No fairy tale but rich in diversity.
Ursula Bloom has a way of bringing us up close to her memories. She had a diverse and interesting life, with a womanising father, an ill mother and a first husband who drank. It is sad at times, but a rollicking good read. Her beloved rectory with its sprawl and lovely gardens was gone when she and her mother left after one misdemeanour too many by her father, and had a hard, penny-pinching life, but full of love for each other.
The first part of her life was obviously more memorable to her, so that towards the end of the book, Miss Bloom seemed to put her memories into a much briefer frame, which is curious, as these memories were nearer.
But it was so enjoyable all in all, so yes, I do recommend it.