Following on from "The New Rector", "Talk of the Village" continues describing the dramas as well as the highs and lows in the lives of the residents in the village of Turnham Malpas.In this little "soap opera in novel form" there are new arrivals (Venetia and Jeremy Mayer - who are not who they seem); the opening of a Health Club; some grotty goings on with Gwen and Beryl Baxter - the antisocial, hermit-like elderly sisters; a child abduction; some scandal about some rabbits; arson; the opening of a Pandora's Box and some prospective hatches and matches. Who says life in an English country village is quiet? I have given this book five stars purely for its escapist qualities and in the main, the storyline is good - maybe a little poor towards the end - but the characters are easy to engage with. I always like Rebecca Shaw-type stories when I've read a few heavier books - they really are a breath of fresh air.If you like these type of stories - country community life - then you may like to also check out the books by Eve Houston.
