Classic film's source novel.

I've seen both the fim and a theatrical adaptation, enjoying the gentle humour of both. The lifetime of friendship between a widow and the ghost inhabiting her house is a warm one, and very much set in its time.

Lucy Muir has two young children when her husband dies. They must find an affordable new house, and Gull Cottage, mostly because of the supposed haunting by a previous occupant, proves the perfect place for them. Lucy immediately discovers that the haunting is very real, Captain Gregg is a salty, worldly old ghost, who 'allows' her to stay in his house if she promises to leave it to retired sailors in her will.

This is just the start of a lifelong relationship, one that shows affection, care and annoyance, almost a marriage! Lucy watches her children grow up and leave her, sometimes less than appreciatively, and in need of money, it is Captain Gregg who offers her the solution.

Mrs Muir is very much a woman of her time, embarrassed at the thought of using a pawn shop, concerned with appearances. Her son Cyril exemplifies old-fashioned values, daughter Anna pushing for a more modern outlook as Lucy herself ages and wants only their happiness. The oldest of them all, Gregg, sees their lives and wishes in the clearest light of all, with the perspective of a much-travelled and experienced sailor, shocked by nothing.

The unspoken affection (similar in some ways to 'The Remains of the Day') is understated but evident, as Lucy (or 'Lucia' as Gregg calls her) ages, he remains constant.

I didn't question the paranormal element at all, I just enjoyed the nostalgic feeling of the 1940s setting and outlook.

This made a very congenial listen, with a female voice conveying the upper class but slightly naive Lucy at the same time as the salty sea dog Gregg without sounding false. Lucy's voice even aged and matured as she did.

Lovely period piece, even if I could only picture Rex Harrison as Captain Gregg.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

2 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Charming

A lovely book, easy to listen to. A good narrator, I would highly recommend this book

Loved it!

Loved the film but the book is even better. A great little story of its time.

SIMPLY FABULOUS

I adored the old style writing and it is a wonderful story. Thank you very much for this addition to my library

Lovely story.

Nice story, crying out for a tv adaptation. A little dated in parts but all the better for it

A gentle tale !

I rather surprised myself enjoying this gentle story of friendship. An interesting insight also into the social history of the period it was written in.

Loved it so.

A truly beautiful love story. Read with great feeling and understanding. Left me with a warm and gentle feeling.

awful narrator

I love this book, I've got a very tatty old copy of it, and I love the film so I jumped at the chance to listen to the audiobook version while doing the housework. But it is completely spoiled by the most awful, slow, drippy narration ever. I got halfway then had to give up. The narrator was doing a good job of making sure the captain wasn't the only ghost in this novel as she proceeded to kill the lot.

timeless classic

Great narrator. an old but good one! love the ending 🥰 Timeless Classic. Brilliant

Lovely book

I love this story. I have seen the film multiple times. A fab narrator really bought the characters to life. Well read and a pleasure you listen to