I've read the Cazelet series and I'll say I think they improved over the series. Or, at least, I was more interested as they went on. The first one is heavy on the childrens' POV, and as they grow up their stories get more interesting.

But also love Helen Simonsen and A.S. Byatt. All good!

I just read the first one and it was ok. I prefer Helen Simonson although her books are not series. And for something a bit deeper some of A.S. Byatt's work like The Children's Book. This one is not about WWII but it has that quality of an endless summer before major change that I think the Cazelet books are attempting.

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious where they are trending! I read these about 10 years ago at the recommendation of an older British friend who read them when they came out and loved them. They are so good. I really enjoyed, but they don't strike me as very modern for readers today.

There is a Washington Post article on them trending. It didn't exactly explain why though.

I loved these so much. I read them two years ago, and I couldn't believe I hadn't heard of them before that.

Maria Semple recommended them on her insta recently. I read them during the pandemic and loved them. They are long, immersive, talky, family stories covering a long time period, before and after WWII. Lots of good food and clothing details.

I also love many of her other books, especially Something in Disguise. Her other books are mostly shorter and funnier, and less romantic, though without the grand sweep of cazalet.

I'm curious where they are trending! I read these about 10 years ago at the recommendation of an older British friend who read them when they came out and loved them. They are so good. I really enjoyed, but they don't strike me as very modern for readers today.

Yes! I loved them. They are a little bit soap opera-ish in the absolute best way.

Has anyone read these? Apparently they are trending and I have never heard of them. The first is The Light Years.