Merry-Garden and Other Stories

"Merry-Garden and Other Stories" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The collection features various tales, with "Merry-Garden" as the initial story, exploring themes of human emotion and nostalgia tied to a quaint, crumbling garden in Cornwall. The characters, including Aunt Barbree Furnace, her nephew Nandy, and the eccentric Dr. Clatworthy, navigate their lives and the complexities of relationships within this evocative setting. The opening of "Merry-Garden" introduces readers to an old, roofless building near the Lynher River, surrounded by cherry orchards that have seen better days. It reflects on the place's past charm, once bustling with visitors and laughter, now silent and neglected. Aunt Barbree, the last tenant with a shared history with the land, finds herself caring for her nephew Nandy after a tragic accident alters their lives. This backdrop sets the stage for exploring their relationship dynamic, as well as Nandy's self-centered antics that test Aunt Barbree's patience and affection, intertwining humor with a hint of melancholy. The story's rich descriptions and character interactions invite readers into a world where the past lingers amid the changing present. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.