Madam, want to talk about author Mary Stewart? discussion

We could get up a petition!

Question for the UK ladies: What kind of store is Marks & Spencer? Low-end, middle-grade? I assume from the context that it's not a really high-grade department store.

Tadiana wrote: "Question for the UK ladies: What kind of store is Marks & Spencer? Low-end, middle-grade? I assume from the context that it's not a really high-grade department store."

Actually, it was always the best of the high street chain-stores, known for very good quality and slightly higher prices. I say "was", because I think they lost their way a bit. But they are highly regarded still, I think.

Marks and Spencer is a middle grade store now, but up until the mid '80s it had a reputation for quality, as 99% of the clothes were produced in the UK. It was never particularly trendy, and when it tried to be more up to date it did lose its way. Incidentally the brand name is St Michael, and people used to say St Michael was the patron saint of knickers!

Thanks! So it sounds like at the time TRM was written, Marks & Spencer was probably one of the nicer places to get ready-to-wear clothing, so fine for Lucy or, say, someone like me, but still a definite cut (or two or three) below where Phyllida would be shopping.

Tadiana wrote: "Thanks! So it sounds like at the time TRM was written, Marks & Spencer was probably one of the nicer places to get ready-to-wear clothing, so fine for Lucy or, say, someone like me, but still a def..."

At the time RM was written, M&S was the place you went to for good quality, reliable clothes. It was definitely the place to get your underwear -- they had ladies who were expert at measuring you to fit your bras, and their knickers (panties) were good cotton which washed well! They also did excellent knitwear. Their swimming costumes were very good, too.

So, yes, M&S was where the middle-class (including Lucy) shopped. Phyl was buying designer clothes, virtually unknown for the majority of British people.

I remember M&S for their tinned biscuits and various English goodies. We had them here in Canada here but I haven't seen a store in ages.

When I asked my question the other day, I also found M&S online. Their website immediately informed me that they would be happy to ship products from Britain to the U.S. Their prices looked quite reasonable, even after adjusting for the different currency.

There used to be M&S stores in Canada. I had a housecoat from there when I was about 12--red plaid with a corded sash. I liked it because it felt very chronicles of narnia to me!

And I can just see Phyll's pity, that her sister has to buy things off the rack!

I was so glad to remember that today is Feb. 1st, because I just finished my current book yesterday. I mean, the timing! Hooray!

This is a great winter read; I can smell those warm pine trees on the way to the bay!

This Rough Magic, Chapter 1: I sure hope I am posting this comment in the right place. Actually, it is more of a question: (view spoiler)[I am wondering if the "koum koyat" plantation "for which the Forli estate later became famous" was in any way connected to the kumquat liqueor which I now associate with Corfu after watching the Durrells in Corfu on PBS. Of course, the answer may lie in the pages ahead, but I was just curious. In case it doesn't come up again in this story, I thought I'd go ahead and ask. (hide spoiler)]

Lori wrote: "This Rough Magic, Chapter 1: I sure hope I am posting this comment in the right place. Actually, it is more of a question: [spoilers removed]"

Yes it is - long tradition of the fruit being grown and the liqueur produced from it in Corfu.I don't think this is a spoiler!! really looking forward to the re-read - even though I just read it last summer again!

I didn't connect the two, even though I watched that episode on the Durell's! I still have a couple of episodes to watch; they are so funny and weird that I'm really enjoying them.

Not a spoiler, Lori - it's just one of those interesting facts that MS puts in a book to add background and color to the setting.

Can't wait to join you on this discussion! I read the book last year and it still pretty fresh… But who cares… What a great excuse to read it again!

I’m here! Red reading with y’all. This is one of my favorites!

I have not watched the Durrell’s yet. I have recorded even. Now I think I must. ;)

Wow, look how long this thread is. I recall posting some Corfu pictures last time we read it (they're on p. 2 of the thread), as well as a picture of the actual mummified St. Spiridon! And I'm pretty sure there are some nylon babydoll nightie pics in the next thread. :)

Yes, I found them! Gorgeous pics of Corfu on Message 82. Thanks, Tadiana. :D

St. Spiridon's picture is on Message 107, if that helps anyone.

