Rhododendron Pie Paperback – January 3, 2021

I loved Miss Bianca and Bernard in The Rescuers, but never realised that the author also wrote for adults. This was her first book and it is a gem. The Laventie family is different from the neighbours - more intellectual and artistic according to their own views. Ann has always accepted this as the truth, but then she visits her sister in London and her perception of herself and the family changes. Well-written and a lovely read.

As this is Margery Sharp's first book, it has its flaws. It's a little too forced and does not flow as easily as her later books. Still, it is an interesting story about an artistic family and one member who doesn't quite fit in. It is worth reading for its character development, plot and descriptive elements. In her first attempt, Ms Sharp learned so much as her subsequent, more polished novels show. Even though it is a little rough, Rhododendron Pie is still worth a read.

This early novel is about a "normal" girl in an eccentric family. She ends up happily engaged, of course.

I love this book, and I paid a fortune for it a few years ago. This is the first chance I've had to say I wish this could be available on Kindle. Brilliant writing, and now that so many of Sharp's other books are on Kindle ( I have wish-listed them so I remember to buy them when they're available) I think this one should be too.

You have wade through a bit of setup to get to the glorious, funny romance at the end but it is worth it. Margery Sharp's descriptions are vivid and compelling; her dialog sharp and witty especially between Ann's final beau (won't tell you who).The romance is also wrapped in more than boy-meets-girl. It is about maturity, petty snobbery, and becoming oneself.

I tried to read this book 2 times. I got quite far each time. Almost halfway through. I could not get ahold of the characters, who they were, what they felt. Of all of her books, which I love, this one simply left me cold. I kept waiting for something to happen. I kept waiting to feel some sort of empathy with some character. Nothing. Apparently it was very popular. I must’ve been missing something. Try it yourself. You might figure it out.

Margery Sharp can conjure up a slice of England, her people even their food as none else can. An England king gone but comes alive again as you read. You will smile a great deal.

Such a refreshing change to read a book that is well written, light and about more civilised times. There is a serious message within the story, but no heavy handed preaching.

A moving feastSo beautifully done. The Laventie family with all its pretensions; and that what matters most is goodness,love,affection and enduring values. Hi- faluting talk is all very well but what counts always is generosity of spirit. I loved the book. It's like a walk in a sunlit meadow on a soft summer day.