Under the Greenwood Tree

This classic 19th Century short novel is the antithesis to contemporary life. If you have the patience to spend a paragraph pondering manifestations of chimney smoke, or delighting in the shape of a countryman’s shadow in the waning afternoon, then this is a book for you. It’s light-hearted and funny, drawing playfully on west country traditions and the narrow breadth of concerns for hearty village folk of this era.

The story is set in a peaceful village in West Sussex, whereby an almighty (but very polite) feud unfolds as three men pursue the hand of Miss Fancy Day - the new school mistress. Meanwhile, the choir is overturned in favour of an organ; representative of modernisation and the unravelling of long-held traditions. It is quaint and beautifully portrayed, with lingering descriptions in minute detail. The short chapters and separation into seasonal segments balances the imagery nicely, and I found it moved along at a surprising pace despite the tone.

Her dark eyes - arched by brows of so keen, slender, and soft a curve, that they resembled nothing so much as two slurs in music - showed primarily a bright sparkle each. This was softened by a frequent thoughtfulness, yet not so frequent as to do away, for more than a few minutes at a time, with a certain coquettishness; which in turn was never so decided as to banish honesty.

I’m a sucker for good introductions, which in my version of the book meant that I knew the entire plot line before I’d started the story - so be warned if you do start from page one! This is a great little read if you’re a fan of classics, or want to dip your toe in without committing to a heavier victorian narrative. It’s gentle, pastoral and full of fantastic tree descriptions. If you’re after a simple, pleasant read - this is for you.