The Comfort Book Club / 'The Lark' by E. Nesbit

Welcome to this month's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about September's book club choice, 'The Lark' by E. Nesbit, a witty, optimistic book about two young women fresh out of school, who are forced to earn their own livings when their guardian absconds with their inheritance. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. And at the end of the video, I'm revealing the next CBC reads through to January! Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion:
Penny in the USA
Jason in New Zealand
Gina in the USA
Celeste in the USA
Victoria in the USA
Madeleine in France
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LINKS:
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[bookprincess]

The CBC is like a crumble: it doesn't matter which "fruit" is under the crumbles.... it is lovely and crisp and sweet and always a real treat 📚❣️📚

[catholicpeaces]

You make me want to quit my teaching job and follow in your footsteps! I need a much more creative outlet to feel the joys of life like you and your mom🇨🇦

[Bonnie-gczu]

I've so enjoyed the books chosen for the CBC, and I always learn so much from the discussions! Thank you, Miranda and Donna, and all the fellow CBC readers!

[giuliofish]

I don't need to read the books, I get all the comfort I need listening to you and your lovely mum.

[jasonlow]

Hello Miranda, I do so look forward to the last Saturday of the month as it often means breakfast whilst watching the CBC discussion, and it is always so charming and wonderful. Thank you for all the work you and Donna put into the CBC. The discussions are always informative and you and Donna make it fun too (I chuckled so much about bacon for brain power; will a vegetarian version work too, I wonder). And this episode was especially exciting because the next reads to January were fabulously revealed👌 (what a lark, what an adventure, they will all be). Have a relaxing weekend. Best wishes, Jason

[susanzumback]

You two really make my day, I’m so excited as I’ve joined the book club !imagine my delight after just having purchased a beautiful used boxed set of Jane Austen’s books, to learn that Octobers pick is persuasion!!🙌🏻💜🍂I worked my way through northanger abbey and am almost done with sense and sensibility.Such dry and witty humor, I’m looking forward to viewing the movie afterwards.Miranda your stunning in purple 🌸

[rhondadownes]

I found The Lark such an inspirational and charming read, as well! I loved that Jane, and sometimes Lucilla, looked at life as a challenge and an adventure and was sure that their problems would all work out. How much less stress would we all have if we only looked at everything that way! As a sewist, I was horrified when the girls were cutting up the very lovely fabric and also using the linen as lining for a dress!!😂 I think the ending was perfect, kind of full circle, with the girls going back to Hope Cottage and a simpler life, especially after not having very good luck with PGs being NPGs (non-paying guests)! What a bit of fun when Mr. Tombs turned out to be their guardian and was, conscientiously, returning to South Africa to try to make enough money to pay back everyone he owed, which, how often does that happen?! Such a witty and delightful story to be read again when I need reminding that life can be a lark. I love all your book choices coming up for the next few months, especially Wintering. I’m looking forward to finding “joy in the hushed beauty of winter, ” which, can be a bit hard for me, like so many others. I can’t wait to re-read a couple of favorites and a children’s story!!! Thank you both and I hope you have a lovely and cozy weekend! 🥰

[karenwhite]

I listened to this while away in Dorset but couldn't comment at the time. I very much enjoyed you and Donna chatting about The Lark and listening to the contributions from other readers. I did enjoy reading it too, definitely a good choice for the CBC. I must now get a copy of Persuasion before October gets away from me!

[juliethomson]

Hi Miranda and Donna!Started to read 'Persuasion!'😊Whilst doing so, been listening to Music inspired by 'Persuasion'(Classical piano music) on You tube.Such a cosy autumn read!Thank you both for encouraging all of us! Hope you are both keeping well and enjoying all things Autumn!🌻🍏☕🍃🍂xx

[sally-ts]

It was an absolute tonic to pick up this book each evening and spend some time in the world of The Lark. I found myself going to bed earlier and earlier just so I could hunker down with a bit of it's unadulterated optimism. As has been said by other members of the Comfort Book Club, a true guide to life. I loved it. Great choice. I am over the moon with your winter book choices. I can't wait to begin them. But first to finish the work of the fabulous Miss Austen. I re-read which never, ever disappoints. Thanks so much Miranda and Donna for a really engaging book discussion 🥂 xx

[angelajones]

I very much enjoyed reading The Lark this month. It should be required reading for all pessimists. Ha! Thank you for the wonderful discussion, everyone. I'm looking forward to the upcoming book club picks as well.

