Miss Buncle's Book

Cute little story set in an English village between the World Wars. Miss Buncle writes a novel under a pseudonym about the lives and foibles of her neighbors. Some are outrages when they recognize themselves when reading. Others use it to change their lives. More than a couple of chuckles in this.

I really enjoyed this book about an author who wrote a book about an author who wrote a book about an author who wrote a book! The book was an enjoyable read and it was fun to see how the parallels from her book played out in her village. Written with humor and good characterization, I highly recommend it!

Five stars simply because of the type of book that it is, obviously written in earlier times when social behavior was more proper and therefore potentially more scandalous. The plot was very predictable, but the characters were delightful. I would describe it as a fun, quick read when you are in the mood for something light. One could get very intellectual and say it illustrates the frailty of the human ego and fear of being judged by others, but only if you have to justify a fun read to yourself...

... where you may feel nothing happens, but the character studies are priceless. Very "Downtown Abbey" for the middle class in its portraits of the people of Miss Buncle's little town, and very funny to boot. Based on this book, I am in the process of reading everything I can find by Ms. Stevenson, and well-known author 60 years ago. Highly recommended.

Loved this sweet little book and the humble Miss Buncle! It's a 1920's take on 'The Help', excepting there was no malice in Miss Buncle's rendition. The characters are typical small town folk, with a bit of whimsy, inspiration, romance thrown in the pot and stirred to a mild boil! Look forward to reading the sequel, Miss Buncle Gets Married!

This tale was entertaining and engaging considering the year it was written. But then I do like to occasionally read these kinds of whimsical stories that are not teeming with sex and foul language now and then. My only issue was that some of the language used seemed dated (and quite possibly more suitable to the English of her day) so I found myself having to look up word definitions more so than usual.

I confess a weakness for stories with well developed characters set in vintage English villages. This charming novel transports one back into a simpler time with characters one can "cast" from decades of past PBS dramas. The story is fresh, amusing, and wise. I loved it.

This book was funny, clever and light! The whole time I was reading it, I thought it was a new book published this year and I was so surprised it was written a long time ago. Maybe the "about the author" is a trick! Either way, I want to read the rest of the books about these characters!

This book was funny, clever and light! The whole time I was reading it, I thought it was a new book published this year and I was so surprised it was written a long time ago. Maybe the "about the author" is a trick! Either way, I want to read the rest of the books about these characters!

If you loved the Mitford Series and have been waiting for that sort of village and people to get to know ....This will knock your socks off!! The vicar and all the neighbors have such stories that you can hardly wait to see what is next!! Miss Buncle is a jewel and you will love her!!!!

Miss Buncle's Book is well-written & entertaining. I'm pleased to have stumbled across it & its sequels (Miss Buncle Married & The Two Mrs. Abbots), & I'm pleased to see that they are being re-issued. The concept of a book about a woman writing a book about her acquaintances, & the complications this causes in all of their lives, was an intriguing devise. (As is usually the case with the store, this order arrived quickly & in excellent condition.)

Well written and pleasant story. It was such a pleasure to read a book that made sense and had a good plot. I couldn't put it down. Her sequel to this book is a must read also. Good writers like this are hard to find. It's perfect example of how to use words correctly, construct a sentence and us punctuation.

Great story, very entertaining. Characters are full and rich. Human nature at its best and worst. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hated to see it end, I laughed and in some places just shook my head, am now getting ready to read the next one. Enjoy!

Pleasant read set in the thirties. Language and actions of characters reflect this...a sweet, yet interesting story. The characters are well drawn and timeless. I found myself drawn into the story and enjoyed it so much that I immediately ordered the next book in the series. A good respite from the stressful society we live in now. A step back to a gentler time.

A different kinda read for me...I'm usually reading a good crime or suspense novel. Light & amusing tale about a small village England. Everyone is oh, so proper, and when "John Smith" writes a book about the inhabitants, there is quite an uproar. I recommend it.

It is hard to review this book without giving away its plot, but fans of Austen won't be disappointed. Miss Buncle is of a different era, one which allowed greater frankness than Austen's, but Stevenson knows exactly how to exploit the opportunities of the age without letting opportunity lead her off her carefully structured path.

I loved this book. I laughed quite often. It was very entertaining and a page turner for me. This is my first experience with this author and I am ready to get the next one in the series. Also the audiobooks. Appropriate for all ages.

What a delightfully refreshing visit to the past in an unknown British town, not far from London, where an unassuming, unsuspected humble person in the midst, writes so skillfully about most everyone's quirks, endearments, self-centeredness and hidden dreams. It is very intriguing and one cannot wait to see how it all works out

Who would have thought a dowdy spinster could be so adorable? D.E. Stevenson deftly weaves a story of the transformation of Miss Buncle from "fly on the wall status" to successful author and happily married woman. Wonderful characters. Wonderful writing. And witty too.

