjoyable holiday read
- By Jane on 23-05-15
-
The Little Village School
- By: Gervase Phinn
- Narrated by: Gervase Phinn
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
She was wearing red shoes! With silver heels! Elisabeth Devine causes quite a stir on her arrival in the village. No one can understand why the head of a big inner city school would want to come to sleepy little Barton-in-the-Dale, to a primary with more problems than school dinners. And that's not even counting the challenges the mysterious Elisabeth herself will face: a bitter former head teacher, a grumpy caretaker and a duplicitous chair of governors, to name but a few. Then there's the gossip.
-
-
Gentle and enjoyable, but not riveting
- By Ann Watson on 01-12-13
-
Out of the Woods but not Over the Hill
- By: Gervase Phinn
- Narrated by: Gervase Phinn
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For Gervase Phinn growing old is not about a leisurely walk to the pub for a game of dominoes or snoozing in his favourite armchair. As this sparkling collection of his very best humorous writing shows, he may be ‘out of the woods’ but he is certainly not ‘over the hill’.
-
-
I loved this book
- By T. Turner on 10-12-13
-
The Heart of the Dales
- By: Gervase Phinn
- Narrated by: Gevase Phinn
- Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gervase Phinn’s colourful characters have now become firm favourites – the mostly mad staff at County Hall and the children themselves, who find ways of embarrassing the school inspectors with innocent ease. We reconvene with Christine Bentley, head teacher of Winnery Nook School and now Gervase’s wife and mother of their son; the well-named Mrs Savage and not forgetting the Queen of the Clean – Connie.
-
-
Nostalgia!
- By Ann Watson on 13-04-13
-
The Glass Painter's Daughter
- By: Rachel Hore
- Narrated by: Jilly Bond
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fran Morrison, a travelling musician, is summoned home to London after her father suffers a stroke. She finds herself in charge of the family business - a stained glass workshop. When the vicar of the local church asks Fran to restore a shattered window, her research into its origins uncovers a fascinating and moving love story from the Victorian past that resonates in her own life.
-
-
Really enjoyable story
- By Mrs on 03-11-09
-
Road to the Dales
- The Story of a Yorkshire Lad
- By: Gervase Phinn
- Narrated by: Gervase Phinn
- Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gervase Phinn tells of a life full of happiness, conversation, music and books shared with his three siblings, mother and father. This book is a snapshot of growing up in Yorkshire in the 1950s – reminisce with Gervase, and share in his personal journey - of school days and holidays as well as his tentative steps into the adult world.
-
-
Help with the ironing.
- By Joan on 14-04-13
Summary
Fairacre is a village of cottages, a church and the school - and, at the heart of the school, its head mistress Miss Read. Through her discerning eye, we meet the villagers of Fairacre and see their trials and tribulations, from the irascible school cleaner Mrs Pringle, to the young school children, with their scraped knees, hopeful faces and inevitable mischief. Full of Miss Read's unique, acerbic wit, and wry observations, Village School is an intriguing glimpse into a forgotten world, and has become a true classic.
More from the same
What listeners say about Village School
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Flint
- 27-06-17
Good Book, Wrong Narrator
I ejoyed the book, but I did not enjoy this narrator as much as other narrators of the Miss Read books. I find the books fascinating because they hark back to a time that probably never was but we would all like to imagine. It is slightly irritating that some of the characters age in the normal way throughout the course of the books while others seem stuck in time and hardly age at all. Revisiting one of the early books has reminded me that poor Joseph Coggs was stuck at the village school for the entirety of Miss Reads headship and on her retirement he was only about nine years of age. Mrs Pringle was clearly older than Miss Read in the early books but she is still working at the school and apparently reasonably sprightly when Miss Read retires! As long as you're not overly troubled by these confusing tricks of time the books are lovely, a very gentle antidote to real life.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- J. M. Wiggett
- 04-07-19
A joy to read or listen to.
Miss read books are like food for the soul. Escapism from today's hectic life pace, to the slower, simpler, richer times of days gone by. The wonderful characters and observations of nature and the seasons add to the lovely story lines of simple country life. Miss Read is a joy to read.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sheila C
- 24-04-20
Village School
l Ioved every moment of this gentle book and cannot wait to download the next in series.