Fresh from the country

by Miss Read, Miss Read, MIS · 1960

When bright‑eyed Anna Lacey trades her Essex farm for a cramped flat in a newly built London suburb, she discovers that teaching is far more chaotic—and rewarding—than she imagined. Her first year in a bustling primary school pits her idealistic methods against overcrowded classrooms, a miserly landlady, and a cast of eccentric colleagues. Through mischievous children, bewildering bureaucracy, and the occasional unexpected kindness, Anna learns to balance humor with practicality, turning each setback into a lesson in resilience. Fans of Miss Read’s beloved village tales will relish this warm, witty portrait of a young teacher finding her footing amid the delightful absurdities of school life.