The Four Graces by D.E. Stevenson – A possible sequel to a series or an excellent standalone war time novel

The Four Graces by D. E. Stevenson

Some people have seen this 1946 novel as a sequel to the three “Miss Buncle Books” and it is often listed as the same online. It is available from Sourcebooks, whereas the previous three have been republished by Persephone Books. As I am a completest where possible, I managed to get a copy of this book and read it eagerly. It is not a sequel in some respects; it does not mention Miss Buncle, or the other Mrs Abbott who was in some ways the main character in the third novel, and while it does mention and to a point continue the stories of a few characters, that is not the main thrust of the narrative. It is set in a village which is mentioned in the earlier books, and Miss Marks, for example, does make a brief appearance. It is also written and set after the third novel; indeed at least one wedding overlaps slightly, and it is another wartime novel of people being displaced and different expectations.

This novel is really about four young women, the “Graces” of the title, Liz, Sal, Tilly and Addie, who are the daughters of the Reverend Grace, vicar of the village parish of Chevis Green. It is a successful gentle comedy with aspects of a wartime novel written at the time – in some ways it is constructed when no one knows the outcome of the Second World War. As such it has much to say on the upheaval of people, men who are serving in the armed forces, at least one character struggling with wartime social displacement, and the various ways women are questioning expectations while struggling with hard work on the land, the shortages of food and the expectations of others. It is also a funny book of family relationships where a much loved widowed father reflects on the mysteries of his daughters, and each one has moments of puzzlement. There are houseguests, some of whom are more welcome than others, some moments of comedy and many points are simply enjoyable. Whether you read this book as part of a series of just as a one off, it is highly recommended.

The book opens with an Author’s Preface which tackles the question of whether this is a funny book. She points out that it is a book of a rural summer and the events that take place during it. Alongside that, it is also set in wartime, and there are life changing events described to a certain extent, but Stevenson wants to show real women in all their complexity and challenges, as real people who are funny and serious, dramatic and underwhelming, contradictory and confusing. The novel begins with Tilly playing the organ at a wedding, when she can look at the congregation without being seen, and when she can consider some weighty matters. As usual the four sisters are being gazed at, by certain gentlemen who appreciate their attractiveness, by those who have their own views. Over the next weeks the women will have to cope with their sometimes overly generous and somewhat naive father, a visiting scholar, a surprising question or several, and perhaps most significantly, a sort of relative who has designs of her own. Each woman must work out something of what, or who, she really wants, which can lead to many misunderstandings, as well as cope with those around them.

This is a book that I found really enjoyable for its lightness of touch, but with its underlying acceptance that people may not be what they seem. There are misunderstandings which echo the inimitable Miss Buncle, and timely help offered. It is not a book of great drama but offers a keen insight into people at a difficult time. This is a book to read for distraction, entertainment and much more, and I thoroughly recommend tracking down a copy.