Miss Read Books in Order

Dora Jessie Saint MBE, known by her pen name Miss Read, is a celebrated English novelist and former schoolmistress. Born on 17 April 1913, her pseudonym is derived from her mother's maiden name. As a prolific writer, Miss Read has contributed to various journals since World War II and has worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC. Miss Read is renowned for her series of novels from 1955 to 1996, primarily set in the fictional English villages of Fairacre and Thrush Green. Her novels often feature 'Miss Read' as the main character, an unmarried schoolteacher who offers a wry and compassionate perspective on village life. Her work is characterized by gentle humour and subtle social commentary, as well as her keen observations of nature and the changing seasons. Miss Read's writing style is influenced by Jane Austen, and her work shares similarities with the social comedies of manners written in the early 20th century, particularly the work of Barbara Pym. Her influence can be seen in the writing of American author Jan Karon, while her work has also inspired musicians, including Enya, who has named tracks after her novels. In 1996, Miss Read retired, and in 1998, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature.