The Cazalets

I have read the Cazalet books twice already, and enjoyed them even more second time round. I never expected that there would be a continuation. I'll look out for that on amazon. And a new Penelopy Lively. Although I like her first novels best.
We were lucky to have such gifted women novelists. Margaret Drabble, Margaret Forster, Carol Shields who unfortuately died of breast cancer and could have written so much more. Then of course Ann Tyler who seems to be slowing down. I have all their books and will continue to read them as the years pass. I don't own a Kindle- I like to handle paper.

Best thing about November new EJH new Penelope Lively and new Terry Pratchett. Bliss.

The final Cazalet book is out this week. Thursday 7th Nov.

and Polly, I agree. The young boys come from her brothers? The cold, chilblains, terrifying gas geysers not quite heating the bath water, bad food, Lyons Corner House remind me of the 40s and 50s. EJHs self analysis without psycho babble. They don't make them like her now.

Yes it is Gracesmum. Her life story seems to be told through the character of Louise, but as lamb says, there are bits of her in Clary (and possibly Polly?).
Did anyone see the TV adaptation, which they never finished. I have it on DVD, but it was disappointing, with far too much bonking.

I have just started Slipstream and am realising how autobiographical The Cazalets seems to be. Is that true(those who have read it all)?

I have enjoyed all the Cazalet books and am looking forward to reading the new one. Slip Stream was interesting but sad. She seems to be a very damaged woman but her books may have been a sort of therapy for her.

I agree about Louise but facets of her life come out in other characters for example Clary in her compulsion for observing and writing and her involvement with her unpleasant and domineering boss. Even down to Duchys obsession with the garden

I've read and enjoyed the first book but disciplining myself to ration my Cazalet reading until I have read at least some of the books waiting for my attention. Just finished JK Rowling's Casual Vacancy. Tedious!

I've just downloaded the 1st one too. So glad I looked at this thread. Between your recommendations and reviews, can't wait to get started.

Five new books to read. Bliss

Thanks everyone

Hello (I'm a newbie ) I've pre-ordered the 5th book from Amazon and have her autobiography to read at the top of my to-be-read pile.

I enjoyed listening to the stories on Woman's Hour.. good idea for my Christmas list...Santa are you on here??

I gather that Camilla was photographed reading the fourth book on her hols!

That'll be on my Christmas list for sure. I love her books. And her story in general

A treat in store, Anno! The other book that I love is Something in Disguise, which they did as a brilliant TV series many moons ago. Anton Rodgers and ??

I haven't read any of these books but have just found out how cheap they are for Kindle, so have ordered the first one to try. Thanks everyone for your recommendations.

I read these for the first time this summer having heard the radio 4 version. I just could not out them down! I have ordered no. 5 from library. I wonder why she waited so long to write it & when it will start.
I'll read the autobiography too now.

I have read other books by her but not been bowled over by them although I did enjoy Falling.

Have you read her autobiography, "Slipstream", Gracesmum? Fascinating, especially as so much of the Cazalets is autobiographical. I think she is mostly Louise and so Michael Hadleigh seems to be Peter Scott, who was EJH's first husband.

Hip hip hooray After not liking EJH for years and years, I started reading the Cazalets after hearing one serialised on Woman's Hour and I became an absolute addict. TG for EJH's longevity!

How lovely! Can't wait.