Entertaining, instructive, thought-provoking and hilarious, the unmistakeable voice of Deborah Devonshire rings out of this volume which combines her two collections of ‘occasional’ writings – Home to Roost and Counting My Chickens.
The pieces are broad and eclectic in their subjects, ranging from treasures unearthed while the kitchen was being redecorated, musings about the reason for the reworded town sign, tourism at Chatsworth, a ringside view of both John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and funeral, and the value of deportment. No matter what she’s writing about she is always affectionate, shrewd and uproariously funny.
The pieces are broad and eclectic in their subjects, ranging from treasures unearthed while the kitchen was being redecorated, musings about the reason for the reworded town sign, tourism at Chatsworth, a ringside view of both John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and funeral, and the value of deportment. No matter what she’s writing about she is always affectionate, shrewd and uproariously funny.
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Reviews
'This prolific writer needs no introduction ... this small book is a brilliant selection. I read it with such enjoyment, sometimes laughing aloud, sometimes pausing to think "Goodness! How right she is". It is remarkable not only for its style but also for the grear clarity, sympathy , conciseness and humour ... brilliant'
'This collection of wit and wisdom from the Duchess of Devonshire (and last surviving Mitford girl) just dances off the page ... funny and insightful ... whatever te subject, playfulness and a love of life spill from the page, and there are no words wasted. Perfect for dipping into, this book is bound to touch and tickle anyone's heart'
'Affectionate, shrewd and uproariously funny'
'The dowager duchess treats us to more of her musings...her profile is high following the success of In Tearing Haste'
'All her writing is characterised by incisive observation and unfailing humour ... this blend of sagacity and wit proves very appealing.'
Books of the Year 2009, 'an appealing blend of incisive observation and unfailing humour'
'The book is peppered with humorous and affectionate tales of the country, in addition to providing a rare insight into some of the more momentous world events of the last century...endearing...candid and down to earth style...an intriguing window into the key events of a bygone era...all delivered as if to a friend, with a high degree of honesty and humour'
'A collection of the youngest Mitford sister's journalism, showing her customary wit and eye for the absurd'
Praise for Home to Roost:
'Debo's is a voice from a vanished Golden Age ... the Duchess herself embodies these noble and conservative values and she personally is a wonderment and an inspiration'
'Her latest has an introduction from Alan Bennett, so you get two national treasures for the price of one ... she's a wonderful writer'
'Behind the wit and quips, there is something else stronger and more rigorous ... a small, cumulative but revealing self-portrait ...this is a book about manners, how to behave, and being funny as a form of civilisation'