Before Lunch by Angela Thirkell
Overview
Before Lunch is a novel by Angela Thirkell, first published in 1936. Set in the fictional Barsetshire county in England, this book follows the story of several characters and the dramas which unfold in the small village of Wootton. It is the third novel in the Barsetshire Chronicles, a twelve-book series in which Thirkell follows the lives of many families in the town.
The novel deals with matters of romantic love, family relationships, and social issues such as class. Thirkell uses a light-hearted and humorous tone to portray the lives of the characters, which makes the novel an enjoyable read.
Plot Summary
The main characters of this novel are the members of the Warrington family: the father, Thomas; the mother, Mary; their daughter, Pamela; and their son, Robert. Thomas Warrington is a successful businessman and an influential member of the town.
The novel follows the Warringtons and their interactions with the other characters of the town, including their neighbours, the Dacres, and their friends, the McLeods. They are often involved in the town’s dramas and gossip, which range from romantic entanglements to family quarrels.
The novel follows the Warringtons as they deal with the various issues that arise in the town, such as Pamela’s romantic interests, Robert’s rebelliousness, and Mary’s struggles with being a wife and mother. Through it all, the Warringtons learn to appreciate the importance of family and the value of friendship.
Themes
The main themes of Before Lunch are love, family, and friendship. Thirkell portrays the importance of family and how it can help people in difficult times. She also shows the value of friendship and how it can help people overcome their problems.
The novel also examines the class system in England at the time and how it affects the relationships between people. Thirkell shows how social class can divide people, but also how it can bring them together.
Interesting Facts
- Before Lunch is the third novel in the Barsetshire Chronicles, a series of twelve novels by Angela Thirkell.
- The novel is set in the fictional town of Wootton, which is based on the real-life English town of Chilham.
- The novel was adapted into a television series in 2004.
FAQs
What is the book Before Lunch about?
The book Before Lunch is a novel by Angela Thirkell. It follows the story of the Warrington family and the other characters in the fictional town of Wootton, as they deal with matters of romantic love, family relationships, and social issues such as class.
What is the Barsetshire Chronicles?
The Barsetshire Chronicles is a series of twelve novels by Angela Thirkell, set in the fictional Barsetshire county in England. The series follows the lives of many families in the town and is comprised of novels including High Rising, August Folly, and Before Lunch.
How many books are in the Barsetshire Chronicles?
There are twelve books in the Barsetshire Chronicles, all written by Angela Thirkell. The novels in this series include High Rising, August Folly, and Before Lunch, among others.
Where is the town of Wootton located?
The town of Wootton is a fictional town created by Angela Thirkell for her novel Before Lunch. It is based on the real-life English town of Chilham, located in the county of Kent.