I just ran through all of the previous comments; it was interesting that several people weren't all that crazy about Lucy. I'm quite fond of her.

I've always liked Lucy too. She's up there with my favorite MS heroines.

I'm reading a Fawcett Crest edition paperback acquired at a second hand book store with the cover showing Lucy running barefoot along a sandy path. First published in July '64, fifth printing by March '65. Wow!

I've always been fascinated with Corfu because of Gerald Durrell. I recently acquired a Lawrence Durrell book called Islands which has the most amazing pictures of Corfu and other Greek islands

Enchantress debbicat ☮ wrote: "I have not watched the Durrell’s yet. I have recorded even. Now I think I must. ;)"

I think you would really enjoy the Durrells, Debbicat!

I've read through Chapter 2. It took reading this chapter to jolt my memory. I think Lucy is wonderful and now I remember why I liked her so much the first time I read this! Gosh, it's terrible to have to face up to memory issues! Lol!

I need to see what I can find in the way of actual Durrell books!

just finished the first chapter. I always love how Mary Stewart sets up her stories. Always a detailed description of 'place' plus an intro of our heroine. I Love Lucy (yes, pun intended) right off the bat because she is a thespian. Also the way Mary Stewart adds the characters… First the twins then the sister and then the offscreen for the moment characters, the exits, the entrances, the asides … Hey, it's sounds like Shakespearean play in the making!

Just starting chapter three. Now here is the special gift I have every time I re-read a Mary Stewart novel. (view spoiler)[ I can never remember who is the bad guy and who is the good guy! Lucy accuses Mr. Gale of shooting at the dolphin. Is he the good guy or the bad guy? Then Lucy pops up to the house and finds out that Spiro has been killed and Mr. Manning is at the house, distraught. Well, is he the good guy or is he's a bad guy? LOL! So it's almost like reading the novel for the first time! (hide spoiler)]

The scene between Lucy and the dolphin is so much like Vicky in L'engles A Ring of Endless Light. Just takes my breath away,

Love how this chapter 2 goes from beauty, bullets, fear, anger and lastly humor.

This is one of my favourites too. I associate it with Moonspinners, partly because of the Greek settings, obviously, but also because both are upbeat stories with uncomplicated, happy heroines, in contrast to the hint of darkness in some of the others.

The first time I read this as a teenager, I wanted the love story to go a different way. (view spoiler)[I disliked Max because of his rudeness and didn't warm to Godfrey either. I had a bit of a crush on Adonis and wanted him and Lucy to get together, which was obviously never going to happen. (hide spoiler)]

I also think this one has some of the best supporting characters, particularly Sir Julian Gale.

I love the exotic setting and the friendly dolphin. All the more because it's a brisk 11 degrees at my house this morning. I also love the quotes from The Tempest and I think they add a nice bit of atmosphere.

Teaqueen, re your spoiler of Chapter 3: I am glad I'm not the only one who can't quite remember (view spoiler)[which is the bad guy. Is it Godfrey, Max, or someone else? At this point, I'm still not sure. Lucy's first impression of Mr. Manning caught my attention, the "mask of rather chilly control" could be accurate. (hide spoiler)]

I really love Lucy too. I think we would be very good friends in real life. I’ve known a lot of thespians. I’m typically drawn to them. This is a great escape. :)

Haven’t commented here in ages, but had to stop by to say this is my favorite of Lady Mary’s books. I re read it often, sheer comfort reading. Enjoy!

Judith wrote: "Haven’t commented here in ages, but had to stop by to say this is my favorite of Lady Mary’s books. I re read it often, sheer comfort reading. Enjoy!"

