I don’t know how she does it, but each book in the Fairacre series remains as charming as ever, while adding a layer of complexity to the story.
Storm in the Village, the third book in the series, has the whole village of Fairacre grappling with the news that a new estate may be built nearby. In the meantime, Miss Jackson, the new teacher for the infants, has fallen in love with a thoroughly unsuitable man.
The previous book, Village Diary, was told entirely through the journal entries of Miss Read. Storm in the Village goes back to the narrative style of Village School – most of the story is from Miss Read’s point of view, but there quite a few sections that are from the perspective of Miss Jackson, the vicar, and even the Coggs! I find that I much prefer this style of story telling, because it allows for the other characters to develop and for more complexity in the story.
The plot about the new estate was interesting because it brought out the potential tensions between country and city folk, not to mention the impact that a new estate could have. Apart from worries that this new group of people will have very different lifestyles, the book explores the question of how institutions like Churches and schools will have to deal with this. Given that the previous two books talk about the challenges facing rural schools, it’s clear that any major event will impact the existence of the school.
The plot involving Miss Jackson’s romance was interesting and somewhat amusing. I didn’t really like Miss Jackson when she first appeared, but she grew on me in the first book.
In fact, I think a lot more characters are growing on me. Mrs Pringle, the crabby cleaner for the school, hasn’t really changed, but I find that I enjoy her sections more than I first did. The vicar, whom I didn’t really have a good sense of at first, came across as a very funny old man – reminded me of my grandparents, to be honest. Oh yes, and Jospeh Coggs’ story comes to a somewhat happy end here; I won’t spoil it but I was so pleased to read about it!
Even though this is the most ‘drama’ filled book in the series, it remains a cozy read. Through the worries about big changes and possible romances, the book remains upbeat. It’s like listening to a story from a close friend over a cup of tea.