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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2011 11:34:10 GMT 1
Dear Busybody – Eleanor Helme *Spoiler Alert*
This story is set in Exmoor in 1897. 13yr old Phyllis Moberley is sent from Canada to stay with her Aunt and Uncle after her mother dies. She finds life in a Victorian Country House very strange after her care-free upbringing on a ranch. She is horrified that horses’ tails are docked, can’t believe she has to ride side-saddle wearing a habit, and doesn’t understand why there are servants or that she must wear black while she is in mourning. Even though she is given an Exmoor pony to ride she is told by her prim and proper Aunt that “stables are not the place for little girls to spend their time.” She finds this very frustrating as on the ranch in Canada she had looked after her own horses and rode cross- saddle.
However, even though she thinks English conventions are silly she soon settles down and tries to please her Aunt and Uncle, but she finds it hard not to become a busy body with an answer to everyone’s problems!
I enjoyed this book especially for the historical content. Interesting real life stories are woven into the plot including how the Lynmouth lifeboat had to be pulled by 30 farm horses along narrow roads and a cottage has to be partially demolished to enable horses and boat to reach a shipwreck at Porlock Weir.
The book has lovely illustrations by Lionel Edwards.
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Post by Claire on Jul 28, 2011 12:36:33 GMT 1
Thanks for the review. I have never got round to reading this Eleanor Helme one, but you have whetted my appetite. It sounds interesting, especially the perspective of a canadian girl getting to grips with strict Victorian customs. I also like historical stories too. I have visited Lynmouth & Lynton (lovely places) a few times and its nice to read about places you know.
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