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It edged into “pick” territory for me because I couldn‘t put it down as I had to know what happens with the Braithwaites and Franz‘s story. But (as others pointed out in the #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub) the propaganda and slight preachy tones diminished my enjoyment of it. But there was a country house, lovely summer days, and nature scenic writing. I wish she‘d written a prequel on Dane and Hartley‘s time together in the service!

Like @batsy I didn‘t fall in love with this novel. I enjoyed the English countryside and house, and even the characters, but it felt too transparent (dare I say preachy?) in its anti-war & hate message. I give it a pass for being a novel of its time.

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This is the first #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub book that didn't win me over. As mentioned elsewhere, I found the English propaganda grating & it interfered with my ability to fully immerse myself in the story. Also, I understand that this is meant to be a feel-good tale, but some of the explaining away of the political ends of the war left me going hmmm. But I liked certain aspects of Stevenson's writing & look forward to her Mrs Tim & Buncle novels!

I think this is a good story, an interesting one, different from what the #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub has read so far. It‘s insightful to read of the political opinions of the people during the early days of WW2, especially the English middle class. I did enjoy it, although I felt the ending was too rush and easy. Glad to have read my first D.E. Stevenson. 👍

Published in the very early days of WW2, this novel isn‘t as light and jocular as the previous Stevenson books I‘ve read. I also found the section set in Germany a bit jarring in relation to the rest of the story but, all in all, it was easy to read and kept me turning the pages. I‘ll give it a pick but it‘s not going to stand out as one of my favourites by this author.

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This was my first Stevenson, and I‘m not sure it was the best one to start with, though I did enjoy it. Another Litten likened it to propaganda, and I realized it reminded me of old WWII movies (although I enjoy some of those too).

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In a sense, this is rather typical Stevenson fare, with nice, upper class English people living privileged lives in the countryside and taking in love and brief Scottish interludes. But the setting - of both the book and its writing/publication - and the inclusion of Franz/Frank - the half-German cousin raised under Naziism and a true believer as the book begins - lends it more gravitas and, eventually, an air if adventure. (continued below)

Whether it‘s wartime propaganda or just general middle class English snobbishness, I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse of the way they looked at life, the way they thought and spoke and acted in those blessed days of peace, to paraphrase DE Stevenson‘s proposed Foreword to the first edition. On a more serious level, it was also a reminder not to blindly believe your country‘s take on the attitudes/intentions other countries.
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Unfortunately I couldn‘t get a DSP edition ebook & was too cheap to spring for the paperback so I had no introduction. I thought this was mostly pro-Empire war propaganda (published in 1940) with two weakish romances. Sorry fellow #FurrowedMiddleBrowClub friends 😣. I can‘t fault the book for being of its time, but the rah rah Britain can do no wrong stuck in my craw, knowing the future. Kudos, however, for not painting all German‘s as Nazis.

The Braithwaites, and their minder, Dane Worthington, are visited by ‘a sort of cousin‘ Franz Heiden. The time is 1938 as the book begins and war is threatening. I loved this family story and couldn‘t put it down. Good story and characters. I won‘t say more until we are finished this #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub read.

A bit of prophetic idealism? 🤔 🫣

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I understand you, Sophie.

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Reading outside. I suppose that cover is meant to be Wynne and Franz at the start of the book when they all go swimming in the cove. I wonder how it will all pan out ?! I‘m enjoying 👍🏻♥️

Getting started straight away!
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Hello #Furrowedmiddlebrowclub friends! This is a reminder that our July 2022 pick is the tagged title. Read at your own pace and share your thoughts with us as you are inclined.

Any Littens not tagged but want to be, let me know. 😊 All are welcome!

Yay! My summer reading for #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub arrived!

Our July read (and @catebutler ‘s pick for us) is The English Air by DE Stevenson. Our September read ( @elkeOriginal ‘s pick) will be A House in the Country by Ruth Adam. I can hardly wait!

Here is our new rotation of picking and voting. I added our two newest members on to the end (I hope that‘s okay with you all?). Please excuse the handwritten post: my PicCollage was glitching. 😆

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Dear #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub readers,
Here are the choices for July 2022. I went with a summery/holiday theme. 🕶☀️The English Air is one of the latest FM recent releases, I adore Stevenson and her writing, so I‘m sure this won‘t disappoint. And, Seaview House sounds perfect with a family hotel, a peaceful setting and a dash of romance. It‘s also been on my FM TBR for ages! I‘ve linked the synopsis for SH below in the comments.