I don’t care if I’m out of order. Of course I am. I haven’t functioned properly for some time now. What I meant, very badly, is that I have read ‘out of order’. If that’s what I mean.
It’s the Cassons. Hilary McKay wasn’t sure if I could read Caddy’s World before the others, despite it being a prequel, or possibly because it is. I have read the first two Casson family books and I will not wait, while the rest of the world enthuses about how wonderful Caddy is.
Because she is and so is her very own story. How could Hilary go and write all those books and not give Caddy her own before now? Hmm?
The previously adult Caddy goes back to being a child, both as a new pupil in infants’ school and as a 12-year-old. By going back to her first school day I have learned about her old friends, and by fast-forwarding seven years I found out how those same best friends were getting on around the time Rose was born. Which was nice, as I’d only ever known Rose as a definitely existing child and not a tiny fledgling who might not survive.
If I were to describe – briefly – the plot of Caddy’s World it would sound like many other books. So I won’t, because it isn’t. The magic is not in the plot itself, it’s what Hilary and the Cassons make of it.
I grew quite fond of little Lost Property, Caddy’s umpteenth baby bird. I’ve seen the two grave diggers Indigo and Saffron in a new light, too. The fierce and strong Saffy was different when she was younger, and at six Indigo is a real delight, learning to cook because someone has to feed the family.
Daddy Casson continues hopeless and quite charming. I do wonder where all the money comes from. But it comes in handy.
Despite Lost Property kicking the bucket, I didn’t cry early on, but there is plenty to sniffle over towards the end. Mainly the happy kind of tears, this book being suitable for family viewing.
It’s simply wonderful, and now I too have read it and can hold my head up high. And happily baby Rose was only slightly muddy after Indigo showed her the garden. Their very own firework baby.
I have just started reading it and what a pleasure it is to be in the hands of someone who is just so….BRILLIANT at describing family life. Marvellous writer and this promises to be a marvellous book. I love the way we can read about Casson characters we’ve met before from a different perspective. Terrific. I can’t think why Hilary McK hasn’t won every prize going. I guess the Cassons are not HIGH CONCEPT!
Thank you, Bookwitch, and Adèle, you are both very kind. I don’t know where the money comes from either, BW.
Adèle, B has been engrossed those books you sent all week, but I did manage to get Happy Ever After out of her clutches at last. Absolutely lovely. What fun you had at school!
Please, any word as to when Caddy’s World will be in bookstores in the United States? Caddy is my favorite character, followed by Indigo.
I found nothing on a possible US edition, but if you look at amazon.com they sell the UK edition.
Caddy's World (Casson Family)
Yes, somehow Adèle’s school years sound exotic and exciting, don’t they? Some of us hated school, some of the time.
Well, the fun goings on in the book were invented! No one climbed up to the Tower Room by night when I was in it, I do assure you! But all the teachers and the lessons etc are true and yes, I did have enormous fun at school. I’m an only child and loved having lots of other girls around to talk to. And I have to say the teachers were FANTASTIC and I was most thoroughly educated!! But it was jolly cold a lot of the time and I HATED running around on a cliff top in long socks playing lacrosse. It nearly spoiled my entire youth and I was never so happy as when I gave all that kind of exercise up in the 6th form.
I forgot to say: THANK YOU, Hilary!