River Lodge

By: Elizabeth Cadell

Narrated by: Janet Cadell Reynolds

When, like Ruth and Roger Mallard, you inherit a large house but no money to keep it up, one thing you can do is turn it into a guest-house. And having made up their minds, the Mallards decided that River Lodge was to be a guest-house of the very best kind. The first week’s guests were specially chosen - or self invited: a rich aunt; a theatrical producer and the lovely Felicity; Felicity’s sister and her twins; a famous artist and the amiable “Goosey”; the fattest dog in fiction; and a not-so-rich but very comic uncle and aunt - these make up the list of guests at River Lodge’s grand opening.

With the guests comes trouble in the form of Roger’s brother, Paul who casts an uneasy shadow over the forthcoming engagement between Felicity and her producer. Felicity has to choose between her former lover and the producer. Once again, Elizabeth Cadell reveals her flair for elegant comedy and her wit and charm with which she guides them through their summer storms, in the true tradition of the English humorous novel.

©1948, 2017 Elizabeth Cadell (P)2020 The Heirs of Elizabeth Cadell

Thank goodness I discovered Elizabeth Cadell!

River Lodge, published in 1948, is a witty gem, wonderfully narrated by the author’s daughter, Janet Reynolds.

Ruth and Roger Mallard inherited River Lodge and have turned it into a guest house. The characters within the first weeks guests are written with humor and charm.

This book is a favorite of mine. I’ve been a long time fan and always enjoy the subtle, clever comedy the author employs in all her writing.

Of its time but offensive now

Roger is a nasty bully, and yet is described as near perfect man. So many stereotypes and, aside from Brenda, no one I would like to spend a week with. This book didn't age well.