I can see why this would be a favorite, Judith! :D

The first time I read it I was 17 or so. I fell in love with Max, the rose garden, and Corfu! After I read The Tempest in college, I wholeheartedly admired MS’s skill in incorporating its background into the story. It’s one of her novels that holds up beautifully even today, and I think MS was at her writing peak in this one.

I first read this when I was about 15 and have read it many times since. I love Corfu - it was this book which ensured that it was the first Greek Island I ever visited. We had studied The Tempest the year before, so I was still familiar with all the familiar quotations and inferences. I love the fact the Mary never underestimates her readers.
I have read it so many times that I know exactly who is a hero and who is a villain- but it does not spoil it for me; it just makes me admire Mary Stewart's writing skills all the more as I discover another little hint to point me in one direction or another. Reading the first chapter is like being introduce d to Greece for the very first time. I am just in awe at her ability to combine description of place, Shakespearean quotations and beautifully drawn characters with such apparent ease.

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "I first read this when I was about 15 and have read it many times since. I love Corfu - it was this book which ensured that it was the first Greek Island I ever visited. We had studied The Tempest ..."

I also love that there is no dumbing down in any of Stewart's books, because not only does that means you can trust her with the truth, but it gives us the chance to discover things on our own, whether it's Shakespearean references or geography or even politics (the Cold War, in this case).

I was reminded this morning that my mother always chose her books from the library by the amount of dialogue in them. She hated description and just wanted the plot moved forward without any extraneous stuff!

Well, just finished chapter 5 and also did myself a favor of reading a synopsis of The Tempest. Absolutely loving the ebb and flow of this novel. Lovely rose gardens, mystery, legends, all intertwining for a lovely story.

Sir Julian and Max in chapter 5 most interesting. Lucy's sudden appearance and Sir Julian's eagerness in having her stay contradicting his reputation as reclusive. Unsure what to make of Max. (view spoiler)[ I am now remembering he is the good guy and Godfrey the baddie so will be fun to observe how Mary Stewart sets the stage fior the two of them. (hide spoiler)] Is he being protective of Dad, or just trying to avoid Lucy?

The plot thickens.....

I read through Chapter 5 tonight. Sir Julian's and Lucy's meet-cute is one of my favorite scenes in all of Stewart's books, between the Shakespeare quotes and the stolen roses and Nitwit the cat.

Tadiana: I couldn't agree more! I love the rose garden and Nitwit! Thanks for the picture, BTW. The meet-cute is thoroughly charming!

I read a little further last night, up through Chapter 9 where there's all that excitement in the bay. My other favorite scene in this book. :)

Annabel...love your teenage version of the story! As I'm reading it through this time, I smile every time (view spoiler)[ Adonis appears on the scene and what could have been! You are right that Max and Godfrey are initially way too gruff and stern. If A had been a tad older or Lucy a bit younger....❤️ (hide spoiler)]

Annabel wrote: "This is one of my favourites too. I associate it with Moonspinners, partly because of the Greek settings, obviously, but also because both are upbeat stories with uncomplicated, happy heroines, in ..."

Agree that Lucy and Sir Julian's meet up is exquisite!! When I read Julian I am imagining him as Sir Laurence Olivier or sir Alec Guinness. If the story was contemporary it would be Patrick Stewart!

I was a young teenager when I first read this, too, too, but I never thought of that spoiler!

Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ wrote: "I read a little further last night, up through Chapter 9 where there's all that excitement in the bay. My other favorite scene in this book. :)"

I am ready to start Chapter 6, so now I know how long I have to wait for that beach scene, also one of my favorites. This is one of my favorite MS books so am enjoying the reread. I enjoyed reading through the previous buddy read notes.

I like Patrick Stewart for it. I can picture him in this role.

Who would be contemporary for the Lucy? Thoughts?

I like Jessica Brown Findlay, Debbicat. ( She was Lady Sybil on Downton Abbey.)

Patrick Stewart did play Prospero, so there's that!

For vintage, I'd go with Sir Alec. For vintage Lucy, Audrey Hepburn.

Oh yes Lori!!! I agree. She’s perfect! I love her for it.