The Old Bank House: A Virago Modern Classic

Angela Thirkell's Edgewood Rectory is a humorous portrayal of the Grantly family in a post-war world,where the Rector and Mrs. Grantly are bewildered by the challenges facing their eldest children. When their elderly neighbor Miss Sowerby sells her beloved Old Bank House to self-made MP Sam Adams, the one-time outsider finds himself at the heart of Barsetshire society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Angela Thirkell, a remarkable author of the twentieth century, stands out as a true successor to the enigmatic character of Pym himself. Her novel, "Edgewood Rectory," takes place in a timeless landscape, yet the Grantly family, who reside within its confines, are deeply entrenched in the contemporary world. Caught amidst the uncertain aftermath of peace, the Reverend and Mrs. Grantly find themselves bewildered by the array of challenges that their eldest children, Eleanor and Tom, face. Eleanor, longing for an escape from the monotony of the Red Cross Library, yearns for excitement beyond its walls. On the other hand, Tom, returning to Oxford after his military service, grapples with the transition back to student life, struggling to readjust to the academic rigor.

As the story unfolds, a significant event takes place when their elderly neighbor, Miss Sowerby, sells her cherished Old Bank House to the self-made MP, Sam Adams. The once-outsider finds himself suddenly at the center of Barsetshire society. Despite Sam's initial dismissive attitude towards Miss Sowerby's suggestion that the house requires a mistress, even a contented widower like Sam cannot help but be captivated by the power of love.

Through their interactions with Sam and the broader community, the Grantly family witnesses the transformative effects of love and companionship. They realize that the boundaries between different social classes and backgrounds are not as rigid as they once believed, and that genuine connections can be formed amidst unexpected circumstances.

"Edgewood Rectory" serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. Angela Thirkell's masterful storytelling and vivid characterization bring the characters to life, making the reader empathize with their struggles and triumphs. The novel's setting in a timeless landscape adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the characters navigate the complexities of modern life while still being anchored in the values and traditions of the past.

In conclusion, Angela Thirkell's "Edgewood Rectory" is a captivating and witty portrayal of a family caught between the past and the present. Through its exploration of love, friendship, and societal dynamics, the novel offers a profound reflection on the human experience. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to transport readers to different times and places, while also providing a meaningful exploration of the complexities of modern life.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349018683