I was thrilled when I spotted a new Lissa Evans on social media, knowing that not only would I be in for a treat but that it would be a cheery one. I wondered if Small Bomb at Dimperley might follow the characters I’d become so fond of in V for Victory and Old Baggage but Evans presents us with a completely new cast, equally endearing and amusing. Set in 1945, her new novel’s backdrop is Dimperley Manor, an eclectic mishmash of a house, home to the Vere-Thissett family, ennobled in the fifteenth century after one of them shifted a fallen tree out of the monarch’s way.
‘Atlee and his cohort will squeeze people like us as if we’re oranges,’ he’d said, ‘and then hand round the juice to anyone who pays their union dues’.
Valentine returns to the family’s Buckinghamshire seat after he’s demobbed but not before losing the tips of his fingers in an unfortunate accident. The third son, he’s not sure what to expect but finds himself swiftly elevated to the baronetcy when his eldest brother is declared dead. Dimperley is in a sad state after its requisition as a maternity home during the war. Zena Baxter is still in residence with her three-year-old, typing up the seemingly never-ending, soporific history of Dimperley which is Valentine’s uncle’s life’s work. There’s no money for the patching-up the house desperately needs. Dowager Lady Iris, still not reconciled to losing her title to her daughter-in-law, has set her sights on a wealthy match for Valentine but Zena hits on another plan. Over the course of this wonderfully entertaining novel, revelations are made, friendships renewed, a thriving business is established, and Lady Iris learns to look the other way.
There was a familiar pause. His mother never argued; more opined and then let the subsequent silence batter away at the same theme.
Evans’ novel is an absolute delight which had me chortling out loud. She takes some entertaining swipes at the aristocracy, struggling with the ‘servant problem’ and unable to do things for themselves. The rest of the country happily throws deference to the winds, voting in a Labour government, much to Lady Iris’s horror. She’s convinced the National Trust is a hotbed of Bolsheviks in league with the trade unions. Evans niftily subverts aristocratic assumptions of superiority with enjoyable plot developments and characterisation leading us to a particularly pleasing ending. I loved this one: an uncomplicated, very British delight, ripe for a Christmas TV special in the right hands.
Doubleday London 9780857528292 320 pages Hardback (read via NetGalley)
Lissa Evans indeed writes a very good yarn. I look forward to reading this one.
Loved it as I’m sure you can tell. I hope you will, too.
It looks a racing certainty that I will.
Sounds fun.
I love her books. She writes with such humour.
This sounds irresistible! Everything about it is so appealing. From your description I’m sure you’re right and the TV rights will be snapped up.
As long as it’s by the right people – I think the BBC would probably do a good job!
I was just thinking ‘anyone BUT the BBC!
Ha! I’d thought definitely not Netflix!
I really enjoyed this one, too, although I’d also thought it was going to continue the story of the characters in the other novels. I thought it captured that post-war time well, from my reading of contemporary novels and studies.
Wasn’t it great? I’m still hoping she’ll pick up where she left off with V for Victory in the next one.
Oh but this does sound like a lot of fun and I really will have to get it!
I enjoyed two of hers, although I liked Old Baggage best.
It’s glorious, Jennifer! I love the way she skewers the aristocracy. Such fun but with things to say, too.
This sounds like a delight! Though Lady Iris might have a point about the National Trust… 😉
It is! I’ve always had my suspicions…
This sounds good. Too bad there is no USA release date (she confirmed that). I loved Old Baggage
Ah, that’s a shame. Fingers crossed the publishers might think again.
I’ve never read her work but kept hearing great things about Old Baggage. This sounds excellent!
It’s a delight, Cathy. Lots of satisfying fun poked at the aristocracy within a brilliant piece of storytelling.
I adore Lissa Evans and have just bought this book with my latest Audible credit. Looking forward to it even more now, after reading your review! She is so funny and compassionate and kind as a writer.
She absolutely is, and from what I see of her social media posts that reflects her personality. I must check out who the audio reader is.
Lovely review – am hoping to get a copy of this
Thank you. I hope you do. It’s such a treat!
I was interested in her books, but when I looked at her twitter I was disheartened to see that she posts transphobic content. Everyone has to make their own decision on the separation between the art and the artist, but as someone with a trans spouse I’m definitely not supporting the work of someone participating in this hate movement. I thought I’d comment in case that was something you might want to know. I enjoy your blog!