MR Golightly's Holiday

I love this author. I have read all three of her novels now. I wish she were more popular in the US.

This is one of those books when you just wish it didn't have to end. Though it is not a book of action, excitement and cliffhangers, the simple lives of English villagers and that of the mystery guest to their town, manages to be a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters are written well and you can't help but warm to them as you find yourself absorbed in their lives. The story moves towards a twist at the end which, if you didn't pick up on it, makes you review the book in a different light as it provokes an interesting way of thinking. A cleverly written book which you will have you savouring every word as you find yourself engrossed in story, though you may regret having to finish it.

I agree with the reviewer who has been recommending this to everyone. It's brilliant. Clever, funny, wise, deeply profound and highly original. Ms Vickers writes in a quiet, understated Brit way. Don't be fooled. There's a savage understanding beneath that decorous facade. And the ending is a tour de force. Bravo, Ms Vickers and may you continue to 'go lightly'!

Sally Vickers lastest book has many subtleties: what appears on the surface and lies beneath. Mr Golightly's Holiday challenges some of your beliefs particularly modern day Christian faith. The book is beautifully descriptive and intelligently written and might even welcome a second reading.A vicarious trip to southern England where life is centred around the pub is quaint compared to the north american style of living. People there are so busy with their own lives that they don't realize who Mr Golightly is and he doesn't want them to know either. That is another subtlety to be solved. I wanted to know many of the characters in more detail, particularly Ellen and could have used more pages and time. I am sure that a book club would have much more discussion on the history of the Moors which are fascinating and the people. Always felt there was a hint of Thomas Hardy's, Return of the Native in this book from a geographical position, a little mystery and mystique in those Moors. Readers will find that Mr Golightly isn't so light in its parameters and perspectives although he does step lightly.

Salley Vicker's, latest book is best read by knowning who Mr Golightly really is; otherwise, you might have to read the second time which isn't a bad idea. At first, I thought he might be a drifter, escaped convict from the prison or a person running away from something. For those, that really want to savor and enjoy this book to the fullest, I will give away the secret that Mr Golightly is definitely the author of original bible and universal creator come back to earth to see how humanity is doing in a moor village of Dartmoor in southern English, a typical English village where the pub is central to everything going on. The reader moves in too and meets all the characters of Great Calne and their vicissitudes of everyday events.Since I had to read to the last chapter to know who Mr Golightly was, I felt I missed the subtle humor of the characters especially the village lady vicar that saw her mission as reforming everyones sexual behaviour. The vicar was sure that Mr Golightly must have a problem as a single man and showing up in their village to rent a cottage. Now if the universal creator has a problem, then the vicar really needs to revise her job description as spiritual adviser.Do we need a new edition of the bible today or are the characters in the original still current in our 21 century? Problems still the same? Mr Golightly isn't pushy, but has a gentle, compassionate interest in everyone in this place. So get a good glass of your favorite beverage and sit back and enjoy this intelligent, descriptive, vicarious trip to Dartmoor. There is no rush to go anywhere as I haven't given everything away. The reader will be immersed in the mist and moors to decide if they agree with what happens at the end.