In Five Windows, D. E. Stevenson uses the metaphor of windows to reflect her main character’s growth, or change in mental outlook.
David Kirke (his last name again misspelled on the back cover of my Furrowed Middlebrow edition) begins his story as a young boy during World War II, the son of a rector of a small Scottish village. He comes from a happy home and loves rambling the countryside with his friend Malcolm, a shepherd, or Freda, a girl from a nearby farm.
David grows up a bit naïve, even after he goes to live with his uncle Matt in Edinburgh so that he can attend a better school. His eyes are opened to a less salubrious life when he moves to a London boarding house while he works as a clerk in a law office. That’s when he begins to learn that people aren’t always trustworthy or likable.
Five Windows follows David from childhood until just before he is married. It is pleasant, light reading about a likeable hero.
I received this book from the publishers in exchange for a free and fair review.
It’s so sad to learn that people aren’t always trustworthy, oh well!
I really enjoyed this one, I love these gentle books, even though she was told off for being too “nice”. My review’s here https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2022/01/03/book-review-d-e-stevenson-five-windows/ I’m reading “Anna and Her Daughters” at the moment, which is also excellent.
Haven’t read that one yet.
I enjoyed this one a while ago, but in an old hardback edition.
https://piningforthewest.co.uk/2020/03/20/five-windows-by-d-e-stevenson/
Her books always sound quite appealing but not exactly earth-shattering – I must try her one day when I’m looking for something to relax with. Pity about the typo on the cover!
She’s very light, even more so than some other writers I’ve been reading who are similar.
It was adorable! My review will be on my blog soon!