Elfrida Phillips loves her life in the pretty Hampshire village of Dibton. She has a tiny cottage, her faithful dog Horace and the friendship of the neighbouring Blundells, particularly Oscar a very talented musician – to ensure that her days include companionship as well as independence . She goes away for a few weeks to spend time with friends but on her return an unforeseen tragedy upsets Elfrida’s tranquility: Oscar’s wife and beloved daughter Francesca are killed in a terrible car accident. Oscar finds himself homeless when his stepchildren claim their dead mother’s inheritance and puts his home up for sale.
Oscar and Elfrida take refuge in a rambling house in Scotland – half owned by Oscar and his cousin. The house becomes a magnet for various waifs and strays who converge upon it. Carrie, Elfrida’s niece has returned from Austria at the end of an ill-fated affair with a married man only to find her mother and sister sharing a home and squabbling endlessly. With Christmas approaching, Carrie agrees to look after her sister’s awkward and quiet daughter Lucy so that her mother might enjoy a romantic fling in America. Lucy’s grandmother has her own plans for Christmas and these do not include Lucy. Carrie approaches her Aunt and is invited to spend Christmas in Scotland.
Sam Howard is also trying to pull back his life after his wife has left him for another. He has returned from America without a home or job, but he has been offered the opportunity of a job in Scotland. He makes his way to Scotland and on his way to his new work area, takes the opportunity to look at a house which Oscar’s cousin (whom he had recently met socially) says he is going to sell. The house in which Oscar and Elfrida have taken up residence. The snow fall has been particularly heavy whilst he is at the house and no transport is able move because of the blocked roads – hence he is offered a bed which leads on to him becoming part of the Christmas party.
The outcome is predictable – somehow Christmas weaves its magical spell and for Elfrida and Oscar, in the evening of their lives, the wintering solstice brings love and solace.”
The members scored the book an 8 – although very predictable, a jolly cosy read.
If you would like to join our Book Club Meetings please see Pat G. The books for the following months are listed below:
March Frankie by Graham Norton
April Persuasion by Jane Austen
May All the colours of the dark by Chris Whittaker
June Orbital by Samantha Harvey
July The other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Crowlas & Ludgvan WI 