This has been a long running joke between us, as the great- granddaughter of Charles wrote many books. One of us would ask the question and then the other would suggest some of her titles.
One pair of hands? no
Man Overboard? no
One pair of feet? no
and eventually My turn to make the tea? Yes, that's it! and could you find a biscuit or two while the kettle boils?
She led a fascinating life. But I had never read any of MDs books [Not even "Cobbler's Dream" which was televised as Follyfoot. MD wrote lots of books for young adults, with many horses involved!] Until last month.
I found myself smiling and chuckling and was well on the way to a 4* review. But I have been so tired during all this kitchen work, and it has taken me a month to read the book - I fall into bed and manage half a chapter if I'm lucky. Then in the middle of all this jollity, and the day to day struggles of living in a boarding house with a singularly horrid landlady...there is a really sad death. It proper upset me, as I am sure Thora Hird said in a Yorkshire accent once. So only 3*
Maybe I should try some of her other books. I returned it to Dereham Library, in a bit of a hurry, and grabbed a stack of six non fictionbooks. Here they are
200 Airfryer recipes
OTK extra Good Things
From sewing
Upcycle
Stitches for Crazy Quilts
From Knitting
Nordic Knits for Children
From Papercraft
The Folding Lady
Like I say, picked up quickly from adjacent shelves, and not really studied carefully. Ooops...
Have you read any of Monica's books, if so what would you recommend please?
I read a lot of Monica Dicken's books when I spent two months in hospital many years ago. The librarian seemed very keen on MD and also Gerald Durrell - the book trolley was always crammed with them. Fortunately I enjoyed both
ReplyDeleteWe had all the Durrell books at one point, but they went when we were downsizing
DeleteI've not even heard of her so no recommendations sadly. X
ReplyDeleteI suspect it is a generation thing, Kezzie - after Follyfoot, half a century ago, she got forgotten
DeleteAccording to my book of books read, I've read 'One Pair of Hands' and 'One Pair of Feet' and ' My turn to make the tea' and a couple of others but so long ago that I don't remember anything about them. I have 'Marianna' on the shelf here as a Persephone reprint which I hope to read sometime.
ReplyDeleteSorry no help as recommendations!
Persephone and Virago have republished some of her stuff I know. I wish I had been diligent as you and kept a 'books read' log!
DeleteI've read One Pair of Hands and One Pair of Feet and The Listeners. It was a long time ago but I think I liked them. Regards Sue H
ReplyDelete🖐🖐🦶🦶
DeleteIt’s probably fifty years since I read them, but I remember enjoying the ‘hands and feet’ books. The inimitable Frank Muir always referred to her as Donica Mickens, so I do too! :-)
ReplyDeleteDorothy.
🖐🖐🦶🦶 . I loved Frank and Dennis, so clever with words!
DeleteSorry, hadn't heard of Monica Dickens until now! Enjoy your library books. :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough she lived most of her adult life in the USA, her books were all set in Britain [and published] I believe
DeleteI still have a couple of her books. I did enjoy reading them in my early twenties, I think!
ReplyDeleteI think there were a whole slew of books in the 50s and 60s aimed at 'young adult women' - but they were not called "chicklit" back then!
DeleteI hadn't realised that the Follyfoot TV series was based on Monica Dickens' ideas. It was a great favourite of ours back in the early 1970s.
ReplyDeleteDo you think her association with Charles Dickens could have caused people to feel it might be dated? Joanna Trollope maintains her surname was no professional help at all.
DeleteHi Angela, I lurk and don’t comment as I don’t have a blog myself. I’m
ReplyDeletea retired teacher living in Essex. I’m popping up to recommend my favourite ever Monica Dickens which is a novel set in the immediate post war called The Happy Prisoner. Kay
I agree ! But her best ever book is called Kate and Emma about children in care .
DeleteThank you Rinty , for another suggestion
DeleteThank you!! Reasonable comments (but not nasty) ones accepted from everyone, whether or not they blog themselves
DeleteThank you Kay for the recommendation. As a retired teacher myself, (& born in Essex) I shall take this seriously!!
ReplyDeleteI read MD books many years ago, and thought they were very of their time. Could I ask a favour for you to send prayers for my dear friend Lizz who is seriously ill in Papworth hospital with pulmonary hypertension. Her OH said they were running out of options, I'm praying with all my might. We have been besties for 67 years. Thank You. Xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about Lizz. Papworth is a great hospital, and I'm sure she will get excellent treatment there. 🙏 My prayers are for her, her OH, yourself - and other friends and family. May they find peace and hope in these difficult days, and know that they are surrounded by the love and prayers of others. 🙏
DeleteI've not read any of her books, but the title of that one is brilliant for an ongoing family joke. :-)
ReplyDelete😂😂😂
DeleteI remember Monica Dickens but never read any of her books. She might have written an article in my mother's "Women's Weekly" magazine, for all I know. For some reason I thought she was a nurse but I see that is not correct. Must be the "One pair of hands" title that made me think that.
ReplyDeleteShe did write for British women's magazines, and briefly worked as a nurse - so your memories are both correct!
DeleteShe has a distinct style of writing, and there's usually something a little "gritty" about her novels. I wouldn't say that "Mariana" was my favorite, though I quite enjoyed "The Fancy", if you can find that one.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anon. I'm so impressed by all these comments citing so many of her books!
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