Lark Rise to Candleford: A Trilogy

I loved this and hated to see it end. Well written second person autobiographical “novel” of 1890 country life in England.

I have completed the first book in the trilogy, and though I agree with another reviewer that it has the same kind of feel as the "Little House on the Prairie" and "Anne of Green Gables" series' (all of which I love), I don't think I would put this in the same age range as either. The "Little House" series was something my friends and I read starting in elementary school, and my daughters did the same. The "Anne" books were more junior high to high school, and we have enjoyed them as adults as well. Though Thompson's books have the same rural, homey feel to them, I think the lack of an ever-present storyline would make them less appealing to the average youth today who is used to instant gratification and constant entertainment (I know I am generalizing). I'm sure there are some youth that would love them, but they are much more an insightful, descriptive look at country life with stories scattered here and there and I believe they will appeal more to adults. I find them fascinating and I think the people who used these books as a basis for the PBS series have done a brilliant job of creating a consistent storyline from the threads of narrative Thompson has woven together. If you have watched the series and loved it, don't approach the books as "the script" for what you have seen. View it more as background material and enjoy a deeper look into what made the people who they are. If you have read the books and are just considering seeing the series, don't expect to see what you have read. They are both wonderful examples of their own art form. Let each stand alone and appreciate them for what they are. ETA: I have now completed the book and have seen all four seasons of the PBS series. I love them both, but would still caution people not to expect the movies to be an exact visual portrayal of the books. I admit that I am one who has been upset at times when I have seen a movie "based on" a classic book that has taken great liberties in their portrayal and completely changed characters who are critical to the storyline. However, I had not read these books before seeing the first three seasons of the PBS series, so the show was my introduction to the stories and characters. I still thoroughly enjoyed the books and thought it was fun to see what had inspired many of the stories in the TV series.

I purchased this book after viewing the entire TV series (which I love) of the same name. As pointed out by other reviewers, the book does not have a plot and is basically a series of essays describing everyday life in Lark Rise, Candleford and Candleford Green. To a modern reader, the characters in the book may seem to suffer from abject poverty, which was true in some cases, but in the 19th century it was the way of life. People adapted and even flourished (according to Thompson's descriptions) in the midst of that poverty. For example, Thompson pointed out that the poor residents of Lark Rise enjoyed excellent health and strong teeth, even though their diet (lard spread on pieces of bread) would horrify today's nutritional "experts" and they cleaned their teeth with salt on a cloth. Despite the hardships, the people enjoyed their rare leisure times and appreciated the simplest things in life. It was very refreshing to reflect on a time when life was not so complicated. WARNING: to those of you who (like me) belong to a race of darker complexion people, please be advised that the "n" word is in the novel and there are two minor (seemingly derogatory) references to dark-skinned people. Please don't let these references keep you from reading this excellent book. I don't believe the references were malicious but just a part of the culture of that day. I was not offended by them.

Lark Rise to Candleford Trilogy, a three books in one, by Flora Thompson is about the life of Laura, who is our witness in this landscape of the English country life as it slowly changes over time. Yes, we get to see the turn of the century. Er, the last century, not this century. Semi-autobiographical the book shows us the old ways as they are replaced by the new ones. We learn about old English traditions, the origins of many drinking songs and even fruitcake. Well, I think. At 556 pages you will find yourself hard pressed to put down this book. And those you love history and culture will find it hard to even go to sleep or eat until one has finished the book. Also, I have to add I think Flora Thompson must have been one of the most intelligent women of her time. Many of the things she writes about, her points of view, and her observations are wonderfully modern and open minded. The book is full of worn farm-workers, long lasting friendships, and a vanished time. Get it and enjoy it.

I must say that I have fallen in love with the Lark Rise characters. I didn't know about the book until I looked up some information on the series. Since the series was extremely well done, I thought I would give the book a try. I was not disappointed. This is a wonderful book, though the order of events is somewhat different from the series. It gave me a lot of insight into a time when the world was changing. Because it takes place at the turn of the century, you get a glimpse of life in the country village of Lark Rise and the town of Candleford at a most pivotal point in history. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical stories, or if you're just looking for a clean storyline with real characters. You won't be disappointed with it.

Sociology, psychology, history, class, customs, told with wit and love. The PBS Lark Rise to Candleford series is a fitting dramatization of this book. Enjoy!

I'm really excited to read these stories, as I've loved watching the series "Lark Rise to Candleford" several times. The price is excellent and works out to a little less than $8.00 per book. My only disappointment with the book is the stitching. Because it is 3-books-in-1, it is thick (about an inch and a half), and the paperback stitching doesn't seem quite sturdy enough to support such a thick book. I'll handle it with care as I read it, and hopefully all will be well. I'm so glad to have found these stories still in print!

If you purchase this expecting to learn anything about the author after her Candleford days, or the fate of any of the characters we have come to know through the series. You will be sorely disappointed. I expected more from this book. Is is, after all, a biography of a real person. As Flora Thompson WAS Laura Timmins. Yet the reader learns nothing about her after her Candleford days. One also learns nothing about the other people we have come to know and love through the TV series. (Except for Edmund,)which one would miss if they blinked as it was told in just 1 line with no emotion or detail! A much better job should have been done.

This book is a lovely gentle pastoral wander through a bygone time. I've read it several times now & it never disappoints.

Arrived before expected date and in good condition - well pleased!

Instructive, interesting for those who like popular history and culture. Old customs and traditions gone. In our modern, sometimes inhuman world it is good to know that in a near gone century people were able to be happy and content on little. The book is most descriptive of old ways and mentality and they're teaching us how to be simplier and happier.

Nothing like the DVDs. Couldn't get into it, to my disappointment.