Small Bomb At Dimperley
England 1945, and Dimperley Manor in Buckinghamshire is recovering from the predations of war, having been used as a home for pregnant women whose husbands were deployed to the armed forces. The Vere-Thissett family, who have been fortunate enough to occupy the substantial pile for many centuries, are also struggling to adapt to the new reality of a postwar Labour Party government. Following the death of Felix, the first son and heir, in combat in Singapore, and the mental incapacity of the next son, Cedric, a burden falls to Valentine, just de-mobbed from his spell in the forces. Valentine is a thoroughly decent sort of chap, but not the type of man to tackle the challenges facing his financially ruined family estate. Solutions have to be found, and the dynamic and assertive role of a former prenatal occupant of the property and now secretary, Zena Baxter, proves to be essential to the valetudinarian family.
Lissa Evans captures perfectly the austere realties of postwar Britain – one where such families and their houses come under unprecedented financial strain. Servants can’t be found, and their centuries-old way of life seems to be on the point of ending ignominiously. She has a similar arch observation as Kate Atkinson, allied to the wit of P. G. Wodehouse, which makes for a compelling and thoroughly entertaining read. The characters are portrayed with forensic skill as well as a wonderful acute humour – Valentine’s stiff and formal mother Lady Vere-Thissett as well as his dilettante uncle Alaric are observed with a piercing and convincing wit. Very much recommended.