Miss Buncle's Book

By: D. E. Stevenson

Narrated by: Patricia Gallimore

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The scene of this entertaining story is laid in a charming English village. The plot centres round Miss Barbara Buncle, a maiden lady who was obliged to write a book because – as she naively explained – her dividends were so poor. Unfortunately, Miss Buncle had no imagination, so she wrote about her friends – quite kindly and truthfully, of course, for she was a benevolent and veracious soul.

The reactions of her friends to Miss Buncle’s book, however, were a little surprising, and the far-reaching and unexpected results of its publication caused quite a stir.

©1934 D. E. Stevenson (P)2010 Soundings

Normally I don't LOL...

If you could sum up Miss Buncle's Book in three words, what would they be?

Need more words!

What about Patricia Gallimore’s performance did you like?

She portrayed the characters as over-the-top as the author probably meant them to be.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No, unless you mean "moved to laughter"!

Any additional comments?

This is an old book, and I recently decided to listen to it again. I'm an old lady myself, and needed to listen to a soothing book about days past when there wasn't so much turmoil. Well, I'd forgotten about the turmoil that Barbara Buncle stirred up when she wrote a book about the people living in her small English village! I doubt if young people would like this book because they can't imagine life without many of our modern conveniences, not to mention what life was like in England in the earlier part of the 20th century. But if you're not so young, give it a try!

Like a classic screwball comedy

Wonderful narration with so many characters. If you enjoy films from the 30’s and 40’s, you will find this listen fun and entertaining.

Amazing book!

I have returned to this story many times over the years. One of my absolute favorites!

fun read

This was a nice story for something just fun and easy to follow. Liked it.

A Charming Delight!

The inhabitants of a small village in England read a new best seller and they are shocked to find they're reading about themselves!

Barbara Buncle's finances need a boost. The dividends she'd relied dwindled. Times are so tough that she decides to try to write a book as a way to earn money. Since she doesn't have much of a creative imagination, Miss Buncle relies on her observation skills and writes stories about those living around her in the town of Silverstream, changing the names of the villagers. When the book is published and sells well, the upset villagers try hard to discover the identity of the author. Will Barbara have to move?

First published in 1934, this is a sweet, pleasant read. I've read it twice in two years, and have enjoyed several other D.E. Stevenson books as well. I highly recommend Miss Buncle's Book!

So good, I'll read them all!!

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It is a "period piece" actually written in the period. It was written in the thirties - when the vocabulary was prettier, the manners were kinder and the people were gentler. Sometimes I wished I were reading on my Kindle (for the instant dictionary) but then I would have missed the narrator's delivery - which was spot on - she changed voices for all characters. I plan to listen to all available D. E. Stevenson's books. Miss Buncle and her cast of characters were so entertaining and I got a glimpse of life in England in the thirties.

An entertaining and well written book - loved it!

This is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to and so clever. What a smart and interesting plot and who would have thought that such a benign plot could be so exciting. I loved every minute of this. The reader is very engaging and changes her voice so naturally to depict different characters. So good. Well done!

Tedious at times

I realize that I am in the minority on this one, but I found this book basically boring ... Cute premise, but often tedious. Too many characters for no particular reason. Good narration, though.

Delightful. Entertaining. Charming. Fun.

What did you love best about Miss Buncle's Book?

Original and entertaining story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

More than you expect.

Any additional comments?

Not your usual English cottage story. Kind and gentle, but has an edge of sorts and I found it delightful, easy to listen to, and absolutely fun. I plan to read the sequel. Well written. Worth your time.

Brilliant and addictive

If you are looking for an antidote to the anxiety of the present, an escape from the frightening times we are living through, this is perfect. Nine hours of joy, humour and inspiration.