Today's reading is Mrs Miniver, the book from which the Oscar-winning WW2 propaganda movie of the same name was made.
I feel a kind of cultural obligation to read it, despite itself. The writing is women's magaziney cranked up to 11, labored attempts at poetic descriptions, with some more graceful parts. Wealthy Londoners with a second home, servants, two months vacation in summer, late 1930s.
It opens as she comes home from vacation, carrying flowers, finds a fire already going, teatray in place, and she doesn't go to put the kettle on, she rings for tea. The scene is set, and you know her social setting.
Anyway the Miniver family ( even the name is opulent) suddenly find they're facing war, and what happens then.
I think I'm going to like it, if only for the social history. I'm looking forward to the dresses and hats. Chapter one already introduced the new car.
Meanwhile we had snow overnight and I looked out this morning to see my good neighbor, not Gary, the other side, quietly cleaning off my car.
He'd done both of theirs and kept going. I opened the door to call thanks and he gave a little ah tis nothin shrug. Why I love my neighbors.
I did get a walk, determined, despite the cold wind, and Helen's objections. It wasn't long but it was out, walking, mailbox then on round the block and back, blessing the length of this coat, and feeling quite smug. It's a far cry from making it to the pond, but that's going to happen in warmer weather.
This afternoon is a pot of tea -- it's barely two cups in size but there's something good about even a small pot -- piece of cake, knitted afghan on me, crocheted one in progress.
The house is so clean, I bless the cleaning family, they leave me with little to do between visits, just enjoy my surroundings.
I launder all the cloths they use, top up the spray bottles of cleaning fluid, put back the things I put out of their way, and my part's done for another month.
Happy day everyone, maybe we can find our bit and do it.
Meanwhile
Oh, Boud! That cartoon is the best. The very best! I've never read Mrs. Miniver but I have always loved the movie. And what a lovely neighbor you have!
ReplyDeleteThe movie's more democratic than the book. I've always loved that comic so I seized the chance when it showed up. We have a nice neighborhood.
DeleteCan a little old man join the little old ladies? I’ve got some time, but would like to get on the waiting list. Such good neighbors. When we were kids, my pre-teen sister would shovel our walk if the snow wasn’t too heavy. Without anyone even suggesting it, she would shovel our neighbors’ walk and driveway, too. Their kids were all grown and I remember they were old, like around 60. She set me a good example and I have no clue where she got that from.
ReplyDeleteWho knows where people's good instincts come from? Handsome Son is much more tactful and nonjudgmental than either of his parents. Where did he learn it?
DeleteI have seen the film, Mrs Miniver but once again I cannot remember it. I think I would like to read the book. Good neighbours are a treasure.
ReplyDeleteThe book is very episodic. It was originally a newspaper column about the daily life of a posh lady.
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