I had begun reading
before going into hospital on 21st, and needed a little revision before continuing with it today. The frontispiece is by Robert Gibbings.
Here are the boards and spine; and the jacket which has protected them from two years short of a century. Perhaps the fact that four of the last few pages were partially uncut suggests the book has not been opened very often.
This tale, set in an Austrian guest house, during which one of the guests is writing a novel “all about an adventuress whom Miss James had invented, but whom she disliked with a fierce unpleasantness” and for whom she found a perfect model in one of the other residents. Coppard traces the interrelationships of the group brought together in this establishment as they jostle for position in the house; especially as they await the arrival of the constantly delayed eponymous Count. His absence fosters speculation, and consequent rivalry over his anticipated attractions, which, in the event, bear no relation to reality.
He is man with a problem at last arriving into the house with a doctor charged with curing him. Carinthia James, despite her better judgement, finds herself persuaded into becoming a key supporter and part of a similar group of recruits. There is a question of madness, eventually settling on one of the original residents. Couples pair off into their own exclusive relationships.
I have chosen to scan one particular page of Coppard’s descriptive scene-setting prose with clever little details.
Others are attached to illustrations by Robert Gibbings.
This evening we dined on small portions of chop suey and chow mein from Hordle Chinese Take Away.
Sounds like an intriguing book, Derrick and reading your scanned page, Coppard’s scenario descriptions are superb
Thank you very much, Ivor
Certainly no spoilers in this review, Derrick. Nice job.
Thanks very much for that, Pat. I had to work at giving the gist without any.
Sounds intriguing, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Merril
Yes, very descriptive and detailed writing! Enjoyable!
I love the little frog illustration and the sentence “…you could hear frogs in the marsh below croaking like ducks.” 🙂
Yay for Take Away Meals! That gives The Chef a pleasant break from prep-ing, chef-fing, and cleaning. 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
The blue jacquet is outstanding.
It is. Thank you very much, Sylvie
A new tale for me 🙂
Thanks very much, Anne
I have to admit, I never heard of this one before, but it does sound interesting!
Take care, Derrick.
Thank you so much, GP
I’ve looked into this author and just might acquire one. Thanks again.
The book sounds intriguing, Derrick, and the blue jacket is lovely. I’m glad the culinary Queen got a break from preparing a meal.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
New to me as well. The charged plot sounds compelling.
This sounds very interesting Derrick. I found it interesting that there were only 600 numbered copies printed and that 250 were for the United States.
So did I. Thanks very much, Diane
I’m jealous!! I wish we had such a lovely Chinese takeaway here!! I enjoyed your capture of the story line and your use of engaging vocabulary. “Eponymous” – great word! I had to look it up!
Thank you very much, Jan
Sounds like an interesting book!
Thank you very much, Riba
I think ivor20’s correct and it’s an intriguing book
Thank you very much, Sheree
I enjoy your book reviews, Derrick. When winter comes, I will have time to do more actual reading myself. You have given me many good leads for reading material here.
Thank you very much, Lavinia