Laughter On The Stairs (Beverley Nichols Trilogy Book 2)

This is the second volume in the Merry Hall trilogy, a set of books that focuses on Beverley Nichols' home life while he resides at Merry Hall, not his work life (which is presumably covered in his multi-volume autobiography). Where the first volume focused almost exclusively on the rehabilitation of the garden portion of his newly-purchased property, Laughter on the Stairs focuses on the re-doing of the house, interspersed with stories of local goings-on. With a deft hand Mr. Nichols describes the horrible but inevitable way in which home improvement projects tend to snowball into something much bigger and more expensive than one had intended. At the same time he takes great delight in un-doing the monstrosities that the previous owner has inflicted upon the house. Meanwhile, we are introduced to a couple of new "characters", specifically Marius' old governess Miss Mint, a very sweet and extremely timid woman who is welcomed into the local community; Erica Wyman, a famous gypsy novelist of dubious experience who is not; and Five, who arrives as a kitten and quickly settles into the Nichols' household. Among the amusing stories that the author recounts are one that involves the sale of Miss Mint's fake Tudor cottage with a dried-up well to the odious Ms. Wyman, and the flower show, which goes horribly awry in a most satisfying manner. Mr. Nichols is the sort of person that you'd want as a friend - he's a gentle soul who is enraptured by beauty in every form and can scarcely bear to harm a bug, but he also has a marvelously dry sense of humor and a delicious way of describing the personalities and interactions of those around him. As a reviewer, I despair of coming up with a sufficient list of adjectives for Mr. Nichols' writings, as I intend to search out and read them all. Although that intention itself is perhaps review enough.

Beverley Nichols is back with the second book of his Merry Hall trilogy, a lighthearted memoir by Mr. Nichols, who is a well bred Englishman who has found the Georgian home of his dreams, but must undo the tasteless "improvements" made by the former owner. Along the way, he deals with his staff, his neighbors and his cats in the delightful manner of the British. his white lies and foibles will make you think of P. G. Wodehouse. In this book, his focus is more on furnishing the manor, rather than correcting the landscaping. The characters we met in volume one return, along with a couple of new ones, Miss Mint, who is going through rough times and must sell a cottage she hasn't used in some time. The prospective buyer, a Miss Erica, is less endearing.

After reading about Beverley Nichols in a gardening blog I borrowed the first book from the library. Enjoyed it so much, that I bought the whole series. Very charming books, with many laugh out loud moments. I give this series of books to friends that anyone gardening, and love cats.

As an Anglophile, I'm enjoying the basic English life and the charming characters. Some may find it slow but Nichols is a wordsmith.

A charming book. I plan to get more from this author! If you like "Mapp and Lucia," you will love this -- much less acerbic, much more forgiving; and beautifully written.

Long ago I read 'Down the Garden Path' and when I saw this trilogy I naturally bought them. Not quite as attractive as the Garden Path but a relaxing, refreshing time dreaming of flowers and trees and shrubs -- As my old bones don't let me do too very much in the garden, these books give me such joy. And having recently rebuilt a house, I'm quite sympathetic!

I have read this book several times. I love the style of writing and the humor. Never gets old!

Love Beverly Nichols witty writing style!

This is the second book in the Merry Hall trilogy by Beverley Nichols, the first of which is the eponymous Merry Hall.I enjoyed this book much more than the first one, partly I think, because I had grown used to Beverley Nichols idiosyncratic way of writing, partly because I had grown to care for the characters he paints so vividly and it was a pleasure to be reintroduced to them. I think that Laughter on the Stairs is more amusing than the first book too. I particularly loved to read about his torture by decor thanks to the late Mr. Stebbings of Merry Hall, the stained glass window in particular springs to mind. Nichols has an ability to paint miniatures in words, snapshots of his life that are incredibly vivid and a joy to read. His voice reminds me more of a pre war era, with a little of the Mitford about him perhaps. It is perfect escapism.

I had long meant to purchase this book ( one of my favourite authors) and was thrilled to find it here . Great price and PERFECT condition ; really feels like a brand new book .Fast shipping too ! Many thanks …

This book contained more of, and more about, the characters from Merry Hall. I would like to see a kindle copy of Merry Hall at the same price as this. After Merry Hall's walk round the garden, I enjoyed the ramble round the house named in the first book in the series. I felt as if I was meeting old friends as I read Merry Hall some years ago. It was nice to meet them again. The book was entertaining and light-hearted, just the thing for this bleak long winter we are having. Spring seemed a little nearer after reading this book.

............. very good ............. very fast ........... Thanks

This book is an enjoyable light read taking me back to the days of austerity in the 1950s. I like is attention to detail and the delightful people he meeys while restoring his home.