This year, PADERBORN2READ—The English Book Club celebrates the twelve days of Christmas with twelve curated reading recommendations for the festive season and cozy winter days.
The eighth day of Christmas, with eight maids a-milking—presumably somewhere in the country:
A Month in the Country by J. L. Carr
recommended by PADERBORN2READ member Eleonore
“People move away, grow older, die, and the bright belief that there will be another marvellous thing around each corner fades. It is now or never; we must snatch at happiness as it flies.”
A Month in the Country by J. L. Carr tells the story of Tom Birkin, a demobilized soldier who spends a summer in the quiet village of Oxgodby. Tasked with uncovering and restoring a medieval wall painting in the local church, Tom becomes increasingly connected to the villagers, forming friendships and gradually becoming part of their community. At the same time, he confronts the lingering trauma of his experiences in the First World War. As he reveals more of the wall painting, he not only uncovers the work of the unknown artist but also pieces together his story, mirroring his own journey of self-discovery.
This novella offers a brief yet deeply engaging reading experience, balancing simplicity with subtle depth. It masterfully captures the bittersweet act of looking back on the past, reflecting on both joyous and painful memories. While the overarching plot may seem uneventful, the quiet beauty of the story lies in its characters and the emotional resonance of its themes and the small mystery of the wall painting.