This is a delightful story... easy,non-stressful reading. But don't be deceived.. Miss Buncle's story will pull you in. You'll fall in love with her and the cast of characters. You may even recognize a few of them from your own life!

Like other books by D.E. Stevenson, I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys stories set in England, & likes to read about simpler times.

Light reading, but clever, humorous, and engaging. I liked the commentary on how people see themselves as opposed to how others see them, how they react when they read about themselves, and how writing about them affects Miss Buncle herself.

Very entertaining tale of a spinster who writes a book out of financial need, only to find herself under condemnation from all of her community, although they do not realize she is the culprit. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this "period piece"! Old England as we were told it was by many writers. It reminded me of the ambience Agatha Christie gave to Miss Marple stories. The story within a story is not new, but it's delightful nevertheless. I am going on to the next book!

This light, entertaining book is a perfect read as a break between heavier, darker, drier, etc. books. Had I not been so ready for a fun and engaging book, perhaps I would have given it less stars. It is not a great work, yet a happy and memorable one just the same . Yes, do read it.

This book is one of my all time favourites. 1930s chick-lit, to be sure, but it's never been better done. Brilliantly plotted, full of warmth and humour. I recommend it, together with its 2 sequels--Miss Buncle Married is that rare thing, a sequel as good as its predecessor, and the third book, while possibly a bit more run-of-the-mill, is worth reading, because it's like catching up with old friends.

A charming book that is based on much simpler times. It's characters are amusing and for the most part very witty without even knowing it. The tongue in cheek tone is this book makes for a fun read and a longer for times that were much simpler in some ways and more complicated in others!

Miss Buncle's Book is a lovely old fashioned read. The village and characters live and breath under Miss Buncle's very watchful eye. This is a keeper that I will re-read and I'll probably want one more of the series, or maybe two.(grin)

If you have ever read those wry British novels that are droll and filled with likable eccentrics, this is the novel for you.
It reads well and moves quickly, is light as a feather but strangely compelling. Delicious would describe it too; you will want to read it all in one sitting!

This story is an old fashioned cute story. No sex, no violence just funny people in a little English village. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the next one in the series; Miss Buncles Marriage. An easy read that I finished in a few vacation days.

I chose this book from a recommendation On a favorite book list in my English class. I have thoughly enjoyed it. The storyline is clever and smart. I would suggest this book to anyone who would like a funny, quick read. Especially for the beach or vacation.

Well written and fun. Loved all the characters, especially Miss Buncle and her husband to be. I believe I've read this before, but it was so long ago it was new again.
Played especially well on Text-To-Speech

I chose this book from a recommendation On a favorite book list in my English class. I have thoughly enjoyed it. The storyline is clever and smart. I would suggest this book to anyone who would like a funny, quick read. Especially for the beach or vacation.

Well written and fun. Loved all the characters, especially Miss Buncle and her husband to be. I believe I've read this before, but it was so long ago it was new again.
Played especially well on Text-To-Speech

This book should be required reading for aspiring writers.
Write what you know but hide who you are unless you are ready to burn your bridges. The characters were wonderfully drawn and the town was delightful. I felt the books pace helped one deal with all the characters.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like it was the caliber of "The Help". I felt like it was one of those books that is a hidden secret. People are not raving about it and talking about it but I really enjoyed it. The characters felt real and it held my reading attention.

An easy, charming romp through a small English village, with characters writ large and sympathetically. One feels a kinship with the shabby heroin's metamorphosis and her eccentric neighbors' predictabilities. A delightful read with no awkward awakenings to mar the tone.

Such a creatively simple story with not one inappropriate scene! Stories about regular people living life are my favorites, especially when the less popular characters get rewarded over the bad-tempered ones.

Consider yourself warned: you'll be craving sweet rolls and hot buttered toast by the end of this lovely little book. It's a sweet tale of just desserts and anyone whose ever lived in a small town will recognize the cast of characters. Treat yourself to this little gem.

It's light and charming. It was a perfect vacation read. I had never heard of D.E. Stevenson and was surprised to see she's written so much. I light 19th century British novels and this isn't one, but kind of has the feel that they do. It was very appealing.

Oh what a discovery I've made! Imagine my surprise in finding out that these delightful books (yes this book is part of a series of Barbara Buncle books) were written back in the 1930's. I absolutely did not want to leave these characters they are so funny and 'English'. If you enjoy a light English novel then you've come to the right place...you'll love these books.

I have just discovered DE Stevenson, and I could not be happier! The book is an easy, yet very intelligent read, and the characters are so fun! I recommend this author for anyone who likes humor, fiction from the 1930s, and quirky English village life.