Not one but two books both of which feature somewhat iconic English characters ...
MY THOUGHTS ... Though I haven't previously read any of the Rumpole stories and have only the vaguest recollection of the TV series, Rumpole of The Bailey, Rumpole is one of those quintessential English characters that most people of my age (and older) would be hard-pressed to not know about.
A series of seven yuletide short stories previously published in various newspapers and/or magazines.
Alas slight (even for short stories), formulaic and, well, repetitive; something that was probably made all the more noticeable by the fact that here they were presented all in one publication rather than as a series as was originally intended. But then again it could be argued how many of us read the book not so much for the stories but rather the grumpy and larger than life barrister whose personality and foibles prevail throughout?
RUMPOLE AT CHRISTMAS by JOHN MORTIMER.
BACK COVER BLURB ... Please clink on book title above. (Please note: A collection of short Stories thus I won't be sharing a First Sentence or Memorable Moment. TT)
SOURCE ... A charity shop buy.
READ FOR A CHALENGE? Yes.
- Book 6 read for the 2018 Christmas Spirit Challenge; Christmas Tree level achieved.
MY THOUGHTS ... Though I haven't previously read any of the Rumpole stories and have only the vaguest recollection of the TV series, Rumpole of The Bailey, Rumpole is one of those quintessential English characters that most people of my age (and older) would be hard-pressed to not know about.
A series of seven yuletide short stories previously published in various newspapers and/or magazines.
Alas slight (even for short stories), formulaic and, well, repetitive; something that was probably made all the more noticeable by the fact that here they were presented all in one publication rather than as a series as was originally intended. But then again it could be argued how many of us read the book not so much for the stories but rather the grumpy and larger than life barrister whose personality and foibles prevail throughout?
PADDINGTON AND THE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE by MICHAEL BOND.
When the Browns take Paddington to the Christmas Grotto at the local department store, their journey through the Winter Wonderland is full of unexpected surprises. But the nicest and biggest surprise of all is Paddington's present from Santa. After all, who else would find the perfect present for a bear like Paddington?
- Back Cover Blurb
One Christmas Padington announced he was taking the Brown family to Barkridge store to see Santa Claus.
- First Sentence; Page unnumbered
"How about this one, then?" continued Mr Brown, as they turned corner. "It's the stable where Santa keeps his reindeer."
Paddington didn't say anything. From where he was sitting it looked more like a dog kennel and the only reindeer he could see was a plastic one that had fallen over in the snow.
- Memorable Moment; Page unnumbered
SOURCE ... Given to me by a friend.
READ FOR A CHALLENGE? ... Yes.
- Visions of Sugar Plums level achieved in the Christmas Spirit Challenge.
MY THOUGHTS ... A bear even more loved by me than Winnie The Pooh. Whilst I was already aware of this story having read it in an omnibus edition of Paddington stories how could I resist this special 50th year edition produced for retailers Marks & Spencer?
Beautifully illustrated certainly BUT to my mind, lacking a certain charm, not one of the better stories.
Putting on my Teaching Assistant head; I think I might have had a lot of confused (and possibly upset) children on my hands as Paddington and the Brown's visit a Winter Wonderland in which, hardly magical and full of broken props and toys, the family at first fail to meet Santa.
Still, as always the bear in the duffle-coat is on hand to save the day and, well, lets just say that all's well that ends well.
Beautifully illustrated certainly BUT to my mind, lacking a certain charm, not one of the better stories.
Putting on my Teaching Assistant head; I think I might have had a lot of confused (and possibly upset) children on my hands as Paddington and the Brown's visit a Winter Wonderland in which, hardly magical and full of broken props and toys, the family at first fail to meet Santa.
Still, as always the bear in the duffle-coat is on hand to save the day and, well, lets just say that all's well that ends well.
Other books read for the challenge ...
Candy Cane Level (1 book read)
1. Saviours Day
Mistletoe Level (2 to 4 books read)
2. Murder on Christmas Eve
3. Angels At Christmas
4. On Strike For Christmas
Christmas Tree Level (5 to 6 or more books read)
5. It Must have Been The Mistletoe
Candy Cane Level (1 book read)
1. Saviours Day
Mistletoe Level (2 to 4 books read)
2. Murder on Christmas Eve
3. Angels At Christmas
4. On Strike For Christmas
Christmas Tree Level (5 to 6 or more books read)
5. It Must have Been The Mistletoe