[Barn]

Thank you, Miranda, and Donna, for encouraging me to read, more often and widely. Reading provided such wonderful escape growing up. As an adult, I read much less, although I often want to; I have lost the habit and struggle to complete anything. Your CBC discussions are so thoughtful, enjoyable and comforting to listen to. It's really helped me reconnect with reading. I so look forward to joining in with the December and January picks, which I've just ordered as a treat. I have also chosen to listen along to Wintering. 😊

[rae_of_sunlight]

I read this book a few months ago at a very happy time in my life when everything felt like a fairy tale. Adored the "everyday magic" of it, and loved listening to this wonderful discussion. Thank you as always, Miranda and Donna 💛

[suenicholls]

😀💕xx thanks so much Miranda and Donna for this episode. I absolutely loved ‘The Lark’. Great suggestion.

[teresaparkins]

Hello Donna and Miranda, this Comfort Book Club has been a very special re-read for me as my dear Father, who was born in September 1922, would have been 100 this month and so shares this centenary. I grew up not far from where Well Hall was situated. My Grandparents lived in their retirement in a cottage, also in that area, and it always reminded me of The Lark as there was a 'secret garden' through a gate where flowers and vegetables were grown. There were similarities, too, with their personal lives and E Nesbitt's which makes the bond with this book even deeper. I was so thrilled when you announced this was to be the read for September and thank you both so much for what has been the most special Comfort Book Club, for me personally, yet. Happy reading, Teresa 🌼📚💛

[emily_robinson]

I so enjoyed this book. It was very enchanting as you say, and humorous. I loved the line near the beginning about John Rochester when he first sees Jane, "He had meant to disclose himself.... What man could walk out...to a group of schoolgirls: 'I am the Greek god to whom this lady has referred?' It was impossible". I really looked forward to the discussion and enjoyed it too. And what exciting books coming up! Thank you!

[nancyfritz]

I adored this book - the optimism, the wit, the beautiful descriptions and all of the characters (well maybe not some of the PIGS) in addition to the lovely cover on my Dean Street Press edition which has become one of my favorite book covers. I sank into this novel as one would sink into a warm, fragrant bath after a tough day. The introduction in my book states it is "a novel for grown-up children" which to me is a perfect description. "The Lark" also has much to teach us about living the good life - friendship, generosity, love and respect for the natural world and the beautiful things created by man (handcrafted well made furniture, fabrics and older homes) and to always maintain a sense of humor and love of adventure. My favorite passage is when Lucy gives Miss Antrobus her aunt's address and thinks to herself, "she felt quite safe because she had taken the precaution to consult Miss Austin's "Persuasion" before deciding on an address for her aunt at Bath." Made me laugh out loud.
The Comfort Book Club is a treasure! Thank you Miranda, Donna and all of the other members for enriching my enjoyment of the books. I'm excited about the future choices and have been in heaven listening to "Persuasion" on audiobook with a cup of hot tea in hand.

[emmavd]

Thank you so much, Miranda and Donna!🌷I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lark and found myself nodding and smiling many times while listening to you and the CBC members. Persuasion is also my favourite Jane Austen and I’m already looking forward to your October video. I find the picks for the coming months irresistible and I’ll be happily reading along. Thanks again for creating such a lovely book-loving community.❤️📚

[sandyokey]

I have found so many new authors thanks to you both and the CBC. I will definitely be looking out for the biography Donna shared with us. I loved The Lark very much. Thank you💕

[faithwentworth]

What a wonderful book discussion, Miranda, Donna and the CBC reader contributors! Like others, I found "The Lark" to be a delightful meringue of a read though not without some real life truths and poignant historical touch points thrown in as well. Although treated in a light hearted manner, the grim reality of the post war years for some ( Mr. Dix, the sisters and the Thornton's) was not left out and gave this novel a tiny sprinkling of realism that saved it from being overly saccharine. Also, from someone who takes life waaaay to seriously at times, I appreciate the reminder that life can be a lark and we are supposed to be enjoying ourselves whenever possible.

Finally, I have to admit I became giddy upon hearing the January selection 😍 It will be a treat to read Agatha Christie as a group.