Tag Archive | Gervase Phinn

A Wayne In A Manger by Gervase Phinn

Jan2

Very Charming & Very Funny

A Wayne In A Manger by Gervase Phinn is a very charming and amusing account of school nativities as seen through the eyes of small children when Gervase Phinn was school’s inspector for Yorkshire.

Nativities are always a very charming part of school life. Much hilarity is found when small children improvise. “Mary sighed and thrust the large doll representing the Baby Jesus, with a fair bit of force, on to the lap of Joseph with the words, ‘You ‘old Him a bit. ‘E’s gerrin dead ‘eavy.’”

There are wise words coming from young mouths. “Allus speak tha mind. Say what tha’s got to say an’ then shurrup.”

And we hear of the Good News of Christmas. “There’s summat special abaat it [Christmas], isn’t there?… People smile more, they look ‘appier.”

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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stars by Gervase Phinn

Jan2

Hilarious

Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars by Gervase Phinn is the most enchanting little book about the hilarious tales the author has come across in his years as school inspector for Yorkshire.

Told in a very down to earth, personable style, the reader sniggers and titters throughout. The children are straight faced as they inject humour into what they say. “Can you tell me how many sheep you can see in that field?” “Aye, I can… I can see all on ‘em.”

As well as being literal, the children sometimes mispronounce words. One young one refers to ‘Old Timers Disease’ instead of Alzheimer’s’. It certainly has a friendlier tone to that.

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At The Captain’s Table by Gervase Phinn

Jun14

Witty, Engaging, Delightful

At The Captain’s Table by Gervase Phinn is the most delightful contemporary novel giving the reader the taste of life on a Mediterranean cruise ship.

This is the latest offering from Gervase Phinn and I enjoyed every minute of it. I found myself torn – wanting to read on, but not wanting to finish the book!

Once more we are treated to an eclectic mix of characters sailing on the high seas. The setting is a departure from the Dales but equally entertaining and captivating.

I loved the interaction between the characters. I spent the novel either sniggering or laughing out loud – especially at some of the malapropisms! Young Oliver at twelve years old warmed my heart. He had a very old head on young shoulders. He looked seriously at the world and was wise and kind. He saw the invisible and he reached out with kindness.

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A Class Act by Gervase Phinn

Nov21

Absolutely Charming And Highly Amusing

A Class Act by Gervase Phinn is another wonderful novel and the third book in the Top Of The Dale series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous books first to meet the characters and to witness their development.

A return visit to Risingdale is just the ticket to brighten a gloomy autumnal day. The reader is once more delighted to meet up with the teachers, pupils and local residents.

Gervase Phinn writes with insight and humor. His books always have me laughing out loud. Many years working in education have enabled Gervase Phinn to perfectly capture the nature of children. Their honesty is refreshing, and living in a farming community, their knowledge of sheep and other livestock is impressive.

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